Endless untouched rainforest
The Narrow Hell's Gates
Walk amoungst the ruins at Sarah Island
The first stop for the Gordon River Cruise is across Macquarie Harbour at Hell's Gates, the incredibly small gap in the rocks which provides the only access from the Southern Ocean into the only safe harbour on the entire West Coast of Tasmania. You leave the sheltered waters of the harbour for a few moments to experience the passage through Hell's Gates, and perhaps your first time ever to sail on the Southern Ocean.
Next you travel to the far end of Macquarie Harbour and the entrance to the Gordon River where the cruising speed is lowered. The vessel is designed to create a low wake, so the riverside environment remains pristine. A tranquil glide down the Gordon River, taking in the endless tracts of untouched rainforest reflected in the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins.
At Heritage Landing you disembark to stroll on an elevated walkway, enjoying the most intimate Tasmanian rainforest experience possible. The highlight of the wilderness walk is the 2000 year-old tree that was growing before Christ was born. Sadly it has now fallen, but the roots are alive and saplings are growing strong. Sit back and relax while a chef prepared buffet is served as you glide back down the Gordon River to the Macquarie Harbour where you visit Sarah Island.
Here you go ashore to walk amongst the ruins of perhaps Australia's harshest convict settlement, Sarah Island. Convicts were confined here in harsh conditions in the 1820's before the establishment of Port Arthur. Hear and enjoy an informative, sometimes humorous guide around the island and help solve an island mystery. Then step back on board for the return cruise to Strahan, as Lady Jane Franklin II takes you back across the harbour for the last leg of this unforgettable journey.
The Gordon River; Macquarie Harbour; World Heritage Rainforest and convict ruins; hell and high water - this is a cruise unlike any other. Gordon River Cruises offers something very remarkable for people wanting a special memory.
Next you travel to the far end of Macquarie Harbour and the entrance to the Gordon River where the cruising speed is lowered. The vessel is designed to create a low wake, so the riverside environment remains pristine. A tranquil glide down the Gordon River, taking in the endless tracts of untouched rainforest reflected in the dark waters, stained amber by buttongrass tannins.
At Heritage Landing you disembark to stroll on an elevated walkway, enjoying the most intimate Tasmanian rainforest experience possible. The highlight of the wilderness walk is the 2000 year-old tree that was growing before Christ was born. Sadly it has now fallen, but the roots are alive and saplings are growing strong. Sit back and relax while a chef prepared buffet is served as you glide back down the Gordon River to the Macquarie Harbour where you visit Sarah Island.
Here you go ashore to walk amongst the ruins of perhaps Australia's harshest convict settlement, Sarah Island. Convicts were confined here in harsh conditions in the 1820's before the establishment of Port Arthur. Hear and enjoy an informative, sometimes humorous guide around the island and help solve an island mystery. Then step back on board for the return cruise to Strahan, as Lady Jane Franklin II takes you back across the harbour for the last leg of this unforgettable journey.
The Gordon River; Macquarie Harbour; World Heritage Rainforest and convict ruins; hell and high water - this is a cruise unlike any other. Gordon River Cruises offers something very remarkable for people wanting a special memory.
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