This post includes information about the top attractions in Strahan, including day trips, accommodations, and dining options in the local area.
During our trip around Tasmania, we stopped in Strahan and developed a growing fondness for its disconnected lifestyle and kind residents.
Strahan offers a variety of experiences, from boat-trips through the temperate rainforests of the Franklin-Gordon National Park to exceptional plays.
The railway on the West Coast
The West Coast Wilderness Railway offers families various options to enjoy steam and diesel trains. However, we chose the River and Rainforest Tour, which departs from Strahan and travels along the King River to Dubbil Barril, where you can take a walk in the rainforest.
Gordon River Cruise
The main reason for wanting to come to Tasmania was to take a Gordon River Cruise. It satisfied my interest in UNESCO.
I had a unique experience on my cruise with Gordon River Cruises. The cruise cost me $199 for a window seat on the main deck. The boat was electric and quiet as it traveled down the Gordon River, surrounded by green trees covered in mist. It felt like an adventurous journey through the Amazon or Africa, similar to something that could be depicted in a film by Disney.
The cruise offered a journey to the Hell Gates at the entrance of Macquarie Harbour, a walk along the rainforest boardwalks at Heritage Landing, and a guided tour of Sarah Island, the former penal settlement for convicts.
Platypus Walk
The Platypus Walk is a trail that runs next to the Manuka Creek within the BIG4 campsite in Strahan.
It is a calm walk that takes ten to twenty minutes, with various viewpoints overlooking the dark waters, suitable for a platypus.
During my walk, I was able to see a rare Azure Kingfisher, which is supported by the Strahan community’s efforts to create suitable habitats. The bird seemed content as it flew around the trees, not paying much attention to me.
Henty Dunes & Sandboarding
The Henty Dunes are located approximately 15 minutes from Strahan on the route to Zeehan. They could be considered as a nice place to visit, but not necessarily a must-visit, especially if you have already been to Little Sahara on Kangaroo Island the previous year and found it to be more easily accessible.
The sand dunes were large and tall, reaching heights of over 30 meters. It is a bit of a climb from the car park to reach the top. We didn’t explore much of the dunes, but I’ve heard they look impressive against the ocean.
Visitors to the Henty Dunes can rent sandboards from the Strahan Village, as they are not available at the dunes, and enjoy sledding down the steep slopes.
Based on the photo, the climb was challenging and it took me around a week to remove all the sand from my boots afterwards. These formations are truly remarkable if you haven’t seen anything like them before, although it felt like we hurried through them a bit on our way to Cradle Mountain. Perhaps we should have allotted more time to appreciate them fully.
The Ship That Never Was
A play is advertised by a local amateur dramatics society in this rural town.
After hearing numerous positive reviews and advertisements, we purchased tickets and were pleasantly surprised with the experience.
The highly entertaining production showcased a blend of humour, interactivity, intelligence and technical skill. Despite lacking a large budget and pretentiousness, it still impacted a big theatre production.
The sentence broadly describes the story of The Frederick, the last ship constructed by prisoners on Sarah Island in Macquarie Bay. The prisoners use that for their escape.
However, the story was not significant.
The actors’ gradual construction of the ship throughout the story, turning it from a collection of parts into a fully functional (albeit on land) wooden boat by the end, was quite clever.
The interaction between the cast and audience members made the experience memorable. The cast, although small in numbers, effectively involved the audience in a non-cringy and cheeky manner, bringing out the best in everyone involved.
In the climax of the event, several volunteers are selected to participate in a simulated storm. Equipped with spray bottles, a massive water fight ensues, drawing even the most reserved of tourists into the battle.
The Ship That Never Was is considered the longest-running play in Australia. For booking details, you can visit the Round Earth Company website or go to the tourist information centre in Strahan.
The Hogarth Falls & Forest Walk is a popular destination
The Hogarth Falls walk reminds us of our last day in Strahan.
The walk is approximately 1.5 kilometres through the woods, with a slight incline near the waterfall.
The place is called Hogarth, named after the British artist William Hogarth. He loved this place because it is a pure slice of Tassie rainforest beauty. It feels like being in the middle of nowhere, even though it’s just outside town. We arrived early in the morning, with the sun shining through the canopy and birds chirping around us.
Hogarth Falls is a decent waterfall in Tasmania, although it may not be the best. However, the focus is not solely on the destination but also on the journey.
If you visit Strahan, be sure to take the Hogarth Falls walk, as it is an excellent experience.
Macquarie Heads
Macquarie Heads is a beach resembling Caribbean beaches, with the exception of the cold water.
The distance from Strahan to the campground is approximately a 20-minute drive.
The Gordon River cruise is highly recommended, especially if you haven’t had the opportunity to see the narrow entrance to Macquarie Harbour and the lighthouse on Bonnet Island from the shore.
Nelson Falls
I recommend stopping at Nelson Falls on the way from Hobart; otherwise, it would be a long and windy 70km drive back from Strahan.
Our first experience of the Tasmanian rainforest was notable, with boardwalks leading through the dense foliage and ending at a charming waterfall.
Kayaking and boat trips
Due to its proximity to Macquarie Bay, it is unsurprising that there are several opportunities to engage in water activities.
Kayak Tours provide an opportunity to witness the impressive rock formations up close, including the Gates of Hell. Companies such as Roaring 40s Kayaking offer thrilling experiences through the Bay and up the Gordon River.
West Coast Yacht Charters offers the opportunity to charter a yacht for a 24-hour adventure up the Gordon River, allowing passengers to travel further into the rainforest than the larger boats that conduct Gordon River cruises.
The penguin colony on Bonnet Island
Bonnet Island is a small rock formation located at the entrance of Macquarie Harbour. It is primarily known for its timber-clad lighthouse that aids ships in navigating the 120-meter gap into Macquarie Harbour.
However, Madrid is also home to a colony of Little Penguins, which are the smallest species of penguins found in Australia and New Zealand. Though some populations can be found along the Victorian coast at Philip Island, St Kilda, and Port Fairy, most of their breeding grounds are in Tasmania.
A sunset tour to Bonnet Island allows visitors to observe penguins returning to the island after a day of hunting in the sea.
Fishing
Strahan is a favoured destination for fishing enthusiasts. Strahan Marine Charters provides various fishing excursions, ranging from half-day to multi-day trips, where you can explore the Macquarie Heads and nearby waters. During your fishing experience, you’ll have the opportunity to catch giant crab, lobster and snapper. However, it is important to note that the highly endangered Maugean Skate, exclusive to this area, should be released back into the water.
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is easily accessible from Strahan, with a two-hour journey each way, allowing you to visit Tasmania’s most famous landmark in just one day.
There is much to do here, including walking through the national park for hundreds of kilometres, taking a bus from the visitor centre, and visiting the Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary.
Sarah Island History Expedition
Once renowned as Australia’s most severe penal settlement, Sarah Island was the fate of convicts who re-offended after their European arrival. Operational as a penal facility for merely 11 years, its legacy includes some of Australia’s most extreme disciplinary measures, leading to desperate actions, even cannibalism.
Additionally, the island flourished as a shipbuilding centre, credited to the abundant Huon pines, convict labour, and expertise of David Hoy.
While the Gordon River Cruise includes Sarah Island on its route, specialized tours dedicated solely to the island are available. One such evening cruise provides wine and dinner and recounts tales from the famed ‘The Ship That Never Was.
Horsetail Falls
Horsetail Falls can be found just across from Iron Blow Lookout. Visitors can park nearby and hike up a boardwalk to get a picturesque view of the falls and the surrounding roads leading up to Queenstown. The boardwalk is a remarkable feat of engineering.
