Things To Do in Strahan

Strahan, situated on Tasmania’s mid-western coast, is a primary entrance to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. While many flock here for river cruises and forest-bound train journeys, Strahan offers a rich tapestry of experiences. There’s much to explore, from its rugged shores and diverse wildlife to its deep roots in timber and mining.
Beyond the mainstream attractions, Strahan has a unique charm. It’s quaint and serene and radiates a sense of seclusion. Macquarie Harbour offers tranquil walks, and Strahan is idyllic for those desiring a peaceful retreat with a good book and the occasional dramatic weather spectacle.

Exploring with Strahan Wilderness Cruises

A visit to Strahan isn’t complete without experiencing a river cruise. For travellers, it’s an optimal way to immerse oneself in the town’s past and pristine wilderness. Multiple operators provide similar cruise experiences in town. These adventures navigate through Macquarie Harbour’s entrance, known as Hells Gate, offer an hour on the historic Sarah Island, and provide serene passages through the southern segments of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
We embarked on a journey with World Heritage Cruises (the prominent red vessel). Gordon River Cruises conduct a comparable tour. Our day was splendid, and acquaintances who chose the alternative cruise equally relished their experience. The natural landscape truly takes centre stage. A few noteworthy moments:
Gordon River – Navigate the shadowy waters, tinged by button grass, of the Gordon River, and bask in the sight of the majestic Huon Pine forests within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

"The Ship That Never Was" Performance

Should you opt for the Gordon River Cruise, it incorporates a visit to the historical convict site, Sarah Island. This intriguing location serves as a prelude to what’s known as the world’s longest-standing play – “The Ship That Never Was.” Without revealing too much, this drama unfolds the tale of Sarah Island’s final convicts, slated for Port Arthur, and their remarkable escape journey.
Catch the play every evening at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre, conveniently beside the West Coast Visitor Information Centre. While the venue is sheltered, it’s wise to dress warmly as the performance continues, come rain or shine. The duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Reservations are crucial.

West Coast Wilderness Railway Adventure

Additionally, from Queenstown, the half-day Rock and Gorge trip pivots at Dubbil Barril. For adventurous people, the Raft and Steam full-day tour commences with exhilarating white-water rapids on the King River and concludes with a more tranquil train return to Queenstown. The Wilderness Railway offers a profound immersion into the rainforest and the historical tales of the untamed west coast.

Explore Historic Queenstown

Should your journey not lead you through Queenstown en route to Strahan, consider dedicating a few hours to exploring this unique town. Dominated by the imposing Mount Lyell, Queenstown constantly echoes its rich mining legacy. Even if you decide against boarding the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a stop at the quaint train station is recommended. Nearby, the Miners Siding exhibition offers a glimpse into the town’s mining past. The Eric Thomas Gallery Museum is a short drive away for those keen on history.
A few notable vantage points are situated around Queenstown. Whether you encounter them on your journey to or from Strahan, they merit a visit. The Horsetail Falls presents a 30-minute round-trip on a boardwalk, offering splendid hill vistas and, naturally, the cascade. It’s a light yet memorable trek. Opposite the path, you’ll find the Iron Blow Lookout, presenting panoramas of an abandoned mine pit. Both spots justify the 10-minute winding drive from Queenstown.
This fascinating railway journey is among Strahan’s top attractions, alongside the river cruise. Departing from Regatta Point Station in Strahan’s Macquarie Harbour, the journey delves into the heart of the rainforest, pausing at destinations like Lower Landing and Dubbil Barril. You’ll gain insights into the region’s pioneering history along the way. The ride encompasses steep mountains, profound gorges, and historical settlements. Choose between half-day or full-day excursions, with the latter taking you to Queenstown via a classic steam engine.

Hogarth Falls Nature Stroll

Hogarth Falls Walk in Strahan is featured in Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks list. A brief drive from town along the Esplanade towards Regatta Point Station will bring you to the designated parking area. Though a sign indicates Hogarth Falls, an additional sign marking the turning point might make it more transparent.
This 2.4 km, roughly 45-minute round trip meanders along the scenic Botanical Creek. The trail is well-marked, enabling identification of the diverse flora lining the path, especially the towering Blackwood trees. While strolling, maintain quiet, and you might spot a platypus in the creek. Part of the trail has grass-like matting, which can get slippery if wet. The falls, while serene, are enhanced by the journey leading up to them. Amenities such as picnic spots and restrooms are conveniently located near the parking.

Henty Sand Dune Exploration

A mere 10-minute drive north of Strahan on the way to Zeehan lies the Henty Sand Dunes. Visitors will find a quaint picnic and parking spot at the base of a massive dune. While the dune claims to rise 30 metres, climbing it might suggest otherwise! Trudging up the soft sand is no easy task. By the time we ascended, we were catching our breath and feeling the workout in our calf muscles. Midway, the semi-covered gum trees offer an excellent resting point.
Reaching the peak reveals expansive sandy landscapes with the coastline faintly visible yonder. While you can venture towards the coast, note that no designated paths exist. They offer complimentary sandboard rentals if you’re staying at the Big 4 Caravan Park. But be prepared; ascending the dunes multiple times can be exhausting! The panorama from the dunes is stunning, and fortunately, the descent is a breeze.

