Tucked away in the west coast of Tasmania is the sleepy harbour town of Strahan (pronounced Strawn). It sits on the northern edge of McQuarie Harbour and is surrounded by world heritage-listed wilderness.

The nearest city, if one can call it that, is Queenstown. To get to Strahan you will first need to reach Queenstown, and then drive, take a taxi, or ride the thrice-daily bus to Strahan.

Actually, driving to Strahan is part of the fun.  It is quite a long drive (4-5 hours) from either of the two main airports in Tasmania – Hobart and Launceston. We drove from Hobart, stopping at many interesting places en route, and the drive took up the whole day.

The entire route is on the Lyell Highway (A10).  It runs through some pretty landscapes, and passes several lakes, such as Bradys lake, London lake and Lake St Clair. Then comes the beautiful Nelson Falls, slightly off the road but easily accessible via an enchanting boardwalk.

Next, you will cross the Burbury lake via a bridge, and reach the Iron Blow Lookout at Gormanston, an old mining town that competed with Queenstown, lost out, and faded into oblivion. The Lookout is unique, because you will not be looking at scenery as you would at the usual type of lookouts.  Instead, you will be looking straight down into a very deep pit filled with very deep green water – quite extraordinary.

Iron Blow Lookout in Gormanston, TAS
Nelson falls near Quuenstown in TAS
Burbury Lake, TAS

The Horseshoe Falls are very close by, but to reach them you will have to walk along a somewhat rickety looking catwalk – too scary for us.

Next comes, the ‘99 bends’ road to Queenstown – the name sounds intimidating but it is not that difficult. There are some steep, winding and narrow sections to traverse while you descend into Queenstown. Actually,  there are only 44 bends, but 99 sounds nicer, you know.

The last stretch, the 41 Km (25 mile) stretch to Strahan is not endearing. There is not much to see and not much traffic – we were glad when it was over.

A bit about Strahan

Back in the gold rush days in the late 19th century, the Macquarie harbour at Strahan used to be the gateway to the mining and timber operations in western Tasmania. A railway service used to run from the harbour up to Queenstown.

Now that the mining boom is history, Strahan is focused on tourism. It is the entry point to the wilderness area in the south-west of Tasmania, notably the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

There are many types of accommodation here – small hotels, B&Bs and Airbnbs. The esplanade area has shops and cafes. It is a pleasant place to hang out and enjoy the views of the river and boats.

Gordon River Cruise

This town’s biggest attraction is the Gordon River cruise, which sails from the Strahan waterfront at the esplanade.

These cruises are owned and operated by a local family – the Grining brothers (Troy and Guy).  Their family has been operating boats from Strahan for four generations, since the late 1800s.

The cruise operates the purpose built ‘Spirit of the Wild’, a very spacious modern boat which cruises quietly using electric motors. There is an upper and a lower deck and two classes for better seating and views.  A delicious lunch is included, prepared with Tasmanian produce.

Amazing views during the cruise
Lighthouse sitting pretty on an island
Colors of the rocks and rugged coastline

The cruise takes off from Macquarie harbour at Strahan into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area.  It passes through Hells Gate, a narrow entrance into the Southern Ocean, and up to Sarah Island. There is a live commentary about the history and vegetation in the area. The cruise stops here and there including the Sarah Island.

Hogarth Falls

Just a short walk from the town center of Strahan, near Peoples Park, will take you to Hogarth falls. Parking is adequate and there are BBQ spots and toilets. The trail head starts at the end of the driveway.

The track takes you first through grassed areas and then into a fairly thick forest full of ferns and fungi. There are many points along the walk where you may like to stop and admire the Botanical creek and pristine rainforest all around. There are a lot of information signboards about the type of ferns and other vegetation around. Some places have thick canopies to go under.

In this part of Tasmania, it rains every day.  Consequently, the soil gets muddy, and you have to be careful. The path is wide and muddy in the beginning, and then changes into a boardwalk with grass and wires to prevent slipping.

An unusual feature of this place is the brown colour of the stream water. Apparently, the tannin in the water makes it so. The water probably picks up tannin from the vegetation as it flows into the stream from deep within the forest. It is nice to see the contrast of colors against the green of the ferns.

