Saturday, February 29, 2020

Tasmania Travels. Gordon River Cruises, Strahan

Our first morning in Strahan, we woke early...but not early enough. 
I read the times wrong for our boat cruise departure and we were half an hour "behind schedule". We made it down to the jetty in the nick of time to board the Gordon River Cruises brand new catamaran, Spirit of the Wild. We were shown to our seats, a comfy booth style 4 seat couch at the bow of the boat. By the time we had departed, the booth next to us was still vacant, so we were able to spread out over the 2 seats and tables. We motored out of Macquarie Harbour, past Hells Gates to Bass Strait, then back in and up the Gordon River.
Gordon River Cruises Strahan
Gordon River Cruises Strahan

Gordon River Cruises Strahan
Gordon River Cruises StrahanThe water was the colour of black tea and we were in awe at the size of the 


Unfortunately, a  breeze kept the reflections away that day, but it was still a wonderful cruise.
Gordon River Cruises Strahan

We stopped at Heritage Landing for a short walk along the wooden boardwalk, to see the plants and trees. 
Gordon River Cruises Strahan
Gordon River Cruises StrahanWe purchased snacks for morning tea and then lunch was a delicious buffet style feast served during the cruise. A selection of books were a great addition to the cruise, as we could read more about the history of the area. 
Gordon River Cruises Strahan

Even the loo had a good view!

Gordon River Cruises Strahan
We arrived at the former penal colony, Sarah Island, where we split into 2 large groups and were led around the island by a wonderful guide, who told us the history of the place with a funny and theatrical delivery. 
Gordon River Cruises Strahan

Gordon River Cruises Strahan

Gordon River Cruises Strahan
Gordon River Cruises Strahan



We enjoyed every minute of the cruise, reflections or not, and think it was one of the best outings on our Tassie trip.
Strahan TasmaniaWe arrived back into Strahan mid afternoon and went to the Visitor Centre, where we visited a small exhibition out the back. Displays focused on mining, logging, and the Franklin Gordon Dam controversy in the '80's. 

We even played a Gordon River version of Snakes'n'Ladders...
Strahan Tasmania

 ...and learned how to tie a knot.
Strahan Tasmania
We bought tickets for the long running local theatre production, The Ship That Never Was, (Entertainment Book discount) and enjoyed a funny, informative show about the last convicts of Sarah Island and their final voyage out of the harbour.
The cast of 2 actors, accompanied by an ensemble from the audience, had us laughing hysterically as they trod the boards of the good ship 'Frederick'. 
Bravo!

The Ship That Never Was Strahan Tasmania

I bought a couple of booklets from the theatre, as well as a novel by Adam Courtenay for some holiday reading at home. 
The Ship That Never Was Strahan Tasmania

























What: Gordon River Cruise

Where: Strahan

Why: cruise, history, theatre

When: Daily 

How much: varies

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