The Gordon River is located in south western Tasmania, flowing from the central highlands into Mcquarie Harbour, it is a wilderness area protected by law and one of the best ways to see the area is by boat.
Cruises operate from the town of Strahan (pronounced Strawn) which is on the northern shore of Macquarie Harbour. We went with Gordon River Cruises who operate from an office on The Esplanade. Check in opens at 8am and the boat sails at 8.30, you can book in advance via their website and this is probably best for the busy summer months. The cruise lasts for 6 hours and lunch on board is included in the ticket price. There is also a small cafe bar where you can purchase coffee and snacks. The boat is a 190 seater catamaran called the Spirit of the Wild.
Seating onboard is spacious and comfortable, If you choose to remain inside the views are good thanks to the huge glass windows. There are external viewing decks for those that want to spend a little time outside.
The cruise is actually split into three parts. The first is a trip across the harbour to the narrow opening with the Southern Ocean called Hells Gate. A notoriously difficult area to navigate due to shallow water and currents you can see the remains of the breakwater that was built at the beginning of the twentieth century to improve the entrance and exit to the harbour. Bonnet Island is a small island at the entrance to the harbour upon which was built a lighthouse.
Returning from Hells gate across the harbour towards the mouth of the Gordon River you pass some of the fish farms which are permitted in the parts of the harbour which are outside the designated wilderness area.
As you enter the mouth of the river the captain switches from traditional engines to an electric motor giving a much quieter journey up the river and enabling you to enjoy the magnificent scenery in peaceful tranquility.
The temperate rainforest is dense and lush but surprisingly quiet. The Huon Pine was once king here but logging for its highly valued timber reduced numbers significantly until its cessation. They are some of the longest lived living things with some found is Tasmania estimated to be over 10,000 years old.
The boat docks at Heritage Landing where a boardwalk has been built to take you on a short circular walk through the forest. It really is a most amazing place, a vulnerable ecosystem which must be preserved for the future.
From Heritage Landing the boat heads back downstream as this is the farthest that lane boats can travel.
As you enter back into Macquarie Harbour the main engines are re-engaged and you set course for Sarah Island, the final part of the cruise.
For eleven years between 1822 and 1833 Sarah Island housed the toughest penal colony in Australia. If you caused trouble in other colonies you were sent here, if you escaped and were recaptured you were sent here. Isolated in Macquarie Harbour escape from here was virtually impossible.
You spend about an hour here and are taken round by a Ranger who gives a very informative and entertaining commentary as you walk around what remains of the site. Considering its location, exposure to the elements and age the buildings are quite well preserved. You cab still see the remains of the bread oven in what would have been the camp bakery.
The tour ends back at the landing stage and you board the boat for the three quarters of an hours cruise back to Strahan, arriving back at around 2.30. A great trip and well worth doing if you are lucky enough to visit this wonderful part of Tasmania.
