Gordon River Cruise Tour

The Gordon River cruise is a full day out on Tasmania’s west coast, not a quick boat ride. From Strahan, Spirit of the Wild crosses Macquarie Harbour, slips through Hells Gates and enters a rainforest-lined river where the boat’s electric motors help keep the water quiet. The trip pairs big, open-water views with two stops on shore, including a visit to Sarah Island’s former penal colony.

I like the contrast between the tranquil river passage and the darker human story at Sarah Island. I also like that the schedule builds in time to walk beneath ancient Huon pines at Heritage Landing, rather than keeping you on deck all day. One thing to weigh: the cruise takes most of the day, and the buffet draws mixed marks, especially for its range and quantity on the Main Deck.

The day at a glance

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• Strahan is the departure point. Check in at 8:00am at 24 Esplanade for an 8:30am departure. The boat returns to the same wharf at about 3:00pm.
• Hells Gates comes early. Roughly 30 minutes after leaving Strahan, you reach the narrow harbor entrance where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean.
• The quiet motors suit the river. Spirit of the Wild uses a hybrid propulsion system, including electric motors for the Gordon River section.
• Two shore stops break up the cruise. Heritage Landing offers a 30-minute rainforest boardwalk walk; Sarah Island has a guided historical presentation.
• Lunch is included, but deck choice matters. Main Deck passengers have a cash bar. Premier Upper Deck includes an open bar, and its food and drink have drawn more favorable comments.
• Check the details before booking. The supplied summary says 30 minutes, but the detailed schedule runs from 8:30am to about 3:00pm. This is a full-day cruise from Strahan, not a Hobart departure.

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First, get the location and timing straight

There is a confusing mismatch in the tour details: Hobart appears as the location, while the meeting point and full itinerary are clearly in Strahan, at 24 Esplanade. Plan around a Strahan departure. Do not assume you can board in Hobart.

The stated check-in time is 8:00am, with the boat leaving at 8:30am and returning at about 3:00pm. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure, and allow time for the check-in process. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

The 30-minute duration in the short summary does not fit the schedule or the stops described. It may refer to the time before reaching Hells Gates, or to the Heritage Landing visit, which is listed as 30 minutes. Treat this as a roughly six-and-a-half-hour day on the water, plus the walks and guided stop.

Crossing Macquarie Harbour to Hells Gates

The boat leaves Strahan and heads across Macquarie Harbour toward Hells Gates, the narrow opening between the harbour and the Southern Ocean. Convicts gave it the name Gates to Hell, a grim label for a place that was difficult to pass through. The channel is the first big change in scenery and mood: open water gives way to the river journey ahead.

Hells Gates arrives about 30 minutes after departure. It is a guided part of the cruise, so keep an ear out for the explanation as the boat passes the entrance. The experience depends in part on the day’s weather and conditions. Wind can disturb the water and reflections, so a mirror-smooth surface is never guaranteed.

The crossing also helps you understand the scale of the trip. Macquarie Harbour is a broad stretch of water, and the boat takes you from the coast-facing entrance toward the lower Gordon River. Keep a jacket handy and dress for the forecast; the advice is to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and wear casual clothes with walking shoes.

Entering the Gordon River quietly

The river is the heart of the cruise. Once Spirit of the Wild enters the Gordon, its electric motors carry the boat into the forested reaches with less engine noise. That quieter passage is a practical feature, not just a technical novelty: it makes the river feel more peaceful and helps you pay attention to the water, trees and reflections.

The boat passes trout and salmon farms on the way, then continues beside the waterfront rainforest of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The scenery is the main event here, and the river’s changing light can make this a rewarding stretch for photography. Keep your camera ready, but take time to look up from the screen. The best moments may be the ones that do not fit neatly into a frame.

The cruise offers first access to the Gordon River, intended to give you the best possible chance of seeing the famous reflections. That is a useful advantage, but not a promise: the surface changes with wind and weather. If reflections are high on your wish list, keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the forest and river even if the water is rippled.

Spirit of the Wild is described as a spacious catamaran, and the cruise is built around a steady, quiet ride rather than speed or thrills. If you prefer constant activity, this stretch may feel slow. If you like watching a place unfold at water level, the slower pace is part of the point.

Walking under the Huon pines at Heritage Landing

Heritage Landing gives you about 30 minutes ashore to walk along a boardwalk through temperate rainforest. Ancient Huon pines are the highlight, alongside other rainforest species. This is a short but welcome change of pace after time on the boat, and it lets you see the forest close up rather than as a green wall across the river.

The boardwalk makes the stop more accessible than a rough bush track, and the activity is listed as wheelchair-accessible. Still, if you have specific access needs, check the arrangements with the operator before booking, since the information does not spell out the details of boarding or every part of the walk.

Use the stop to slow down and notice the trees. Thirty minutes is enough for a stroll, not a long hike, so do not expect an extended forest walk. The shore visit is also a good reason to wear proper walking shoes, even though the route is a boardwalk.

Lunch on board: set your expectations

A chef-prepared buffet lunch is included, with Tasmanian salmon from the farms passed earlier in the day. That local connection gives the meal a sense of place, and lunch is a useful part of a long cruise rather than an optional extra you need to arrange yourself.

