Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Named 'Tasmania's Best Guided Tour' in 2018, a Gordon River Cruise takes you deep into the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, to explore a place rich with natural histories and tales of human history. Cruise into this wild place aboard Spirit of the Wild, a custom-built vessel, equipped with electric motors to allow you to cruise quietly on the Gordon River and experience its true tranquility.
Enjoy a Chef-prepared menu that caters for all requirements, as well as dedicated on-board guides.
Cruise aboard Spirit of the Wild with the Tasmanian owned and operated Gordon River Cruises to be first on the river, giving you the best chance of seeing the famous reflections.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants are free provided they do not occupy a seat
Tour is wheelchair accessible on the Main Deck only. Motor scooters are not permitted due to size limitations
About the boat: Spirit of the Wild features a unique hybrid propulsion system allowing you to cruise quietly on the Gordon River, as well as an environmentally designed hull to ensure minimal impact on the area’s pristine wilderness; inside, the vessel provides an optimal experience for passengers with interpretive facilities with maps, photographs and guidebooks, and plenty of deck space, including a 360° Viewing Deck at the top of the vessel.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Gordon River
Cruise quietly in World Heritage wilderness aboard Spirit of the Wild, with her electric motors. The tranquility of this experience has to be experienced to be believed. Hear the stories of the river from our dedicated guides and step ashore at Heritage Landing for an interpretive tour of the ancient rain forest. On returning to your vessel, enjoy a Chef-prepared lunch on the river as you cruise for Sarah Island.
Sarah Island
Step ashore at Sarah Island, a place once feared for its reputation as one of the meanest convict penal colonies in Tasmania. Hear the stories of the wild place with a guide who will take you back in time to the tales of hardship, heroes and villains. Sarah Island is a place that balances stunning scenery with a challenging and tangible history.
What‘s Included
Restroom on board
Dedicated on-board guides
Quiet cruising under electric motors while on the Gordon River
Chef Prepared Buffet lunch on the Morning Cruises
Drinks, unless you travel on the Premier Upper Deck. Cash bar available on the Main Deck
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Main Deck Window
Main Deck Window : The main deck next to full-length windows for exceptional views; includes chef prepared buffet lunch. Departs at 8:30am
Premier Upper Deck
Luxury seating with exclusive deck space with nature guide; includes fine food, wine, Tasmanian beer and lunch (smoked salmon, trout, Tasmanian game and Tasmanian goods like cheese). Departs at 8:30am
Main Deck Central
Central seating on the main deck; includes chef prepared buffet lunch. Boarding - 8:00am Departure - 8:30am
Reviews
1,577 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The day was perfect. ...
Amy M,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The day was perfect. Staff were exceptional and so friendly. They knew what they were talking about. Lots of information. Boat was really tidy and very comfortable
Magic Macquarie Harbour
Danae J,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Two short walking trips on 2 Islands were brilliant. One on Sarah Island, first convict penal settlement.
Best Macquarie Harbour Tour
L9712PRbillt,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute fantastic day (even with the rain and the wind). We paid the extra for the stairs Premium Seats and it was worth every cent. The two attentive staff were fantastic. Riley was excellent and Kelly was sublime! The beauty of the Harbour and Gordon River was amazing and the history was incredible! With thanks
Great River Cruise and Staff
PerthJules,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great informative staff, captain Rick was great. Interesting and happy staff. Delicious lunch including smoked salmon, chicken and salads of all varieties.
Nice day on the water
boh82,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A lovely trip on the water with River Cruises. Good catering along the way with buffet and fine options to buy other things such as snacks, hot and cold drinks.
Excellent experience.
Mari d,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our trip on the Gordon River. The boat was beautiful and the service of excellent standard. The friendly staff went out of their way to make us as comfortable as possible. The views from the boat was out of this world and the historical information that was provided during the trip was very interesting. Seeing the harbour and walking in the rainforest as well as our guided tour of Sarah island were added bonuses. Standing outside on the deck when the boat glided quietly through the river was delightful. I would recommend this to anyone, thank you.
EXCELLENT!!!
982erikah,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding!! This is a must do when visiting Strahan. Pay the extra to sit up top in the premium lounge. You get 5 star service from the moment you go on board. The food is plentiful and of excellent quality. The cruise leaves from Strahan on time and heads out through Hells Gate before coming back in and heading up the river. The scenery is breathtaking, the boat captain shuts the diesel engines off to minimise any wash and glides along smoothly. 1st stop is a walk through Heritage Landing where if you are lucky you’ll see a paddy melon. We saw Mum and baby!! Lunch is a cold buffet again of excellent quality and then back up the river to Sarah Island, an interesting place with a guided tour. Back to Strahan at 2.30. Well with the cost and will be definitely be back!!!
Comprehensive and authentic experience
umberto n,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great facilities and tour narration, “ whisper” mode on the vessel was a feature - perfect for detailed insight into Macquarie Harbour, The Gordon River and Sarah Island
Do Yourself A Favour ⚓️
YorkshirePuddingGal,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful and memorable experience. We did the Gordon River Cruise with the Premier Experience and it was absolutely worth it. The day was beautifully paced, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. The highlight for us was the guided tour of Sarah Island. The staff clearly know their history and presented it in a way that was engaging and informative without feeling rushed or overly scripted. I learnt a great deal about the area and its past, and it added real depth to the journey rather than feeling like a surface-level sightseeing stop. The Premier Experience itself was excellent. The food was generous and well presented, the drinks were flowing, and the service throughout the six hours was attentive without being intrusive. One of the staff members — an Irish girl — stood out in particular. She was warm, friendly, and consistently checked in to make sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves, which really lifted the experience. We also loved Yorkshire tour guide Joshua, he was funny and informative. The boat was comfortable, the atmosphere relaxed and fun, and the whole day felt well organised and unhurried. Six hours passed surprisingly quickly, which says a lot. Overall, this was a very enjoyable cruise that balanced comfort, good hospitality, and genuine learning. I would happily recommend the Gordon River Cruise, especially the Premier Experience, to anyone visiting the area.
Great service from the...
Anjana D,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great service from the crew at Gordon river cruises. Make sure you carry a warm jacket if you are planning to spend time on the deck.
