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 Window
Main Deck Window : The main deck next to full-length windows for exceptional views; includes chef prepared buffet lunch. 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
1,623 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Gordon River Cruise Great!!!
753jamieh,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional!! This experience was far better than I expected. Cruising this beautiful river on the diesel driven catamaran was well... a great adventure & one I will remember . The scenery,guides,history lessons, stop overs at Sarah Island & a national reserve & dining were top notch . The stories on the boat about convict life were fascinating especially for me as my ancestors were convicts sent to populate/build Tasmania/Australia for trivial crimes with harsh penalties so the British could beat France who discovered it first. Highly recommend this tour & to top it off go see the play afterwards " the ship that never was" which plays out one of the stories from Sarah Island in a very clever & artistic manner.
A must do trip!
Kem1609,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent experience from ease of booking through to completion and the Crew and support staff were polite and informative. The scenery was fabulous beginning with a trip to the open ocean and the edge of the roaring 40s, before heading up the Gordon River and into the rainforest. There were two opportunities to get off the boat, one to walk along the boardwalk and see the flora and fauna of the luscious Forest. The the significance of the Huon Pine was explored and explained while the crew set out a delicious lunch (gluten free and vegetarian catered for). The history of Sarah Island was creatively delivered while being guided around the island, an interesting story with a number of twists and outcomes for both the convicts and leaders. We cannot recommend this trip highly enough….a must do trip!
Fabulous
Wendy M,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Devils Gate & scenery along the Gordon River was awesome. The staff, information, walking tours, food were all fabulous. Walking tours suitable for all abilities. Would absolutely recommend.
Lovely and peaceful, good...
Melanie C,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Lovely and peaceful, good food, friendly informative staff, beautiful boat, comfortable seats, easy walks for all abilities.
Gordon River - natural and wonderful
Kerry C,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring a beanie and really warm clothes to rug up in if you want to stand out on the deck and get the best view. We went in May. Otherwise everything is organised for you and should be in your pre booking information.
Kim A
Kim A,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful weather .. lovely staff .. very informative.. fantastic day.. I highly recommend a trip .. Strahan is a beautiful little fishing town .. great place to stay unwind and relax
Gordon River Cruise is a must do.
John H,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a stand out cruise. Highly recommended. Sarah Island was fantastic. Ensure you use the guide. Very informative .
Superb day out from start to finish
TeddybearEdward,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an excellent day this turned out to be, right from the moment we stepped on board. Really helpful, friendly and informative staff, comfortable seats, great buffet lunch. Two shore excursions - one on the Heritage walk, and the second on Sarah Island. The history of Sarah Island is somber, and commentary from the guides illustrated the tough times that were experienced in this penal colony. The Gordon River is superb, and the trip out to Hells Gate, McQuarie Harbour was really interesting with the sea walls that had been built so long ago to keep the sea channel open. Can’t recommend this day trip highly enough!
Was a privilege to see...
ellamsy50,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a privilege to see one of the beautiful untouched wildernesses, great and informative cruise. Did a similar cruise 37 years ago, even better 2nd time.
Cracking Day, Perfect conditions on the Water!
andrearQ6358VF,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience from start to finish was 5 Star, we had the premium experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The staff were gracious and friendly, Stella, Riley, Dakoda, and all the other crew were knowledgeable and helpful. The staff also in the Gift store were great!
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