World Heritage Cruises in Strahan is a local family-owned and operated business that has been showing guests the beauty and diversity of Macquarie Harbour and The Gordon River for over 125 years. The cruise takes in Hells Gates, the narrow-channel entrance to Macquarie Harbour, stopping to view aquaculture farms before cruising the peaceful Gordon River. Cruising in a comfortable, 35 metre catamaran ‘Harbour Master II’ guests can relax and appreciate this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness.
There are two stops along the way, each led by experienced guides. At Heritage Landing, guests walk through the lichen-covered rainforest to view a 2,000-year-old Huon Pine tree. On Sarah Island, Tasmania’s first penal settlement, visitors gain a real insight into the harsh conditions faced by convicts. Walking around the brick ruins while hearing incredible stories of mischief, ingenuity, productivity, and hardship gives a glimpse into this brutal, yet important time in Australia’s colonial history.
Once you board the World Heritage Cruise vessel at Strahan, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of this amazing area. There are four outdoor decks with additional seating, and you can even visit the captain who provides fascinating commentary on everything from the penal colony history of Sarah Island to the hard life of loggers in the area.
Interesting video presentations show the protest to stop the proposed Gordon River dam and the part the family who owns World Heritage Cruises played in conserving this important piece of the Tasmanian wilderness. Along the way, the friendly staff are there to serve meals and drinks. It’s certainly a wonderful way to experience this unique part of the West Coast.
World Heritage Cruises offers morning and afternoon/evening cruises, depending on the time of year. The cruises are between five and six hours and include delicious meals featuring fresh Tasmanian produce.
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A World Heritage cruise into The Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is an iconic West Coast adventure. Travelling in comfort with a family who have been bringing visitors to these parts for over 125 years is one of the best experiences on any Tasmanian tour itinerary.
Charles Grining was a settler and pioneer who moved his family to Strahan in 1887 to rebuild their life after a horrific bushfire. Charles and his son Harry became renowned boatbuilders, who built many of the famous Gordon River Punts that were used by Piners and can still be seen scattered along the Strahan coastline.
The Grining family today maintain a love for boats and boat building, as do their children who work in the business alongside many young locals. The family’s passion for showing guests their beloved Gordon River has grown and their World Heritage Cruises have become something their ancestors would be proud of.
World Heritage Cruises travel a distance of 65 nautical miles, which is approximately 120 kilometres. From Strahan to the mouth of the Gordon River is 40 kilometres and Macquarie Harbour is three times larger than Sydney Harbour.
Yes! There are qualified, informative guides who lead guests at both stops - Heritage Landing and Sarah Island. There is also a guide onboard throughout the cruise to answer any questions.
The West Coast weather can be quite unpredictable. You’ll be protected whilst onboard, but it’s always worth bringing an extra layer for warmth and a rain jacket for shore visits.
Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.
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We are a Green Travel Leader. This is awarded to businesses which have consistently proven their commitment to sustainable tourism management over ten years.
As a Sustianable Tourism accredited business, we are proud to offer engaging tourism experiences that follow sound sustainability practices and environmental appreciation.
Quality Tourism accredited businesses like Fun Over 50 lead the way by offering the highest industry standards of customer service, satisfaction, reliability, and ethical practices.
We are committed to operating in ways that respect and reinforce Indigenous cultural heritage and the authenticity and integrity of living cultures of Indigenous communities.
We have incorporated strategic climate change responses across all relevant levels of our planning and operations. We are working towards becoming carbon neutral.
With Advanced Ecotourism certification, we offer outstanding experiences which let you get back to nature, help conservation, and minimise environmental impact.
We are a credible, well trained, and professional business. We conduct business in compliance with Australian Consumer Law and in accordance with ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
The Council of Australian Tour Operators represents tour operators and wholesalers. As a full CATO member, we provide authentic and original holidays with sustainable travel.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.
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