Strahan Gordon River Cruise: Is It Worth It? A Review
Tasmania’s west coast, that’s a place packed with wilderness and some interesting past happenings, yet it can be tricky to truly experience it all. That said, there’s this cruise that goes on the Gordon River from Strahan. Now, I had heard quite a lot about it, so I went along, keen to see if it actually matched the hype. Let me share with you what it was like and whether I believe that it’s a great experience, and just maybe you’ll find it’s something you’d enjoy, too!
Setting Sail from Strahan: First Impressions
Strahan, that’s a town where the air feels crisp, you know, and the boats bob gently in the harbor, so starting there definitely feels like stepping into an adventure. That moment you board the Spirit of the Huon, it’s all about spotting that perfect viewing spot. As we set off, well, there were these announcements giving us a glimpse into the history of the area, so I thought it would be cool to actually hear about the early piners and convicts. It really does set the scene for what’s ahead. Also, just taking in the scenery as you glide out, with that open ocean air, is quite bracing. A bit thrilling too, as you head towards the Gordon River!
Hell’s Gates: Where the Ocean Roars
Heading through Hell’s Gates, they call it that, the mouth of Macquarie Harbour is definitely something. Waves crashing, stories about convicts trying to escape. It’s pretty wild to think about what that must have been like back then. So the commentary does a good job of bringing that period of time to life. You can imagine why they picked that name, what with all the commotion from the sea meeting the harbor, kind of forbidding, actually. Just standing out on deck, gripping the railing, and listening to those tales, that was maybe a bit much, but at the end I realised it really got me into the spirit of the voyage!
The Gordon River: A Serene Escape
Once we turned into the Gordon River, well, that’s where things changed, the mood just altered completely. I remember the water turning dark and smooth, like a mirror. And the forest, wow, ancient Huon pines leaning over the banks. It’s seriously like entering another the past. That sense of peace really got to me, you know? Gliding along without a sound. In some respects, it’s kind of easy to forget everyday stresses.
Sarah Island: Echoes of the Past
Sarah Island. Man, this is some heavy place to take in, as a matter of fact. Our guided walk brought the convict past there back to life in a great way, not gonna lie. I was envisioning what those days must have been like just by looking at the ruins, chains, cells and stuff. Seeing the theater they made there was really something, considering the brutal history and way of living. The guides, they had great stories that kind of pull you in. They weren’t cutting corners! So that’s another aspect, learning about the human spirit staying strong in places where life was very grim.
The Buffet Lunch: Fueling the Adventure
Ok, the buffet lunch, you know, it’s better than I was anticipating, so I was pleasantly impressed. The variety was fairly decent, from salmon to roasts, as a matter of fact. The salads tasted very, very fresh and they had some pretty appealing desserts to grab. Grabbing food while looking out over the Gordon River, that definitely enhanced the meal for me, you know? Everything did taste really well, and that did assist me in getting more energy for the remainder of the tour. Good food makes such a difference, seriously, it does!
Reflections at Heritage Landing
Heritage Landing, that’s another calm spot, so, yeah, it really showcases that forest environment they are always speaking about. Walking those boardwalks surrounded by old Huon pines, well that truly connects you, in a way, with nature. They give a chat about the significance of these trees. They’re really quite old. Breathing in that fresh forest air really brings the place to life, literally! Taking the time to reflect on the trip there kind of brings you into that slower rhythm of the west Tasmanian wilderness.
Photography Opportunities: Capturing the Essence
As for camera chances, well, this cruise, that presents lots of them, arguably! From the start, sailing from Strahan, you have the light playing over the water and landscape. You’ll get shots of the river bends reflecting light through that dark water. Plus those reflections, well, they seem special in some ways. That stop at Sarah Island also brings photo opportunities. As I was saying, that light. Make certain you snap that wild landscape of Tasmania! Any camera buffs are basically sure to get something they like.
Concluding Thoughts: Is the Cruise Worth It?
So, should you make that trip? Speaking from what I felt, absolutely I think it’s worthwhile. That blend of history, those wild landscapes, those moments of total peace – all are, in some respects, special. I came away with a greater liking of Tasmania’s west coast history, like your normal tourist! If those convict stories grab you, as a matter of fact, or even getting to enjoy nature, seriously, give it a look. All you have to do is factor in that buffet, like, and that experience may grab you, literally!
- Historical Depth: Sarah Island brings Tasmania’s harsh convict past into very stark relief.
- Natural Wonder: The Gordon River offers a tranquil and pretty unique environment.
- Relaxation: The cruise gives you those moments to take it all in, too!