Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Ayşe Nurdan Öngel, Pexels
Strahan, located on Tasmania's rugged west coast, offers a unique blend of wilderness, history, and adventure, serving as a tranquil gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Visitors are drawn to its stunning natural landscapes and the compelling stories of its past as a penal settlement and a hub for the timber industry.
Strahan is a small, quiet village not known for a vibrant nightlife, making it less suitable for those seeking a lively social scene. However, for those staying at accommodations like Strahan Backpackers, there are opportunities to socialize with other travelers through shared kitchen facilities, BBQ areas, and a common lounge.
Top 6 Things to do in Strahan
In Strahan, one can experience a mix of historical journeys, serene wilderness cruises, and engaging natural explorations.
1. Gordon River Cruise
Embarking on a Gordon River Cruise offers a comprehensive immersion into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The journey, lasting approximately six hours, unfolds through the narrow, often turbulent Hell's Gates where Macquarie Harbour meets the Southern Ocean. Visitors gain insight into local aquaculture with views of fish farms before stepping ashore at Sarah Island, a former penal settlement, for a guided tour that reveals its harsh convict history. The experience culminates with a tranquil boardwalk stroll through ancient Huon Pine rainforest at Heritage Landing, showcasing pristine wilderness.
Cost: Pricing varies by seating and cruise operator. Typically, Main Deck Centre adult tickets are around A$155-A$165, while Main Deck Window seats range from A$190-A$199. Premier Upper Deck options, offering additional amenities, can range from A$200-A$350. Child tickets (5-16 years) are approximately A$70-A$100. Family discounts are often available. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to popularity, especially during peak seasons.
Transport: Cruises depart directly from Strahan Wharf, centrally located and within walking distance of most accommodations in Strahan village.
2. West Coast Wilderness Railway
A journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway is a step back in time, traversing 35 kilometers of rugged terrain between Strahan and Queenstown. This historic steam (or diesel) railway, originally built to transport copper ore, now offers various tours, such as the 'River and Rainforest' journey from Strahan. The ride immerses passengers in dense rainforests, across impressive bridges including the formidable Iron Bridge, and into deep gorges. Stops along the way provide opportunities to pan for gold, witness the re-watering of the steam train, and take short walks through the cool temperate rainforest, uncovering tales of pioneering engineers and the region's mining past.
Cost: Adult fares for tours like 'River and Rainforest' are typically around A$110, with child tickets approximately A$55. Different tour lengths and carriage types (heritage vs. wilderness with balconies) may affect pricing. It is advisable to check the railway's official website for current timetables and specific tour costs, as maintenance works can sometimes alter routes or availability.
Transport: The railway departs from Regatta Point Station in Strahan, which is a short walk or drive from the main village centre.
3. Hogarth Falls Walk
The Hogarth Falls walk offers a peaceful and accessible encounter with Strahan's natural beauty. This easy, well-maintained track, approximately 2.4 kilometers return (taking 40-50 minutes), meanders through a lush rainforest in People's Park. Following Botanical Creek, one is surrounded by towering gum trees, leatherwood, sassafras, and myrtle. The reward is a two-tiered waterfall, Hogarth Falls, which cascades over tilted rock formations. With luck, platypus can occasionally be spotted in the creek, particularly around dusk, adding to the wildlife viewing opportunity.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The trailhead is located in People's Park, which is conveniently situated between Strahan Wharf and Regatta Point, making it easily walkable from the main Strahan village.
4. Henty Dunes
Experience the unexpected desert-like landscape of Henty Dunes, a vast system of sand dunes stretching for 15 kilometers along the coast, with some dunes reaching heights of up to 30 meters. These impressive formations are shaped by the powerful 'Roaring Forties' winds. Visitors can explore the dunes by taking a 1.5-hour return walk to Ocean Beach, or for a more adventurous experience, try sandboarding or tobogganing down the slopes. The area provides a stark, dramatic contrast to Tasmania's typical rainforest scenery and is a great spot to witness a wild, rugged coastline.
Cost: Access to Henty Dunes is free. However, if one wishes to try sandboarding or tobogganing, equipment can be hired from select businesses in Strahan (rental fees apply). Quad bike tours are also available from private operators.
Transport: Henty Dunes are located approximately 10-15 minutes drive north of Strahan on the road to Zeehan. There is no public transport available directly to the dunes; access is typically by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour. Taxis would be an option for those without their own transport.
5. The Ship That Never Was (Play)
Delight in 'The Ship That Never Was,' Australia's longest-running play, offering a humorous and interactive retelling of a true story from Sarah Island. This engaging production vividly brings to life the tale of the last convict ship built on Sarah Island and a daring escape. The play is known for its audience participation and family-friendly appeal, providing an entertaining and unique insight into Strahan's convict past and the resilience of those who inhabited the penal settlement.
Cost: Ticket prices for the performance apply; specific costs are best confirmed directly with the Round Earth Theatre Company, who produces the play.
Transport: The play is performed in Strahan, typically at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre near the waterfront, which is within easy walking distance of most village accommodations.
6. Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill
At Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill, visitors can delve into the fascinating history and significance of the Huon Pine, a unique and ancient Tasmanian timber. This working sawmill offers demonstrations and provides insight into the logging practices and the lives of the 'piners' who shaped Strahan's timber industry. It's an opportunity to learn about the properties of this rare wood and its role in the region's development, with craftsmen often creating pieces on-site.
Cost: While specific costs for entry or demonstrations are not widely published, many similar heritage mills offer free demonstrations or have small entry fees. Check locally for the most up-to-date information.
Transport: The sawmill is located in Strahan, generally within walking distance of the central township area.
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