World Heritage Cruises

Tour Operator

World Heritage Cruises on the spectacular Gordon River.

Enjoy spectacular views as we glide up The Gordon River

The Red Boat heading towards Sarah Island from Hells' Gates

Walk amongst ancient trees at Heritage Landing

There are two kiosks on board Harbour Master II

World Heritage Cruises is located in Strahan on Tasmania's beautiful and rugged West Coast. Join us on our brand new specially designed, Tasmanian-built catamaran, as we cruise into the world's last great temperate rainforest deep within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A century-old family tradition of local hospitality is the foundation of World Heritage Cruises. Five successive generations of Grinings have explored every bend of the mighty Gordon River; beginning as pioneer settlers who ferried their first passengers in 1896. Today, the family continue the passion of their ancestors. During the cruise, passengers enjoy the natural and historic features of Macquarie Harbour, including Hells Gates, a Sarah Island penal settlement guided tour, and cruising the majestic Gordon River. Disembark at Heritage Landing to explore the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest, and walk amongst Huon pine trees that were merely a seedling 2,000 years ago. An informed and interesting narrative is a key part of the journey. A fresh individually served lunch prepared on board is included and features delicious Tasmanian produce. The new vessel Harbour Master II boasts extra-large windows for uninterrupted viewing throughout, a spacious layout, outstanding comfort, and excellent onboard service exceeding passenger expectations, making this cruise a thoroughly memorable experience.

18 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania, 7468

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Boating

Walks

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Tours

Tour

Morning Heritage Cruise

World Heritage Cruises are a local family-owned business who have been taking passengers to Macquarie Harbour and The Gordon River for over 125 years. Our Gordon River Cruise is a unique way to explore UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness at its best. Our new catamaran is spacious, stylish and extremely comfortable allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on offer. Our Morning Heritage Cruise departs the Strahan Wharf heading for Hells Gates, the narrow-channel entrance to Macquarie Harbour, as well as visiting Sarah Island where expert guides tell you the stories that make up the rich history of the ex-penal settlement, the spectacular Gordon River and the boardwalk of Heritage Landing. Our engaging on-board commentary about the area's human history, ecology and geology is enriched with anecdotes from the Grining family's vast experiences of cruising this famous river. Individually served lunches feature fresh Tasmanian produce, enjoyed whilst gliding along The Gordon River. Window or centre seating is allocated on our Main and Upper Deck. Upper Deck seating includes complimentary morning tea. Passengers have access to the entire vessel, with four outdoor decks, two with additional seating. Morning Heritage Cruise departs at 0900 and returns 1500 daily.

$155 - $210

Tour

Afternoon Heritage Cruise

World Heritage Cruises are a local family-owned business who have been taking passengers to Macquarie Harbour and The Gordon River for over 125 years. Our Gordon River Cruise is a unique way to explore UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness at its best. We operate our Afternoon Heritage Cruise from Strahan on the west coast of Tasmania. Our Afternoon Heritage Cruise departs the Strahan Wharf heading for Hells Gates, the narrow-channel entrance to Macquarie Harbour, as well as visiting Sarah Island where expert guides tell you the stories that make up the rich history of the ex-penal settlement, the spectacular Gordon River and the boardwalk of Heritage Landing. Our engaging on-board commentary about the area's human history, ecology and geology is enriched with anecdotes from the Grining family's vast experiences of cruising this famous river. Individually served dinners feature fresh Tasmanian produce, enjoyed whilst gliding along The Gordon River. Window or centre seating is allocated on our Main and Upper Deck. Upper Deck seating includes complimentary afternoon tea. Passengers have access to the entire vessel, with four outdoor decks, two with additional seating. Afternoon Heritage Cruise departs at 1515 and returns 2030 from 27th December to 16th January.

$155 - $210

COVID Clean Practicing Business

Quality Tourism Accreditation

Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC

Places to stay

Accommodation

Strahan Village

Strahan

Strahan Village is situated in the heart of Strahan and offers a variety of accommodation types. Accommodation options include individual cottages, terraces, rooms, and premium harbour view rooms with magnificent views over Macquarie Harbour. Strahan has multiple restaurants, including View 42° Restaurant and Bar where you can indulge in an afternoon wine while admiring views over the harbour, please note that the restaurant is closed until September 2024. Hamer's Bar and Bistro offers a casual dining experience on the waterfront and features the best of local produce. The Kitchen Café is perfect for a hearty breakfast or lunch stop. If you would like to cruise into the World Heritage Area, Spirit of the Wild, the purpose-built Gordon River Cruises vessel crosses Macquarie Harbour to Hell's Gates and then enters the Gordon River with perfect reflections of riverside rainforest. This unique vessel cruises quietly under electric motors in the World Heritage Area. The West Coast Wilderness Railway, one of the world's best railway journeys, runs through spectacular rainforest gorges between Strahan and Queenstown, following the track of Tasmania's railway and mining pioneers.

Accommodation

Castaway Holiday Apartments

Strahan

Castaway Holiday Apartments offer six affordable, spacious self-contained apartments in Strahan, on Tasmania's picturesque West Coast. The two-bedroom self-contained apartments cater to two to four guests. The open plan lounge and dining area are spacious and well-appointed, including a 32” flat screen television and a DVD player. The kitchen has both a full-size oven and refrigerator. A queen bed is situated in the main bedroom and two single beds in the second bedroom. All beds are fitted with electric blankets for extra warmth during the cooler months. Enjoy our shared garden barbecue area, guest laundry, complimentary DVD library and Wi-Fi to all rooms. All apartments have level access and parking at the front door. One apartment is equipped for guests with disabilities (with assistance). The wharf and restaurants are just a five-minute walk. Harbour cruises depart daily to explore the Gordon River and Sarah Island. Castaway Holiday Apartments is a four-hour drive from Launceston and five-hour from Hobart, through spectacular scenery. The apartments provide an economically priced base from which couples, families, or friends can explore the surrounding World Heritage area.

Accommodation

Aloft Boutique Accommodation

Strahan

Aloft Boutique offers Executive accommodation in Strahan, on Tasmania's West Coast. Offering comfortable self contained apartment style or studio accommodation, Aloft is the place to stay. These contemporary serviced apartments are located only 500 metres from the shores of Macquarie Harbour, making this accommodation the perfect Strahan getaway for a romantic Tasmanian escape, weekend adventure or extended stopover. While you are visiting, enjoy a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, or a cruise on Macquarie Harbour to Sarah Island, Hells Gates and the iconic Gordon River on World Heritage Cruises. Take a trip down the Western Journeys Drive to reach the port of Strahan and explore the world-class wilderness area.

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