Gordon River Cruises: Bucket-list river reflections

Some visitors to Tasmania bypass the west coast on their first, second or even third trip. They don’t realise that seeing the Gordon River’s perfect reflections of UNESCO-listed wilderness is among the state’s ultimate experiences.

It’s the highlight of Gordon River Cruises’ most popular journey, though this six-hour tour is really a series of highlights. From watching the Southern Ocean pounding at Hell’s Gates to a walking tour through convict-era ruins, it’s an easy adventure that should be on your bucket list – and if you’ve already done it consider the other options!

The Gordon River cruise departs daily from Strahan, which is 220km south-west of Spirit of Tasmania’s southern home of Devonport. Whether out on Spirit of the Wild’s decks, or looking through this custom-built catamaran’s wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows, you won’t miss a thing.

The tour begins with a cruise across Macquarie Harbour, which is six times the size of Sydney Harbour. Dotted with islands and fish farms, it’s surrounded by an epic landscape of mountains and forest, and sometimes offers an almighty display of waves crashing on rocks at the harbour’s narrow ocean entrance.

You’re safe aboard Spirit of the Wild, but sailing through was a perilous proposition in centuries past. The tour’s occasional onboard videos, which reveal the region’s history through costumed character-based interpretations, include tragic tales of early-19th century convicts who named this treacherous passage Hell’s Gates.

Spirit of the Wild’s hybrid motors switch to quiet electric mode when entering the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area via the Gordon River. On its tranquil lower reaches, reflections of big sky and lush, temperate rainforest can be mind-blowingly perfect mirror images.

Look closer at the densely wooded landscape on a boardwalk tour. Your guide and the interpretive signs reveal distinctive local flora, including sassafras, myrtle and now rare Huon pines.

The day’s second land excursion is on Sarah Island, notorious as colonial Australia’s harshest penal settlement while it operated from 1822 to 1833.

Your guide brings the convict past to life among tumbledown ruins of buildings such as a bakehouse and penitentiary. Hear tales of terrible hardship and extraordinary escapes from what was a remote dot on the map.

There’s no hardship for Spirit of the Wild’s passengers – other than realising you can’t squeeze in another morsel of the delicious buffet lunch.

The spacious Premium Upper Deck offers luxury in the wilderness, with uninterrupted views from leather recliners for all, a central lounge and private outdoor deck. This premium option also includes additional morning and afternoon treats, and an open bar serving everything from espresso coffee to fine Tasmanian wines.

Wherever you are on board it’s comfort all the way, even with prams and wheelchairs thanks to the boat’s accessible design and easy ramp access (including for both land excursions).

While the main tour departs at 8.30am, during summer’s longest days Gordon River Cruises also offers a 3.30pm dinner cruise with a similar itinerary.

Can’t get enough of this awe-inspiring region, or looking for a slightly more adventurous boat ‘n’ boots experience? Book their Pillinger Explorer small-group tour.

Carrying a maximum of 10 passengers, motor cruiser MV Sophia heads to the ghost town of East Pillinger, which nature has been reclaiming for a century. On a guided walk of this former port established during the wild west’s mining heyday, see relics including boilers, brick kilns and a pier.

The five-hour Pillinger Explorer also visits Bonnet Island. It’s located within Hell’s Gates so get ready for an eyeful of ocean and lighthouses.

​For an alternative means to explore the Gordon River, World Heritage Cruises offers a compelling option. This family-owned enterprise, with over 125 years of experience, operates from Strahan, Tasmania, providing cruises aboard their modern catamaran, the Harbour Master II. Their itineraries encompass notable sites such as Hells Gates, the former penal settlement on Sarah Island, and the tranquil waters of the Gordon River.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.