Gordon River Cruise Strahan Tasmania
Australia
Departing from Strahan Tasmania,
take this 5 1/2 hour cruise into the World Heritage wilderness.
Enjoy the fabulous scenery of Macquarie Harbour and the
Gordon River. Visit sites of significant ecological and
historical importance.
Enjoy a comfortable cruise
across Macquarie Harbour on the beautifully appointed Lady Jane
Franklin II then journey up the mighty Gordon River, with its
ancient Huon pines and perfect reflections. Explore a World
Heritage rainforest with trees thousands of years old and the
convict settlement of Sarah Island.
After cruising across Macquarie
Harbour you'll glide past waterfalls and the magnificent mirrored
reflections of the Gordon River before stepping ashore at Heritage
Landing. Here you can walk into the green silence of the
rainforest to see ancient trees. You'll see Hells
Gate where the harbour opens to the ocean, Tasmania's
world-renowned salmon farms, and you'll visit notorious Sarah
Island. Walk among the ruins and hear your guide bring the past
alive with astonishing stories of when convicts built amazing
ships from precious Huon pine.
Huge tidal surges and a sandbar
have claimed many vessels over the years at Hells Gate, the narrow
entrance to the vast Macquarie Harbour. At only 120 metres wide,
the hazardous Hells Gate has been a challenge for sailors since it
was discovered in 1815. The entrance is believed to have been
named by convicts in reference to the hellish conditions on the
Sarah Island penal colony in the harbour.
Sarah Island
The convict settlement at Sarah Island was once Australia's most
productive shipyard, turning out almost 100 vessels.
The six hectare island, located in Macquarie Harbour, was a feared
penal colony from 1822-33 and ruins of the settlement are still
visible today. Convicts built boats from the highly prized native
timber, Huon Pine.
Almost 2000 prisoners, officials
and military passed through the island before the settlement
closed.
World Heritage Walk
Enter the eternal silence of the Tasmanian Wilderness World
Heritage Area on a rainforest walk at Heritage Landing, beside the
ancient Gordon River. Stroll through some of the world's last
remaining temperate rainforest, featuring myrtles, leatherwood
trees and species of native pines found only in Tasmania.
A raised timber walkway leads
through the damp forest to a fallen giant - a 2000-year-old Huon
Pine that has fallen to the ground but continues to support new
life in the form of saplings.
You can select from four seating
styles - bow atrium, window recliner and club lounge.
All are forward facing spacious
and comfortable.
The premium option is the
Captain's Premier Upper Deck, with seating for a maximum of 24
people. This is your luxury sightseeing experience - it includes
fine food and all beverages, exclusive deck space and a dedicated
nature guide. A courtesy transfer is available for Captain's
Premier Upper Deck passengers to and from Strahan Village
accommodation houses.
Wherever you sit, Lady Jane's
floor - to- ceiling windows give you superb views of rainforest
and river, mountains and harbour.
Because she's so fast, Lady Jane
cruises across the harbour and back to post at around 2:00pm, so
you have plenty of time to explore Strahan or experience the range
of other activities.
Cruises
depart daily at 8.30am from Strahan and afternoon cruises depart
at 2.45pm in peak season.
Holidays and Short Breaks
7 day
self drive holiday Tasmania Australia
10
day self drive holiday Tasmania Australia
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