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 Central
Central seating on the main deck; includes chef prepared buffet lunch. Boarding - 8:00am Departure - 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 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
1,616 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
A1 experience
Maps14886525798,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish. The scenery was breathtaking and the whole day felt incredibly well organised. The food and hospitality were excellent, and the staff were warm, professional, and made the experience even better. The Sarah Island guided tour was one of the best guided tours we have done in Tasmania, engaging, informative, and genuinely memorable. We would highly recommend the cruise, and it was absolutely worth paying extra for the Top Deck experience. A fantastic day and one of the highlights of our Tassie trip.
Awesome
ANDREW r,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience loved every minute, great guides and commentary. Spectacular scenery and amazing food.
Must do when in Tassie!
Quisha P,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was my second time experiencing the magic of Gordon River Cruises. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had booked the Premium Upper Deck during both my experiences and I highly recommend you to do so too - it is absolutely worth it and would make a big difference to your day. The food, drinks, and snacks onboard were delicious and the staff were attentive; they made sure all guests were well fed. The stops at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island are beautiful to explore. The pace of the tour makes you feel extremely relaxed and at peace.
Premier Upper Deck - Great Experience
Matthew R,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Premier Level Seating. A great way to visit this stunning unique World Heritage Area and also visit the isolation hell of convict Sarah Island. FWIW, Tassie's west coast is the 2nd wettest place in Australia (after the tropical Far North Queensland), so weather may play a factor in the experience of the cruise. Fortunately for us, calm, sunny 21° C. Visit the treacherous Hells Gate access point to Macquarie Harbour, first navigated 1815. See the wall constructed by steam trains that diverted currents and naturally dredged the sea bed. Continue past salmon farms in the stratified water (fresh surface, salt bottom). Commercial Salmon farming may be a contentious subject in Tassie, but this is the 2nd largest harbour in Australia and needs to support a mix of Tourism, Commercial, Recreational and Environmental concerns. Continue into the WHA of thd Gordon River with superb vistas all along. So glad it wasn't dammed in 1980's. Learn about the culture of indigenous, the history of the environment and original commercial logging. A short, easy rainforest walk and talk before rejoining the cruise. Head back along the Gordon River before disembarking at Sarah Island. The Convict site hell-hole from 1822-1834. Walk around the ruins and learn the tragic history faced by convicts. Continue the cruise back to Strahan then visit the Woodworking centre. Food and beverages all included in upper-level premium seats. Pricey but well worth the enjoyment.
Relaxing cruise on the magnificent Gordon River
298kymt,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gordon River Cruises are a professional outfit. Their staff are friendly, attentive and informative; they were a major reason the tour ran so smoothly. The boat itself is very comfortable. It offers unhindered views of the river and surrounds from many vantage points, including sitting inside. The lunch was tasty with plenty for everyone. Highly recommend Gordon River Cruises.
River Cruise
Penelope F,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would highly recommend doing this river tour. The scenery is spectacular. The history was mind blowing.
Woo worth the trip to see.
993matthewv,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful cruise, you forgot about the time while experiencing Hells Gate Sarah Island and the incredible Gordon river. The eco drive as the boat moves up the river is a perfect example of how delicate this place is
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Operated by NRMA