Discover Tasmania’s Wild West Coast
Strahan, a picturesque harbour town on Tasmania’s west coast, offers rich history and stunning natural landscapes. As the gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, it invites visitors to explore rainforests, cruise the Gordon River, and experience the region’s beauty and adventure.
A Scenic Journey Through Tasmania’s Wilderness
Strahan is a picturesque harbour-side town on Tasmania’s West Coast, approximately 300km (5 hours’ drive) from Hobart, 270km (4 hours’ drive) from Launceston, and 230km (3 hours’ drive) from Devonport. The drive from each of these main centres is spectacular, offering views of magnificent rainforests, mountain peaks, lakes, and historical landmarks along the way.
Embrace Strahan’s Seasonal Charm
Strahan’s population is approximately 700 but swells considerably during peak season in the summer months.
Weather here can be unpredictable at any time of year. Even in Summer you may need a warm jacket, just in case of a cold Antarctic blast or rain front coming through from the Southern Ocean. But when the sun shines there is no better place to be, and that is the beauty of Strahan and the West Coast of Tasmania.
Autumn, we think, is also a fabulous time to visit. Although we can’t guarantee the weather, when the sun shines and the air is cool and crisp, with no wind, the days are magical!
Strahan’s Main Attractions
World Heritage Cruises
Take a cruise on the Gordon River aboard “Harbour Master II”, with lunch included. Ride through Hells Gates and see Tasmanian aquaculture Macquarie Harbour style. Take a guided tour of Sarah Island, one of the oldest penal settlements in Australia. Relive the absorbing tale of how the inmates turned a hell on earth, into one of the largest ship building yards in Australia, and Heritage Landing walk, deep in the rain forest. If you phone to make a reservation (03) 6471 7174 and mention you are staying at Castaway you may be eligible for a discount!
For more information about the cruise visit their website www.worldheritagecruises.com.au
Gordon River Cruises
Take a cruise aboard the “Spirit of the Wild”. Guided shore excursion to Sarah Island and Heritage Landing walk, Buffet lunch included. www.gordonrivercruises.com.au
West Coast Wilderness Railway
Take a steam train ride into history on the unique West Coast ABT Wilderness Railway, departing from Regatta Point station. Booking essential to avoid disappointment, check out their website for availability www.wcwr.com.au or phone (03) 6471 0100.
“The Ship that Never Was”
The dramatic, and hilarious, true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island performed every evening at 5:30pm in the Richard Davey Amphitheatre, September through to May (and possibly longer depending on interest). www.roundearth.com.au
Other Places of Interest
Morrison’s Huon Pine Sawmill: Watch in awe at the master craftsmen creating the Huon Pine products for you to purchase.
Strahan Golf Club: Nine hole golf course providing plenty of challenges, green fees are only $10.00 per day to non-members, all players welcome with club hire available.
West Strahan Beach: Safe swimming and paddling, ideal for young children with BBQ, picnic area and playground.
Peoples Park: Hogarth Falls, a 40 minute return walk, through West Coast rain forest and keep an eager eye out for the elusive Platypus, present in the streams.
Henty Dunes: Explore one of the wonders of the West Coast, the ever changing sand dunes located just 15 minutes drive north of Strahan, towards Zeehan.
Macquarie Heads: The harbour entrance 18 km west of Strahan, renowned as “Hells Gates” by early convicts.
Ocean Beach Trail: An approximate 2 kilometre walk to Ocean Beach from the car park, through the native bushland, alternatively ride your mountain bike along the trail.
Ocean Beach: Walk along this long expanse of beach, breath in the freshest of air, with the next landfall west of Tasmania being Argentina.
Mutton Birds: See thousands of Short-tailed Shearwater birds return to their nests as night falls, after feeding offshore, during December until February.
