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
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
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
Reviews
1,592 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gordon River Cruise. Strahan
guyf671,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely stunning scenery. The weather was perfect for our day but I think the experience would be a lot different on a rainy day. Well worth the cost
Great trip. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Z6913DSjackied,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip. Staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Places visited were interesting. Lovely lunch included.
Excellent service very relaxing cruise
Rod B,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great cruise. Great views from all seats. Nice easy walk around Sarah Island. The lunch was fresh and plentiful
Gordon River Cruise - Fabulous!
Joshley49,,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband & I have done this cruise several times previously. We choose the upper deck for the views & the attentive service of the allocated crew members. This time, the experience exceeded every expection due to the incredible attention to detail of the 'dynamic duo' who attended our every need. They were Hannah & Kelly. It was a full boat but they made sure everyone on the upper deck was well fed, well watered & well entertained. They knew all about the local produce & wines & passed on their vibrant 'passion' for Tasmanian products to the passengers. The two guides , James & Claire, knew their stuff and supplemented the brilliant audio-visual presentation. The Sarah Island visit was equally informative with Lyle who passed on the information with an individual flair. A brilliant day despite the weather with many thanks ,again, to Kelly & Hannah for making it a special day.
Wonderful Experience
Debbie B,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great service from the friendly ladies in the ticket office/shop to the staff on board. Very comfortable seats. Wonderful food selection for lunch, chicken, smoked salmon, prawns, pasta, salads, rolls and all great quality. Great selection of Tasmanian alcohol and snacks (not included in your ticket price). We loved the whole trip it was SO informative and beautiful. Highly recommended trip.
Great experience whilst in Strahan
Debra G,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We lashed out in the premium experience. The leather recliners, staff service, drinks choice and food were all excellent. Really enjoyed the Sarah island tour. Can highly recommend
World time forgot and a walk into history
raymond f,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From the time we arrived and boarded the vessel, we treated very special, all staff were great, the food was exceptional and l couldn't fault anything except the weather, and that didn't even put a damper on the day
Grand day out!
20tanyaf,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out, interesting and informative talks and walks, v nice lunch. Staff were charming and helpful. The boat itself is lovely, v comfortable seats with a good view of the surroundings (we opted for window seats) and lots of deck space if you want to be outside. Captain having an open wheelhouse was brilliant. If you're hard of hearing ask for a seat near the pa system.
Excellent!
petermC4207UN,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing trip that will live in the memory for a long time. The comfortable boat explores parts of Macquarie Harbour before entering the Gordon River, which is the highlight of the day. On entering the river, the boat switches to battery power allowing a greater appreciation of the wonderful, serene forests that encroach to the river's edges. A short stop is made for a walk through the forest, which lets one gain an appreciation of this wonderful environment. On the return from the river, another stop is made at Sarah Island to view the ruins of the former convict settlement. The downside to this trip is the toxic salmon farm located in Macquarie Harbour - an environmental disaster.
Great cruise
Adventurers049,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cataram is in excellent condition as are the on board facilities. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There was a good commentary during the cruise. The buffet lunch was very good too. Well worth doing.
