Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise

Exploring Tasmania’s West Coast: The Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise

If you’re looking to experience Tasmania’s wild beauty in a way that combines scenic cruising with fascinating history and a satisfying meal, the Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise might just be your ideal choice. This 6-hour voyage offers a relaxed yet engaging way to explore one of Australia’s most remarkable wilderness areas, all from the comfort of a well-equipped catamaran.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this cruise are its intimate access to the UNESCO-listed South West Wilderness and the opportunity to walk on the rainforest’s rainforest boardwalk, giving you a grounding experience of Tasmania’s lush environment. Also, the guided tour of Sarah Island offers a compelling glimpse into the island’s convict past, promising both education and intrigue.

One potential consideration is the timing and weather dependency — since the cruise operates in all weather conditions, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Finally, the price of around $111 per person offers good value but isn’t exactly a bargain, so you’ll want to weigh the experience’s depth against your travel budget.

This tour suits travelers who love a mix of nature, history, and good food in a comfortably paced outing. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic taste of Tasmania’s rugged beauty without sacrificing comfort or structure.

Key Points

• Outstanding scenery of the Gordon River, rainforest, and Hells Gates.
• Insightful guided tour of Sarah Island’s convict history.
• Relaxed 6-hour experience including a buffet dinner.
• Informative live commentary and local guides enrich the journey.
• Rainforest walk and boardwalk provide an up-close nature experience.
• Good value for a full day of sightseeing, dining, and learning.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Departure Point and Schedule

The cruise begins at 18 Esplanade, Strahan, with boarding tickets ready for pickup half an hour before departure, which is at 3:15 pm. Given the length of the tour—approximately 6 hours—you’ll want to plan your afternoon accordingly. The group size can be up to 210 travelers, which means a lively, but still manageable, gathering.

The Catamaran and Comfort

You’ll board a 115-foot (35-meter) catamaran, offering ample space and upper-deck seating to enjoy the views. Passengers rave about the comfort and friendly crew, with reviews highlighting the “fabulous” staff and “super friendly” atmosphere. The boat’s design ensures plenty of room to relax, chat, and take photos, making it suitable even for those who prefer a less crowded experience.

Scenic Cruising Down Gordon River

The journey into the Gordon River is the core of this cruise. Travelers consistently mention the peacefulness of the river, with one reviewer describing it as “so peaceful,” and “Hells Gates was amazing,” a narrow waterway with dramatic scenery. This stretch showcases Tasmania’s rugged wilderness, and the combination of calm waters and dramatic scenery makes for memorable photography and reflection.

The Rainforest Boardwalk and Nature Walks

Midway or during the cruise, you’ll disembark for a walk through the rainforest on an on-board boardwalk. This is a real highlight, offering an intimate look at the lush flora that is part of Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Many guests comment on the spectacular scenery and the informative guides who help interpret what you see, making it more than just a walk—it’s an educational experience.

The Sarah Island Guided Tour

A key element of this cruise is the guided tour of Sarah Island, once notorious as a convict settlement. The guides are knowledgeable and engaging, telling stories that bring the island’s history to life. One reviewer called it an “added bonus” and appreciated the interesting and well-presented information about the penal station. It’s a chance to step back into Tasmania’s past, with stories of hardship and resilience.

Dining and Beverages

As part of the cruise, you’ll enjoy a buffet meal featuring locally raised smoked salmon—a real treat for food lovers. The meal is served on the upper deck, allowing you to savor delicious local flavors with excellent river views. Afternoon tea and beverages are also included, and extra drinks can be purchased on board. Several reviews highlight the good value for money, noting that the meal and views made the experience feel like a well-rounded package.

Live Commentary and Guides

Throughout the journey, the skipper provides live commentary, enriching the experience with insights into the river’s geography, history, and ecology. The local on-board guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging and informative.

Weather and Clothing Tips

Since the cruise operates in all weather conditions, packing appropriately is essential. Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, so bring layers, rain gear, and sturdy shoes if you plan to walk on the rainforest boardwalk. The experience is well worth it, rain or shine.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Review Highlights

Guests consistently praise the peacefulness and natural beauty of the river, with one reviewer remarking, “the Gordon river so peaceful,” and “the wilderness is spectacular and special.” The Hells Gates section receives special mention, with visitors calling it “amazing,” and marveling at the narrow, dramatic entrance.

The Sarah Island tour earns high marks for storytelling and engagement, with one reviewer calling their guide “excellent.” Another mentions that the crew and captain went above and beyond, making the journey both fun and educational.

Food-wise, some guests wished for more local produce or a hot meal option, but overall, the buffet received positive comments, especially for the smoked salmon. The value for money is reinforced by reviews calling the experience “fabulous” and “worth it for the wilderness,” emphasizing that the combination of scenery, history, and food makes this cruise a comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s west coast.

Practical Details to Consider

• Pricing: At about $111 per person, this cruise offers a mix of scenic beauty, history, and dining, representing good value for a full-day experience.
• Duration: Six hours is enough time to relax, take in the scenery, enjoy the rainforest walk, and learn about the history without feeling rushed.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 210 travelers, expect a lively but manageable group. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
• Weather: The cruise is operated in all conditions, so dress in layers and bring rain protection.
• Additional Purchases: Drinks and snacks are available for purchase—ideal if you want to toast the sunset or enjoy more beverages.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you’re eager to see Tasmania’s wilderness in a relaxed setting, this cruise is a perfect fit. Nature lovers will adore the river, rainforest, and wildlife; history buffs will find the Sarah Island tour captivating; and foodies can indulge in quality local smoked salmon while soaking in the views. It’s an experience that balances scenic beauty, educational content, and comfort, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a meaningful day on Tasmania’s west coast.

The Sum Up

The Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise offers a well-rounded, immersive experience of Tasmania’s wild west. From tranquil river vistas to compelling stories of the convict past and a tasty buffet, it hits many notes that make a memorable trip. The knowledgeable guides, peaceful environment, and opportunity to walk in the rainforest make this tour stand out among Tasmania’s many outdoor activities.

While it isn’t the cheapest option, the blend of scenery, history, and cuisine delivers solid value. It’s best suited for travelers who want more than just a scenic boat ride — those interested in understanding and experiencing Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage in a comfortable, engaging way will find this cruise worth every penny.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise runs for approximately 6 hours, from 3:15 pm until it returns to the meeting point.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from 18 Esplanade, Strahan, with tickets ready for collection at the booking office.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the scenic cruise, a guided tour of Sarah Island, dinner with local smoked salmon, afternoon tea, a beverage, and live commentary by the skipper.

Can I buy additional drinks or snacks?
Yes, extra drinks or snacks can be purchased on board, so you can toast the sunset or enjoy more beverages if you wish.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, the cruise operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately and be prepared for Tasmania’s unpredictable climate.

What about the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 210 travelers, which means it can be lively but still manageable, with chances to meet other like-minded explorers.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a family-friendly experience, especially for those interested in nature and history.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the scenic views, guided history tour, rainforest walk, and buffet dinner, many guests say it offers excellent value for a full day of entertainment and education.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking to enjoy Tasmania’s stunning west coast in style, this cruise offers a memorable way to connect with the island’s rugged beauty.