Join us for a six hour cruise on the majestic Gordon River as you
cruise in luxury on the upper deck of the Lady Jane Franklin II. Enjoy
breathtaking views on private decks, expert commentary from fully
trained guides and delicious food and wine for the duration of your
Gordon River journey!
Enjoy a majestic cruise along the Gordon River as it winds its way to
the mouth of Macquarie Harbour and secondary waterways which have
marked the site of many historic battles for our convict heritage,
original settlers and conservationists.
Departing Strahan, you’ll board the Lady Jane Franklin II where
you’ll be privy to the Captain’s Premier Upper Deck with
its leather seating, private viewing deck and excellent food (cold
buffet of meats and salads) and wine, all included. Your vessel for the
cruise is a state of the art catamaran that produces minimal wake which
is vital for our world heritage areas.
As you start your cruising journey, you’ll explore Hell’s
Gates, the appropriately named treacherous entrance to Macquarie
Harbour which is the second-largest harbour in Australia and six times
the size of Sydney Harbour. Its unique make-up of freshwater mixed with
a saltwater layer underneath means very few fish inhabit the water,
although trout and salmon thrive in the mix.
During your six hour cruise, you’ll witness the dark waters of
the Gordon River with their spectacular reflections. The region was
once the site of a passionate protest over the damming of its pristine
waters and a long-remembered debate that spawned the Green movement
that we know today.
We’ll also stop at one of the fish farms before passing the old
penal settlement of Sarah Island. As we slow down at the mouth of the
Gordon River, we’ll continue to cruise slowly up stream to
Heritage Landing. Here, you’ll participate in a 30 minute guided
tour of the ancient temperate rainforest viewing Huon Pine trees over
2000 years of age. After boarding the catamaran, we’ll indulge in
a delicious lunch while we make our way back down stream to Sarah
Island, where our guides will tell the stories of the convicts who were
confined in Tasmania’s oldest Penal settlement in the 1820s.
On the return leg to Strahan you have time to relax and reflect on your Tasmanian wilderness journey.
VENUE:
Strahan, Tasmania – approximately 4 hours north-west of Hobart.
DURATION
This experience operates 7 days a week (we are closed from mid July
till the end of Aug). The cruise is 6 hours in duration and departs at
8.30am and returns at approx 2.15pm. During the peak summer season, an
afternoon cruise departs at 2.45pm and returns at 8.30pm approx.
Bookings are essential.
GUIDELINES:
Suitable for almost anyone. Children under the age of 4 are welcome
free of charge and must be accompanied by a paying parent / guardian.
Any child over the age of 4 must pay the full fare.
NUMBERS:
The price quoted is for one person. We operate with a minimum of 20 and
a maximum of 212 people. In the event that minimum numbers are not met,
we reserve the right to reschedule your experience for a later date.
SPECTATORS:
Not suitable for spectators.
WEATHER:
This experience operates in all weather conditions. In the event of
extreme weather, we reserve the right to cancel and reschedule your
trip for a later date.
OTHER INFO:
Lunch includes a cold buffet of meats and salads.
SUITABILITY INFORMATION:
This experience may be suitable for people with a mobility impairment. Wheelchair access is available.
Major Attractions
