Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

The magic begins when Spirit of the Wild switches to electric motors on the Gordon River. The catamaran glides through still water with very little engine noise, leaving you with rainforest, reflections, and guide commentary instead of a constant mechanical rumble. You also pass through Hells Gates, the narrow entrance where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean.

I like the quiet cruising and the chance to step ashore at Sarah Island, where a lively presentation brings Tasmania’s convict past into focus. The chef-prepared buffet lunch is another strong point, with vegetarian choices and an orderly service that keeps a large group moving. The main caution is weather: cold, wind, and rain can limit outside viewing, and poor conditions may make it hard to see clearly through the windows.

Key points

• Electric-powered Gordon River cruising: Spirit of the Wild uses a hybrid system for quiet travel through the protected wilderness.
• Hells Gates crossing: See the narrow opening between Macquarie Harbour and the Southern Ocean.
• Sarah Island walk: Step ashore at a former convict settlement and hear about its shipbuilding past.
• Three main-deck seating levels: Choose your position when booking, or pay more for the Premier Upper Deck.
• Morning buffet included: Lunch is served onboard, with drinks included only in the Premier package.
• Six-hour schedule: The 8:00 am departure from Strahan returns to the same terminal.

Why the Gordon River feels different from a standard boat trip

The Gordon River is not simply a scenic stretch of water viewed from a moving platform. The quiet is part of the experience. Spirit of the Wild has a hybrid propulsion system, and the electric motors allow the boat to move with far less noise in the upper reaches of the river.

That change matters. You can hear the commentary more clearly, watch the water without engine vibration, and pay attention to small details along the shore. The boat has floor-to-ceiling windows, plenty of deck space, and a 360-degree viewing deck above the main cabin. I would use the indoor windows for steady viewing, then head outside when the weather allows.

The catamaran carries up to 190 people, so this is a proper group excursion rather than a small private outing. Still, allocated seats make boarding less frantic. You do not need to sprint for a window place, and each seating category gives you a planned base for the day.

The cruise is priced at $111.17 per person at the time of writing. That is a fair value for roughly six hours, considering the boat ride, guided stops, lunch, and onboard staff. The better question is not just how much the ticket costs, but how much time you want to spend arranging separate access to the harbour, river, and Sarah Island. Here, the whole day is organized for you.

Leaving Strahan and crossing Macquarie Harbour

Meet at 24 Esplanade in Strahan for the 8:00 am departure. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the terminal. The trip ends back at this same meeting point.

The opening stretch takes you across Macquarie Harbour. This broad body of water gives you a sense of the scale of western Tasmania before the cruise narrows into the river. You may see trout and salmon farms along the route, along with waterfront rainforest and long stretches of undeveloped shore.

The first major sight is Hells Gates. The name sounds theatrical, and the setting explains it. The passage is only about 240 feet, or 80 metres, wide, marking the point where the Southern Ocean meets Macquarie Harbour. Early sailors found this entrance difficult and intimidating, especially in rough conditions.

Your boat does not merely rush past the opening. Commentary explains why the entrance mattered and how the harbour connects to the sea. It is a useful early lesson in the forces that shaped Strahan’s history, from shipping to penal settlements and timber activity.

Quiet cruising on the Gordon River

The Gordon River section lasts about three hours, and this is the heart of the day. Once the boat reaches the quieter water, the crew can use the electric motors. The change is subtle but effective. The boat continues moving, yet the noise drops enough for the river itself to become the main subject.

You can watch reflections in the water, follow the tree line, and listen to the dedicated guides. Interpretive displays inside add maps, photographs, and guidebooks, which help put the route into context. If you prefer open air, the deck gives you a better sense of the cool, damp conditions of western Tasmania.

Bring a warm jacket even if Strahan feels mild when you leave. The upper deck and outside viewing areas can be cold and windy, and one of the practical lessons from this trip is that outdoor viewing is weather dependent. You can still see through the large windows when the weather turns, but rain and mist may obscure the glass. In poor conditions, the very feature that makes the boat comfortable can also reduce visibility.

The mirror-like reflections are a major reason to hope for calm weather. On a dull day, the cruise can remain interesting because of the commentary and the quiet movement, but the visual reward is less reliable. If scenery is your main reason for booking, check the forecast and keep your expectations flexible.

Sarah Island and Tasmania’s convict past

Sarah Island is the most substantial stop because you leave the boat and walk through a former penal settlement. The island was used as a convict colony in the 1820s and 1830s, when it had a reputation as one of Tasmania’s harshest places of punishment.

The guided presentation gives the stop more shape than a simple walk among ruins. You hear about daily life, discipline, isolation, and the island’s role as an Australian shipyard. Convicts built boats here, an unexpected detail that helps explain why this remote place mattered to colonial authorities.

A guide named Dave has been singled out for an entertaining and effective Sarah Island presentation. The format is theatrical, so expect storytelling rather than a dry list of dates. That approach works well after the quiet river ride because it gives the day a human focus.

The walk is about an hour. Wear practical shoes and take a warm layer, since the weather can shift quickly. Sarah Island is not a polished museum complex. Its appeal comes from the setting, the surviving traces of the settlement, and the guide’s ability to connect those pieces into a clear story.

