The ancient waters of the Gordon River run from the Central Highlands to the mouth of the Macquarie Harbor. The Gordon River Cruise departs from Strahan and offers floor-to-ceiling window views of the ancient rainforests with seating on either morning or afternoon departures. Seating is available on the main deck or the premier upper deck with leather seating and a private viewing deck. Guests may enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local Tasmanian produce with unlimited coffee and tea throughout the cruise. Guided shore excursions are available to Sarah Island, which was once a convict settlement.
World Heritage Cruises presents the "Eagle," which claims to be the most advanced vessel to cruise the Gordon River. Seating is allocated for 222 passengers, and all passengers are free to wander the three levels of the vessel. The Eagle departs from Strahan daily to visit some of the oldest convict ruins in Australia on Sarah Island. Guests may experience "Hells Gate," the narrow passage to Macquarie Harbor, which was named by the convicts who passed through to Sarah Island. High-tech aquaculture farms are visited to view Tasmania's famous farmed Atlantic salmon and ocean trout. Guests may also visit Tasmania's world heritage South West Wilderness National Park. Morning, afternoon and evening cruises are available with an onboard buffet meal served during the evening cruise. Beverages and snacks are available to purchase throughout the cruise.
The "Stormbreaker" is a 65-foot yacht that departs from the Strahan Wharf at 2 p.m. to cruise Macquarie Harbor. Afternoon tea is served prior to the arrival at the former penal settlement of Sarah Island. Tours are provided on shore to explore the convict ruins and hear tales of survival. Guests enjoy an overnight destination to the World Heritage area, where they may unwind with dinner and star gazing. Kayaking is available for early risers prior to a full breakfast served downstream.
For those with time restrictions and special interests, Strahan Marine Charters will design a sightseeing charter to meet guests' needs. Bird watching for orange-bellied parrots is an attraction, as well as sightseeing at Macquarie Harbor fish farm. Most cruises take approximately three to four hours to complete, with cruises departing from Strahan and traveling through Hells Gate with a stop at Sarah Island for exploration of Tasmania's rich convict history. The final stop is at the ruined township of Pillinger.
