The Pillinger Explorer
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the MV Sophia from Strahan! Sail across Macquarie Harbour, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural wonders of Pillinger's old township. Explore ruins and lush rainforests, as you cruise towards the iconic Hells Gates. Marvel at the engineering feat of the Training Wall and visit Bonnet Island's historic lighthouse, home to a charming penguin colony. Indulge in a gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs before returning to Strahan, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of the MV Sophia.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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‘s Included
Morning Tea
Soda/Pop
Alcoholic Beverages
Chef-prepared gourmet lunch
Fully guided experience
Morning tea
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Enjoy morning tea before a guided walk and interpretation through the Pillinger ruins.
Guests can enjoy views of Reindeer Lodge from the water.
Options
Option 1
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful
Joanna D,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful experience with lots of information also about the history. With beautiful views and great food and drink. And we were lucky to see dolphins.
Great experience
Leon H,
Sep 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and learning about the history. Great crew, morning tea, delicious lunch and wine. Would recommend this to friends as an adventure.
Amazing
kathytM4832ZH,
Jun 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A steady cruise across the harbour to Pillinger, the heads and lunch at Bonnet Island. Erin gave us a fantastic run through the history of Pillinger and led us through what is left of the town. The rainforest has taken much of it back including an orchid and white bellied sea eagle as extras. Des drove Sofia, ably throughout the trip. Great morning tea and lunch also included.
Exceptional
474lisai,
May 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is one of the best cruises we've ever done, we were blown away with what we saw and the knowledge that Des and Erin had was amazing. Would definitely recommend this cruise if you come to Strahan
A must do when in Strahan
Dennis H,
Mar 20, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic experience with Jock an absolutely great driver and guide. We just could not fault this tour from the itinerary , the driver and guide, the food and the boat. All just awesome and cannot recommend highly enough, an absolute must do when in Strahan.
Amazing day in Strahan
244judeg,
Sep 30, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was well worth it. The small group tour included lunch and a very detailed explanation of historic Pillinger. Hannah was so knowledgeable and friendly; the perfect guide. A highlight would have to be the sighting of dolphins near Hell’s Gate. So beautiful.
Enjoyable but overpriced
Marshie01,
May 12, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The 5 hour boat trip was comfortable. The excursion was quite interesting and gave us an insight into early Strahan and the failed Pillinger township. Nevertheless we thought the historical interpretation, although interesting, was a little light on and relied a bit on the Nat Park’s signage. The fish farm drive by is included, probably because they are there. Navigating Hell’s Gate and viewing the lighthouses is a worthy part of the trip. The ‘gourmet’ food was filling and the fruit, wines and cheeses were very nice. However, ham, chicken and salmon salad rolls and wraps are hardly gourmet. We’d certainly recommend the trip, but not at the current $250 per person.
A must do
Shellyh1964,
Nov 27, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must do whilst in Strahan. This was a very personalised tour and well worth the money. Katy was our tour guide with Desmond as our boat captain. The weather was perfect. We were served fabulous food for morning tea and lunch . Katy is extremely knowledgeable and really made our day chatting with the four of us. The ruins at Pillinger are well worth seeing and it is amazing to think that there was once a town there. Cannot highly recommend this enough
Enjoyable experience
BarbTas,
Nov 24, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Pillinger Explorer cruise a week ago and really enjoyed the experience. Just the 2 of us on the cruise along with Capt. Des and guide Jack who were both very friendly and informative. Very interesting to see and hear about the settlement of Pillinger and the work that was done there. Bonnet island was also very peaceful and a great place to enjoy our excellent lunch (this was after an excellent morning tea earlier in the day) . Yes, the boat is small but it fitted the purpose very well and we have no complaints. Even the weather gods were kind to us on the day. A great alternative to the usual Gordon River Cruise on the larger ship. Highly recommended
Perfect escape from Convid-19
jonnyjorkers53,
Mar 21, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day before arriving in Strahan we were notified by email that the Gordon River Cruises had been suspended. Instead, we booked on the small boat Pillinger Explorer, assisted by the wonderful, patient helpful ladies behind the counter who were clearly facing a very uncertain future (who we witnessed being verbally abused by other cancelees for something that was completely out of their control). This was a really fantastic alternative that I really highly recommend. Very interesting guiding by Jock and expert skippering by Desmond, and delicious food and booze. This is going to clearly be a very very difficult time for Tasmania so get down to beautiful Strahan and get on this special experience.
