Within Macquarie Harbor lies the small town of Strahan (pronounced "straw-n"). The former port now serves as the Gordon River tourism center. The common route for a Gordon River cruise takes you out into the Southern Ocean for a harrowing re-entry into the harbor through "Hell's Gates," the narrow opening on the harbor's cliff side. The name was coined by convicts on their way to Sarah Island, a harsh prison settlement. You can tour the ruins and hear the chilling history at the end of your river cruise. Enter the rainforest upstream and disembark at the journey's highlight, Heritage Landing. Here, take a wilderness tour to experience the beautiful undisturbed rainforest.
The highlight of a Gordon River cruise is traveling through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Wilderness World Heritage Area. An international environmental campaign in the 1980s halted the installation of a hydro-electric dam that would have flooded the wilderness area. After this campaign, the area was protected from development and remains one of the few pristine rainforest travel locations. Plenty of outdoor activities allow you to enjoy the wild beauty of the area, from river cruises and scenic plane rides to whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Like Australia, Tasmania is home to many species unique to the island. In fact; over 60 percent of the alpine plants are endemic. On your list of things to see, include the Huon pine trees, some of which are between 1,000 and 2,000 years old. One stand of male Huon pines has maintained itself through reproduction for over 10,000 years. Eucalyptus regnans in the Styx Valley stand over 300 feet tall, and are growing toward a record height in the country. Tasmania also has 12 endemic bird species, as well as three endemic species of frogs. The famous Tasmanian devil also resides here, although in diminishing numbers. Perhaps on the wilderness tour, you may catch a glimpse of the Tasmanian tiger, a marsupial that is considered extinct on the island. Sightings have been reported, but none confirmed.
Strahan and the surrounding areas have a mild oceanic climate. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, but is heavier in the winter months. The temperature generally stays between 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. It's important to keep in mind that the seasons are opposite those in the United States, with May through September being the coolest months of the year.
