4.8 (1.3 k) · Strahan · By World Heritage Cruises Free cancellation Private tour
World Heritage Cruises is a local family-owned and operated cruise located in Strahan, on Tasmania's beautiful and rugged west coast. You will cruise into the World Heritage-listed South West wilderness.
Onboard the 35-meter catamaran ‘Harbour Master’, enjoy the natural and historic features of Tasmania's West Coast. This includes Hells Gates, an array of aquaculture farms, a guided tour of the Sarah Island convict settlement, and two hours of cruising the Gordon River. You will disembark for a stroll through the rainforest to explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage South West Wilderness.
Cruises depart Strahan Wharf daily at 9 AM, returning at 3 PM. A superb lunch of Tasmanian produce is freshly prepared onboard and is included during the cruise.
✓ Local on-board Guides✓ Live commentary by the skipper and videos on the history✓ Upper deck seating includes lunch, a beverage, and morning tea✓ Cruise slowly on the Gordon River and stop for a rainforest boardwalk✓ Sarah Island penal settlement Guided Tour✓ Main deck seating includes lunch✕ Drinks & Snacks can be purchased on-board✕ Hotel pickup and drop-off N/A1 World Heritage Cruises
9 AM daily, your cruise departs Strahan.
Your first point of interest is Hells Gates, the narrow channel entrance from the wild Southern Ocean to Macquarie Harbour.
Continue along the harbour to see aquaculture pens stocked with thousands of ocean trout and Atlantic salmon.
Your first stop off the boat is Sarah Island. A one-hour guided tour on the island conveys a keen appreciation of the harsh conditions at what was Tasmania's first and perhaps most notorious penal settlement.
Step back onboard and, while enjoying your lunch, you will cruise slowly along the majestic Gordon River and rediscover serenity while gliding deep into the ancient rainforest. Disembark at Heritage Landing for a stroll along the boardwalk through the UNESCO-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and see the hushed, lichen-covered rainforest and one of its oldest inhabitants, a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine tree.
Board once more and sit back and relax while you make your journey back to Strahan.
· 6 h · Admission included
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Check in 30 minutes before your cruise departure at our Booking office, 18 Esplanade Strahan Wharf. Our cruise vessel is located behind our office.
Boarding starts at 8:30 AM.
Check in 30 minutes before your cruise departure at our Booking office, 18 Esplanade Strahan Wharf. Our cruise vessel is located behind our office.
Boarding starts at 8:30 AM.
Please check into World Heritage Cruises booking office 30 minutes prior to departure to collect your boarding tickets.
Booking office is open 8 AM to 5 PM.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed 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 Cruises not available Christmas Day or August 1st to August 31st Wheelchair accessible on the main deck only Your boarding tickets will be held at the booking office next to the vessel for collection 30 minutes prior to your departure Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately Children must be accompanied by an adult Service animals must have identification as we are in a World Heritage listed area Infants 0-2 years not allocated seating Main Deck Window Seating All forward-facing recliner seating in rows of 2 on the main deck windows, includes a lunch freshly prepared onboard daily. Upper Deck Centre Seating All forward-facing recliner seating in rows of 2 in the upper deck centre, includes lunch, a beverage and morning tea. Meal, a drink and morning tea. Main Deck Centre Seating Seating on the main deck in the centre around tables, includes lunch freshly prepared onboard daily. Upper Deck Window Seating All forward-facing recliner seating in rows of 2 in the upper deck windows, including lunch, a beverage and morning tea. Lunch, a beverage & Morning tea. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the rainforest boardwalk. Allow ample time for check-in before departure. Check the operating schedule as cruises are not available on Christmas Day or during August. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 110457P1
Activity offered by World Heritage Cruises via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Couples Solo travelers Nature enthusiasts History buffs Cruise into the UNESCO World Heritage South West Wilderness Explore Sarah Island, a historic penal settlement Guided rainforest walk to see ancient Huon Pines Enjoy lunch made with Tasmanian produce onboard Scenic cruise through Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour
Population 697 (2021)
Elevation 26 m
Currency Australian dollar
Official language English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 000
Capital city Canberra Average temperatures 13° Jan 14° Feb 12° Mar 10° Apr 8° May 6° Jun 6° Jul 6° Aug 7° Sept 8° Oct 11° Nov 12° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is included in the cruise? + Inclusions vary by seating option but generally include onboard guides, live commentary, lunch, and a guided tour of Sarah Island. Upper deck seating also includes a beverage and morning tea.
What is not included? + Drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.
What are the departure and return times? + Cruises depart Strahan Wharf daily at 9 AM and return at 3 PM. Boarding starts at 8:30 AM, and check-in is required 30 minutes prior to departure.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible? + Yes, the main deck is wheelchair accessible. Transportation options are also wheelchair accessible.
What is the cancellation policy? + You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Viator review
A wonderful cruise, not to be missed
Kerry_M, October 2026
This is an outstanding cruise experience not to be missed. It is comfortable and well run by friendly staff, the food is great and the scenery is wonderful. The waking tours are so interesting, led by passionate guides, who know the history of the area well
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great cruise. Excellent day out.
bb2562017, October 2026
Excellent. Worthwhile doing. Guides and staff very good. Food was great as well.
Response from the operator · W H C Thank you for such a great review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the cruise, delicious food and friendly service from our crew and guides. Thank you for cruising with us!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
A most informative and invaluable experience
gandjlowcock, October 2026
Most informing and enjoyable experience.
Outstanding organisation, vessel, staff and provisions.
The bending of nature, history and environment was compelling.
Response from the operator · W H C Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so please you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the unique combination of nature, history and stunning scenery. It’s lovely to hear such positive feedback about our vessel, crew and overall experience.
★★★★★ Viator review
Gordon river cruise - Oct 2026
Cheryl_R, October 2026
We really enjoyed all aspects of the Gordon River cruise. The commentary throughout was very informative, loved the walking tour of Sarah Island and Forest nature walk and talk. The lunch boxes were great too. All the staff were friendly and helpful.
Would highly recommend this day trip
Response from the operator · W H C Thank you for a great review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the commentary, guided tours and friendly service from our crew. It’s wonderful to hear you loved the lunch too, with all meals freshly prepared onboard as we cruise! We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again one day.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fantastic experience- book with World Heritage!!
Blitzit8, October 2026
Fantastic experience. Breathtaking views , interesting information. Day had so much variety it flew by . My vegetarian lunch was delicious. Staff were lovely . Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · W H C Thank you for your recommendation and wonderful review! We’re so pleased you enjoyed the scenery, storytelling, and variety of experiences throughout the day. It’s great to hear you loved your vegetarian lunch too!
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