I like the balance between natural scenery and difficult history. The Gordon River shows you why the area deserves protection, while Sarah Island shows the human cost of using remote places for punishment and industry. You get more from the visit if you listen closely rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

Lunch, seating, and what you actually get onboard

The morning departure includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch. Vegetarian choices are available, and the meal is served in a way that handles the group efficiently. You can expect a useful break from sightseeing rather than a rushed snack.

Drinks are different depending on your seating choice. The Premier Upper Deck includes drinks, while the Main Deck has a cash bar. If you choose a main-deck category, plan to pay separately for anything beyond the included food and bring the payment method you need.

The boat offers three seating levels on the Main Deck, plus the Premier Upper Deck. The best choice depends on how much time you expect to spend indoors and how much value you place on added service. The Premier option can become much more expensive than the standard ticket, but it includes drinks and access to the more premium seating area.

The Main Deck is the sensible choice for many people. Seats are allocated, views are available through the tall windows, and you can still go outside for fresh air. One detailed account of a quieter sailing found the middle Main Deck comfortable, especially because the boat was not full. On a busier departure, the extra space and position of the Premier area may matter more.

You should not assume that paying more guarantees perfect weather or uninterrupted views. A premium seat cannot remove fog from the windows or wind from the deck. If you value food, drinks, and a more comfortable base between outdoor visits, it can be worthwhile. If you mainly want the river and Sarah Island, the regular categories offer stronger value.

The boat, commentary, and daily rhythm

Spirit of the Wild is designed for the Gordon River rather than adapted from a generic sightseeing boat. Its environmentally designed hull aims to reduce impact, and the vessel has enough deck space for passengers to spread out during viewing periods.

Inside, the windows make the cruise accessible in cold or wet conditions. The boat also has restrooms, which is important during a six-hour outing. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, although the information provided does not describe specific mobility arrangements for the Sarah Island walk.

The staff handle several roles during the day: boarding, food service, safety, commentary, and guiding. The strongest part of the experience is the steady flow of information without making the trip feel like a classroom. The crew are often praised for being friendly and organized, and that matters on a long excursion with many passengers.

A short return stop at the Gordon River Cruises terminal adds a pleasant finish. You can sample local produce, browse souvenirs and gifts, and then continue exploring the Strahan waterfront on your own. The tasting stop is free and lasts about 15 minutes, so treat it as a small extra rather than a major part of the tour.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend this cruise to anyone staying in Strahan who wants to see the Gordon River without organizing several separate activities. It suits couples, families, older visitors, and first-time visitors to western Tasmania because the boat, meals, commentary, and shore visit are bundled together.

It also works well for people who want both scenery and history. The river provides the calm, reflective part of the day, while Sarah Island adds a guided walk and a difficult but important story. The combination is more satisfying than a scenic ride alone.

Families should find the format manageable, though the total day is long. Children may enjoy the boat and theatrical Sarah Island presentation, while younger passengers may need patience during the commentary and meal service.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is outdoor photography in any weather. The boat has excellent viewing features, but rain, cold, and dirty or wet windows can reduce what you see. The cruise requires good weather, and if conditions force cancellation, the operator offers another date or a full refund.

Book at least three full days before departure if you want the standard cancellation protection. Cancellation inside that period is not refundable, and changes are not accepted. The departure requires a minimum number of passengers as well, so a cancellation for that reason brings the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Is the $111.17 ticket good value?

For six hours, the price is competitive. You are paying for a substantial boat journey, a guided Sarah Island visit, lunch, commentary, restroom access, and the return to Strahan. You also avoid having to coordinate separate transport and admission arrangements.

The value is strongest when the weather is calm enough to reveal the river’s reflections and the outside decks are comfortable. On a wet, windy day, you still receive the history, food, and indoor facilities, but the scenery may not have the same impact.

The Premier Upper Deck is a separate value decision. It may suit you if drinks, upgraded seating, and a more polished service matter. For a straightforward day on the river, a Main Deck category should be enough.

Should you book the Gordon River Cruise?

Yes, if you have one day in Strahan and want the clearest introduction to Macquarie Harbour, the Gordon River, and Sarah Island. The electric cruising, capable staff, good buffet, and strong historical presentation make this more than a ride with a view.

Choose a Main Deck seat if you want to keep costs down. Consider the Premier Upper Deck if you plan to spend much of the day onboard and value included drinks and extra comfort. Pack a warm jacket, allow for changing weather, and remember that the finest river views depend on conditions.

If the forecast is poor, do not expect the windows to solve every problem. If the weather cooperates, this is one of the most efficient and memorable ways to experience western Tasmania’s protected wilderness and its convict-era past.

FAQ

Where does the Gordon River Cruise depart?

The cruise departs from 24 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania 7468.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled departure time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The complete experience lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The morning cruise includes a chef-prepared buffet lunch, with vegetarian options available.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included when you travel on the Premier Upper Deck. Main Deck passengers can purchase drinks from the cash bar.

What boat operates the cruise?

The cruise operates aboard Spirit of the Wild, a catamaran with a hybrid propulsion system and electric motors for quiet cruising on the Gordon River.

Does the cruise visit Sarah Island?

Yes. You go ashore at Sarah Island for approximately one hour and take part in a guided presentation about its convict settlement and shipbuilding past.

Can I go outside during the cruise?

Yes. The boat has deck space, including a 360-degree viewing deck at the top. Bring a warm jacket because the outside areas can be cold and windy.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point in Strahan yourself.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The cruise also requires a minimum number of passengers, and the same options apply if that minimum is not met.