Morrison's Huon Pine Lumberyard

In the vicinity of the West Coast Visitor Information Centre on the Strahan waterfront, Morrison’s stands as a testament to four generations of Huon pine craftsmanship. The traditional sawmill operation is a marvel in itself. Daily tours, free of charge, are conducted around 3:00 pm, aligning with the return of the Strahan River Cruises. After exploring the sawmill, guests can peruse the adjoining gallery and gift store. Even if you leave without a Huon pine memento, the enchanting aroma of the timber lingers.

Spray Tunnel Journey

A mere 40 minutes from Strahan, near Zeehan, you’ll find the entrance to the Spray Tunnel walk. This intriguing short trek leads you to a tunnel once instrumental in transporting ore from the Spray Silver Mine. After a dirt path to the parking area, a boardwalk ushers you to the tunnel’s entrance.
This 100m long, elliptical tunnel promises a unique adventure, especially for youngsters. Let your vision adjust to the darkness, and you might spot faint glimmers from glow worms. Refrain from using torches; glow worms are deterred by intense light. At the tunnel’s opposite end, remnants of ancient buildings and machinery can be observed amid the woods.

Strahan's Historic Coastal Walk

If you’ve got a spare hour or two amidst boat tours or train journeys, the Strahan Historic Foreshore walk offers a blend of Macquarie Harbour’s splendour and insights into Strahan’s past. Initiate your walk from any point between Strahan Primary School and Regatta Point Train Station.
This 3km one-directional cemented trail mirrors the old railway’s path, taking roughly an hour on foot. Keep an eye out for informative markers detailing Strahan’s history. They offer narratives about the grand Customs House, bygone railway terminals, residences, and estates linked to Western Tasmania’s influential figures. Even if historical tales don’t pique your interest, the mesmerizing waterfront vistas certainly will.

Trek to Montezuma Falls

Standing at an impressive 104m, Montezuma Falls ranks among Tasmania’s highest. Located roughly an hour from Strahan via Zeehan, the journey to these falls commences at a designated car park.
Although there’s some debate on the exact length of the trail – estimates range between 8 to 11km – the consensus is to set aside 3 hours for the expedition. What’s undeniable is the trail’s allure.
It’s a level, grade 2 path that traces an ancient tramway through a stunning forest. The firm path is bordered by colossal fern trees, leatherwood, sassafras, and myrtles, culminating at the base of the majestic falls near a historic bridge.
A word of advice: allocate enough time to reach this spot, unlike our rushed experience!

Thrilling River Rafting Adventures

Should steamtrain journeys and placid river cruises not quench your thirst for adventure, consider navigating the tumultuous waters of the Franklin River. Taking on its white-water currents is the answer for a genuine and exhilarating plunge into the heart of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
While this adventure demands a fair investment and caters to the audacious at heart, the memories crafted are genuinely memorable. Excursions embark from either Launceston or Hobart, journeying towards the Collingwood River. After conquering the Franklin’s rapids over 8 to 10 days, you’ll transition to the serene Gordon River, concluding at Strahan. This odyssey offers an unrivalled encounter with nature’s raw splendour.

Seaside Retreat at Ocean Beach

Characterized by its vast, untamed landscapes, Ocean Beach offers a breathtaking vantage point to absorb the majestic seascape. Those in the mood for a sandy stroll will not be disappointed. Spanning 40km, Ocean Beach provides an unparalleled setting for introspection, particularly when you realize that the next continental stretch beyond its horizon is South America, unobstructed even by Africa.
A mere 10-minute drive from the town hub leads to Ocean Beach. Though a brief portion of this drive takes you on a gravel path, it’s manageable for 2WD vehicles, albeit sometimes a tad bumpy. While the courageous few might be tempted to swim, caution is advised due to the often tumultuous waves. The beach becomes a prime locale for sunset admirers as the day concludes. Arriving a bit ahead of time is suggested since it tends to attract crowds during twilight.

Bonnet Island Penguin Excursion

Offered between November and March via Gordon River Cruises, this tour transports you to Bonnet Island, near Hells Gate, inhabited by little or fairy penguins. Beyond the allure of the penguins, the tour includes food, platters and beverages. The intimate group setting ensures a crowd-free experience. Tour guides, well-versed in penguin facts, also shed light on the intriguing backstory of Hells Gate.

Wilderness Craftsmanship

Adjacent to Morrison’s lies Wilderness Woodworks. Could this be Tasmania’s most aromatic store? It’s a top contender. The aroma of Huon Pine oil engulfs the store/gallery, making it impossible to resist admiring the pine artifacts. Offerings range from Huon pine keychains to elegant coffee tables. This is the spot to grasp this legendary timber’s allure truly.