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
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
Reviews
1,603 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do in Strahan
RobynG374,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this experience. Gordon River Cruise were so well organised, and their team polite and helpful. The walk around Sarah Island and in the rainforest were informative. Having booked set seats was appreciated, and you are free to explore and walk around the boat. Nice morning tea and lunch .
Worth the experience.
V9806ZGbrians,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Sarah Island tour fabulous, tour leader Josh excellent. Food on cruise OK, usual buffet menu. Overall expensive for what you get, but you do visit a pristine environment.
Awesome adventure.
Deb T,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Can not find a negative. A fantastic experience. Hosts were very friendly, boat comfy and clean. Food very good.Island experience very informative and entertaining.
Gordon River Cruise.
beverlypE8088VM,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous experience and good value. Crew members were amazing, food great and overall a great trip. We did this trip 25 years ago, with not great weather, but today the weather favoured us, with great photo opportunities. A wonderful day, thanks to all involved.
Informative and enjoyable Macquarie Harbour cruise
Karen L,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This cruise is good value. It features a trip out the harbour heads, a cruise down the Gordon River with a short guided walk through the forest, a delicious lunch, and a guided walk on Sarah Island to learn about its history. Commentary on board was informative. The crew worked well together to ensure a very enjoyable experience.
The Gordon River Cruise...
Xin L,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Gordon River Cruise was one of our most memorable parts during the journey to Tassie. We were well fed while cruising along Macquire Harbour and Gordon River. There were two landing sites to get out and about. Knowledgable tour guides.
Excellence, educational and fun.
Philip G,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant! Friendly and knowlegable crew made it in interesting and extremely pleasant experience. The catamaran ride was comfortable smooth. Everyone went out of their way to make it an enjoyable experience.
An essential Tassie experience...
jonathank7,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic trip this was, combining natural beauty and valuable history and geography lessons with comfort and a gentle stroll or two, the latter in the rain forest and on Sarah's island. Our journey was on Sunday, 15th Feb and we - fortunately - experienced glorious weather. The staff were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly, and the buffet (we were main window) was excellent - better than expected. Thoroughly recommended.
Reasonable, but they do...
Conrad W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Reasonable, but they do crap on about acknowledgement of first nations like programmed little puppets.
Fantastic
goulburn,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was excellent. We did the premium upper deck option for $300 ahead and the food and service was five star KELLY and her Irish assistant looked after us so well. Nothing was a problem and they’re extremely patient and pleasant with everybody. The two of them worked so hard to make sure we had a very pleasant tour.
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Operated by NRMA