Strahan Tasmania is a small harbour town on the edge of one of the wildest regions in Australia. Its colorful waterfront looks out over Macquarie Harbour, while ancient rainforest covers the hills behind it. Moreover, it is the gateway to the Gordon River and the dark convict history of Sarah Island. So, this guide covers what to see, how to get there and when to go.
Quick Facts About Strahan, Tasmania
| Country | Australia |
| Region | West Coast, Tasmania |
| Known For | Gordon River cruises, Sarah Island, Macquarie Harbour, wilderness railway |
| UNESCO Status | Gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area |
| Founded | 1870s, as a port; renamed Strahan in 1881 |
| Best Time to Visit | December to March |
| Time Needed | 2 days |
| Continent | Oceania |
Where Is Strahan, Tasmania?
Strahan lies on the remote west coast of Tasmania, the island state south of mainland Australia. More precisely, it sits on Long Bay, at the northern end of Macquarie Harbour. Meanwhile, Hobart is about four and a half hours away by car, and Cradle Mountain is roughly two and a half hours to the northeast.
Why Visit Strahan, Tasmania?
First, Strahan is the best base for exploring the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Second, the town itself is charming, with old timber buildings, a busy little wharf and lovely sunsets over the water.
In addition, the area has a powerful history. For example, convicts, timber cutters and miners all shaped this coast. Finally, Strahan is quiet and relaxed, since only a few hundred people live here year round.
Cruising Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River
Through Hells Gates
Most visitors come to Strahan for a cruise, and boats leave from the wharf every morning. First, they head out to Hells Gates, the narrow and dangerous entrance to Macquarie Harbour. Convicts gave it this grim name, because so many of them passed through it on their way to prison.
Up the Gordon River
Next, the boats sail across the harbour and up the Gordon River. Here, the dark water reflects the rainforest like a mirror. Often, the cruises stop at Heritage Landing, where a short boardwalk leads through the forest. As a result, you can see huge old trees, including the precious Huon pine.
Sarah Island
On the way back, many cruises stop at Sarah Island. Guides lead visitors around the ruins of the old penal settlement and tell its grim stories. Therefore, it is one of the most memorable parts of the day.
Exploring the Town
The Waterfront and Wharf
The waterfront is the heart of Strahan. Fishing boats, cruise ships and seaplanes share the small harbour. Meanwhile, cafés and shops line the street along the water. In the evening, the sunsets over the harbour are often spectacular.
The Ship That Never Was
Every evening in season, a local theatre company performs The Ship That Never Was. This lively and funny play tells the true story of a group of convicts who escaped from Sarah Island by building their own ship. Remarkably, it has run for more than 5,000 performances, so it is the longest running play in Australia.
Huon Pine Sawmill
Huon pine grows only in Tasmania, and it is famous for its golden color and its sweet smell. In town, you can visit a sawmill where craftspeople still work with this rare timber.
Beyond Strahan
The West Coast Wilderness Railway
A Heritage Train Ride
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a restored heritage line that once linked the mines of Queenstown with the coast. Today, its steam trains climb through deep rainforest and over old bridges. The station at Regatta Point, on the edge of Strahan, is the starting point for some of the journeys.
Wild Beaches and Dunes
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is one of the longest beaches in Tasmania. Because it faces the open Southern Ocean, the waves are huge, and swimming is dangerous. However, it is a wonderful place to watch the sunset.
Henty Dunes
Just north of town, the Henty Dunes rise up to 30 meters high. In fact, they are great fun to climb, and the views over the coast are excellent.
One Historical Fact About Strahan, Tasmania
In the 1820s, the British built a penal settlement on Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour. Its remote location made it almost impossible to escape. As a result, it gained a reputation as the harshest prison in the Australian colonies. The settlement closed in 1833, and the convicts were moved to Port Arthur.
How to Get to Strahan, Tasmania
The easiest way to reach Strahan is by car. From Hobart, the drive takes about four and a half hours. Similarly, from Launceston or Devonport, allow around four hours. The roads are winding but very scenic.
Public transport is limited, so a rental car is the best option. Alternatively, some tour companies run multi day trips to the west coast from Hobart or Launceston.
Best Time to Visit Strahan, Tasmania
The best time to visit is in summer, from December to March. During these months, the days are long and mild, and most cruises run daily. In contrast, winter brings cold weather and frequent rain.
However, the west coast is one of the wettest places in Australia. So, pack a rain jacket in every season.
Is Strahan, Tasmania Worth Visiting?
Yes, without a doubt. Strahan combines a pretty harbour town with untouched rainforest and fascinating convict history. Moreover, the Gordon River cruise is one of the great travel experiences in Australia.
Final Thoughts
Strahan, Tasmania is a place where wild nature and history meet. So, sail through Hells Gates, walk among ancient Huon pines and watch the sun set over Macquarie Harbour. In the end, you will feel like you have reached the edge of the world.
Planning a longer trip? You can also pair this visit with our guides to Stanley, Richmond and Port Fairy.
Image Credits
Wikimedia Commons
- Strahan Waterfront: Photo by M. Murphy via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
- Strahan Wharf: Photo by VirtualSteve via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Gordon River: Photo by HilACT via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Entrance Island Lighthouse: Photo by Peter Shanks via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Strahan Railway Station: Photo by Jimmyjrg via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Macquarie Harbour: Photo by HilACT via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)