Food is the part of the day where expectations matter most. Some people find the lunch very good, while others consider the buffet limited in choice or quantity. One account of the Main Deck meal describes it as mostly cold cuts, including smoked salmon. On the Premier Upper Deck, cheese and wine receive more praise, but that is a higher-priced option and not the same package.

If food is a major reason you are considering the cruise, choose your deck with care and do not assume every fare includes the same drinks. The Premier Upper Deck includes an open bar; the Main Deck has a cash bar. The Main Deck also sells breakfast, hot drinks and snacks, though these are not included in the stated tour inclusions.

Sarah Island and its convict past

Sarah Island is the day’s strongest history stop. You step ashore for an interpretive tour led by guides from the Round Earth Company, who explain the island’s role as a former penal colony. The account focuses on the harsh convict history of a small island within the World Heritage area.

This visit gives the scenery a human dimension. After hours of river, forest and water, the story of the people held here changes how you read the place. The tour is not just a photo stop, but it does ask you to listen and follow the guide’s presentation. If you prefer free time to wander at your own pace, this structured stop may feel less appealing.

The itinerary does not state exactly how long the Sarah Island visit lasts. Leave room in your expectations for a proper guided visit rather than a quick walk off the boat. The day’s timing can also change with traffic and weather conditions.

Choosing a deck and judging the price

Prices vary by seating package. The listed options start at US$116.05 for Main Deck Central, with Main Deck Window from US$140.65 and Premier Upper Deck from US$249.69. A separate headline price is listed from $133.45, so check the currency and the selected package when comparing the final amount.

Main Deck Central is the lowest-priced option and includes the core cruise, guided stops and buffet lunch. Main Deck Window costs more, but the supplied details do not specify additional inclusions beyond the window seating. Premier Upper Deck is a substantial jump in price, but it includes an open bar, and some passengers particularly value its food and drinks.

The trip’s value rests on how much you want to see and do in one day. The fare covers a long cruise, the hybrid-powered river passage, lunch, admission to the stops and two guided shore visits. You are paying for access to a remote stretch of western Tasmania as much as for the boat ride itself. If you are already in Strahan and want both the river and the island history, the price may feel easier to justify. If you mainly want a short scenic cruise, this is more day and cost than you need.

The overall rating is 4.5 out of 5 from eight reviews, with scenic views, commentary and the well-planned day drawing strong praise. The most consistent trade-off is the meal: opinions range from very good to disappointing, so treat lunch as a convenient included buffet, not the main reason to book.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would consider this trip if you want a full-day look at Tasmania’s west coast, enjoy calm scenery and are interested in the region’s convict past. It also suits photographers, especially on a clear, still day, though the reflections depend on conditions. The two shore visits add useful variety for anyone who would rather not remain aboard for the entire outing.

Families can bring children, including infants, but children aged 0 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged 0 to 2 are free, though they still need to be included in the passenger headcount. The trip includes a walk and a guided historical visit, so think about whether your child will be comfortable with a long day and those activities.

The tour is wheelchair-accessible according to the supplied details. It is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or other serious medical conditions. The operator also asks passengers not to feed marine animals, walk on corals or do anything that could harm the marine ecosystem.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you are staying in or near Strahan and want a full day that combines quiet river scenery, rainforest and convict history. The hybrid-powered passage and the shore stops give the trip more substance than a simple out-and-back boat ride. For the best chance of seeing reflections, hope for calm weather, but do not make that the only measure of a successful day.

Think twice if you are looking for a short outing, dislike guided historical visits or expect a standout buffet. Check the departure location carefully, choose your deck based on the drinks and seating package, and remember that the journey begins in Strahan, not Hobart.

FAQ

Where does the Gordon River cruise depart?

It departs from the main wharf at 24 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania. The supplied details list Hobart as the location in one place, but the meeting point and cruise schedule are in Strahan.

What time should I arrive?

Check in at 8:00am for an 8:30am departure. Arrive at least 10 minutes before departure; latecomers and no-shows cannot receive a refund.

How long is the cruise?

The detailed schedule runs from an 8:30am departure to a return at about 3:00pm. Although a short summary says 30 minutes, the full schedule describes a full-day cruise.

What stops are included?

The cruise passes Hells Gates, enters the Gordon River, stops for a 30-minute walk at Heritage Landing and visits Sarah Island for a guided historical tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A chef-prepared buffet lunch is included, featuring Tasmanian salmon. The Main Deck has a cash bar, while the Premier Upper Deck includes an open bar.

What are the deck options?

The listed packages are Main Deck Central, Main Deck Window and Premier Upper Deck. Their starting prices are US$116.05, US$140.65 and US$249.69 respectively.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children aged 0 to 2 are free but must be included in the passenger headcount. Children aged 0 to 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult; those aged 17 or older pay the adult rate.

Is the cruise wheelchair-accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair-accessible. The supplied details do not describe specific boarding arrangements, so contact the operator if you need information about a particular access requirement.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, cash and valid identification. Wear casual clothing and walking shoes, and dress for the day’s weather.

Can the schedule change?

Yes. The schedule may change depending on traffic and weather conditions.