Top things to do in Strahan

Things to do in Strahan revolve around Macquarie Harbour, the river that runs into it and the rainforest behind the town on Tasmania's west coast. Experience Oz books Gordon River cruises from Strahan, and the sections below cover what fits around one: the beach, the dunes, the short walks and the heritage railway.

River cruises from the Strahan Esplanade

Cruises leave from the Esplanade and cross Macquarie Harbour, Australia's second-largest natural harbour, then pass through Hells Gates, where the harbour meets the Southern Ocean. From there the boat turns up the Gordon River into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, with a walk at Heritage Landing and a guided visit to Sarah Island, the former penal colony.

A day cruise is a 6-hour trip. Morning departures leave at 8.30am or 9am depending on the operator and return mid-afternoon, with lunch on board. A morning cruise with a chef-prepared buffet lunch on the electric-powered Spirit of the Wild is a popular choice, while World Heritage Cruises' morning cruise serves individual Tasmanian lunches on trays so nobody queues. The evening dinner cruise checks in at 3.30pm for a 3.45pm departure, adds a buffet dinner and a sunset at Hells Gates, and is timed for the longer summer days.

Ocean Beach, the Henty Dunes and Hogarth Falls

Ocean Beach is Tasmania's longest beach and a good place to watch the Southern Ocean roll in. The Henty Dunes sit about 14 km north of Strahan, with sand rising up to 30 m, and a 90-minute return walk links the dunes' picnic area with the beach.

Hogarth Falls is a rainforest walk through Peoples Park and one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. Platypus sightings are possible along the way.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway and the rainforest

The heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway leaves from Regatta Point Station and runs into the rainforest. A cruise takes up most of a day, so the railway slots in on a second day, and a night in town makes that easy.

Strahan with kids

Toboggans hired in town turn the Henty Dunes into a slide, Hogarth Falls is a short walk under the rainforest canopy, and Gordon River cruise operators sell child and infant tickets with their own age bands. On the water, the walks at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island break up the time on board.

Getting to Strahan and how long to stay

Strahan is about 300 km from Hobart, a 4.5-hour drive, and a 3-hour drive (226 km) from Devonport. Add a 6-hour cruise with an 8.30am or 9am start and most itineraries work best with at least one night in town.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Strahan?

A Gordon River cruise through Hells Gates to Heritage Landing and Sarah Island is the main attraction in Strahan. Ocean Beach, the Henty Dunes, the Hogarth Falls rainforest walk and the West Coast Wilderness Railway fill out the rest of a stay.

How long is a Gordon River cruise from Strahan?

A Gordon River day cruise from Strahan is a 6-hour trip, leaving at 8.30am or 9am depending on the operator and returning between 2.30pm and 3pm. The evening dinner cruise is also a 6-hour trip and leaves at 3.45pm.

What is there to do in Strahan with kids?

Families in Strahan can toboggan down the Henty Dunes, walk to Hogarth Falls and take a Gordon River cruise with child tickets. Toboggans are hired in town, and each cruise operator sets its own age bands for child and infant tickets.

What is there to do in Strahan in winter?

Strahan's beach, dunes and rainforest walks are outdoors, so rain gear matters, and layers are recommended on the water because the weather is variable. World Heritage Cruises does not run its morning cruise between 15 July and 15 August each year for annual maintenance, so check your dates against that window.

How far is Strahan from Hobart?

Strahan is about 300 km from Hobart, a 4.5-hour drive. From Devonport it is 226 km, a 3-hour drive.

Where do Gordon River cruises leave from in Strahan?

Gordon River cruises leave from the Esplanade in Strahan. Gordon River Cruises boards at its terminal at 24 Esplanade and World Heritage Cruises at 18 Esplanade, so check which operator is on your booking.

A day on the water anchors a stay, and the beach, dunes and railway fill the days around it. Browse Strahan cruises to choose between a lunch sailing and a dinner sailing.