Hogarth Falls in Strahan, TAS
Enjoying the walk to Hogarth falls
Lovely contrast of green and brown
Hogarth falls cascading into the creek
Brown water with tannin

As you approach the falls, you will hear the sound of rushing water. Just before reaching the falls there is a staircase leading to a narrow rocky platform with an excellent view, coupled with spray from the cascading falls.

The whole hike is just about 3 kms return and it can take about an hour or so if you take it slow, and stop here and there to read the signboards and take pictures.

Strahan Historic Foreshore Walk

This is a picturesque and relaxing walk along the water’s edge, starting from West Strahan beach and passing through the Esplanade by the riverside, where the boats are moored. The route loops around the galleries and there are historic information pillars and mileage markers all along the way.

Gordon river cruise boats at the waterfront
Peaceful sunset view
Beautiful walking path
Waterfront at the promenade in Strahan
Foreshore walk ends at Regatta Point

The walk takes about 40 minutes and finishes at Regatta Point Station, the rail terminus at the Macquarie Harbour. It is a beautiful location, and we had a cup of coffee at the Tracks on Point – a conveniently located café at the station – watching the sun go down and enjoying the calm river views.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

You can go on a unique railway journey starting at Regatta Point and ending at Queenstown. The route passes through ancient rainforest, and you will hear commentaries about the history and heritage of the region. It is an ancient railway – 120 years old!

The train stops at remote wilderness stations to enable interested passengers to do fun stuff, such as honey tasting or panning for gold, or just enjoy the rainforest and take photographs.

The ancient train
Regatta Point in Strahan
Wilderness train en route

There are two carriage types to choose from. Heritage carriages provide good seating and snacks while the Wilderness carriages offer full meals and a welcome glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine onboard.

The live commentary tells you stories about the hardships endured during the railway’s construction.

Altogether, Strahan is a totally unique experience!

After three days in Strahan, we drove towards the North western part of Tasmania for more adventures.

Strahan images Tasmania
Scenes from Strahan, Tasmania

Related Posts

Pleasant Days in Burnie – Tasmania

Pleasant Days in Burnie – Tasmania

Burnie is a pretty seaside town on the north coast of Tasmania, 2 hours (147 km) from Launceston and an hour (49 km) from Devonport.  Once just a historical port city, it has blossomed into a vibrant city featuring waterfalls, bushwalks, gardens and art galleries. The...

North West Tasmania – A Unique Experience

North West Tasmania – A Unique Experience

Northwest Tasmania is pretty much as far out as it gets. Perhaps that is why it has preserved the characteristic rugged beauty of its coastlines, tranquil rivers, ancient rainforests and mysterious caves. Moreover, unique wildlife and unspoilt natural scenery abound...

The Best Sights in the Tasman Peninsula

The Best Sights in the Tasman Peninsula

Pristine beaches, soaring sea cliffs, unique rock formations and lush green forests, plus a historic world heritage listed prison site – that is Tasman Peninsula. Located at the south eastern end of Tasmania, Tasman Peninsula is just a 90-minute drive from Hobart....

Pin It on Pinterest

Leisurely Drives
Strahan waterfront at sunset
Iron Blow Lookout in Gormanston, TAS
Nelson falls near Quuenstown in TAS
Burbury Lake, TAS
Amazing views during the cruise
Lighthouse sitting pretty on an island
Colors of the rocks and rugged coastline
Hogarth Falls in Strahan, TAS
Enjoying the walk to Hogarth falls
Lovely contrast of green and brown
Hogarth falls cascading into the creek
Brown water with tannin
Gordon river cruise boats at the waterfront
Peaceful sunset view
Beautiful walking path
Waterfront at the promenade in Strahan
Foreshore walk ends at Regatta Point
The ancient train
Regatta Point in Strahan
Wilderness train en route
Strahan images Tasmania
Scenes from Strahan, Tasmania
Pleasant Days in Burnie – Tasmania
North West Tasmania – A Unique Experience
The Best Sights in the Tasman Peninsula
Tassie’s ‘Mites & Tites’ Hideaway
Pleasant Days in Burnie – Tasmania
North West Tasmania – A Unique Experience
The Best Sights in the Tasman Peninsula
Share This