Things to do in Strahan

Things to do in  Strahan

Escape to the west coast

On the west coast of Tasmania, at the northern end of Macquarie Harbour, the remote village of Strahan is a former penal colony turned regional tourism center. Surrounded by national parks and reserves, Strahan is an excellent jumping-off point for tours by boat, plane, and helicopter into the South West Wilderness region. One of the best things to do in Strahan is take a river cruise on the Gordon River; sail by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates; and explore the former penal colony on Sarah Island.

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Top 4 attractions in Strahan

#1

Sarah Island

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Established in 1821 during Australia’s period of colonization, Sarah Island was used as a penal settlement where convicts were sent and forced to do the harsh labor of felling Huon pine used for shipbuilding. Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, the island is Australia’s oldest penal colony and the most isolated.More
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#2

Gordon River

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This remote stretch of waterway is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and boasts approximately 117 miles (188 kilometers of the unobstructed river completely devoid of inhabitants and civilizations. Cruise along the Gordon River for a peaceful glimpse of the banks of one of the last temperate rainforests in the world.More
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#3

Lake St. Clair

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Reaching depths of 560 feet (170 meters, Lake St. Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and one of the most beautiful. Set at an elevation of 2,400 feet (732 meters, this cobalt lake and its forest-lined shores are part of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.More
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#4

Henty Dunes

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Rising from the coastline of western Tasmania like soft, shapeshifting mountains, the Henty Dunes comprise a series of wind-sculpted pinnacles with sweeping views of the shoreline. The dunes extend for some 9 miles (15 km along the coast, and the tallest reach heights of nearly 100 feet (30 meters.More
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Explore Strahan by interest

Top activities in Strahan

Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan

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1404
From
$99.06
Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan

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1020
From
$102.36
The Pillinger Explorer
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The Pillinger Explorer

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10
From
$171.70
Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise

Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise

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19
From
$102.36
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All about Strahan

When to visit

For warm weather and less rain, the best time to visit Strahan is between December and February. That said, the west coast of Tasmania is typically wetter than the east, so it can rain any time of year. If you visit during Australia’s wet winter months, you might feel like you have the place to yourself, but some attractions will likely be closed.

Getting around

While much of Strahan is walkable, the best way to get there is to drive. There are bus services to the village from all major Tasmanian cities, but the journey is long. Having your own vehicle also opens up more opportunities for exploring the surrounding parks and reserves. Alternatively, you can see the nearby sights by taking one of the numerous Gordon River boat tours that depart from Strahan or the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which takes passengers deep into rainforest.

Traveler tips

While in Strahan, go platypus spotting at Hogarth Falls. It’s an easy 25-min walk (each way) from People’s Park, along a path that through the rainforest. Afterward head to Ocean Beach, a few minutes west of town, to enjoy sunset on the longest beach in Tasmania. If you’re there anytime from September to February, you can also see short-tailed shearwaters coming back to the beach to roost.

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People Also Ask

What is Strahan, Tasmania, known for?

Strahan in Tasmania is known as a former mining port on Macquarie Harbour. It sits along the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway and serves as a base for visiting the Sarah Island penal settlement.

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What activities are popular in Strahan?

Popular activities in Strahan include going on a boat cruise on the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour to the Sarah Island penal settlement and taking a ride on the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway.

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How many days do you need in Strahan, Tasmania?

Allowing at least two days in Strahan gives you time to see the small town in Tasmania and to explore surrounding attractions such as Macquarie Harbour and the Henty Dunes.

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Is it better to stay in Queenstown or Strahan?

It’s better to stay in Strahan if you want to take a boat cruise on Macquarie Harbour or the Gordon River. It’s better to stay in Queenstown if you want mountain views and access to waterfalls and hiking trails.

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What is there to do in Strahan in the winter?

Things to do in sleepy Strahan in winter include taking a boat cruise on Macquarie Harbour, visiting Hogarth Falls, and learning about the area’s convict history.

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Is Strahan, Tasmania, worth visiting?

Yes, Strahan in Tasmania is worth visiting for its easy access to the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Macquarie Harbour historic site, and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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