Set on the edge of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, Strahan is a historic village overlooking Macquarie Harbour. It has a fascinating pioneering past and serves as the gateway to the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Things to go
From the People’s Park in Strahan, enjoy an easy walk to beautiful Hogarth Falls, with interpretive signs lining the way. The river is known for its platypus sightings, so you may be lucky and catch a glimpse of this rarely seen creature.
Take a boat cruise along the Gordon River to experience the untouched temperate rainforests surrounding Strahan. Hear the tales of those who tried to penetrate this vast wilderness while indulging in a buffet lunch of gourmet Tasmanian produce.
Make a stop at the former penal settlement of Sarah Island where convicts once felled Huon pines to build boats. Learn about the harsh realities of convict life in 19th-century Tasmania while exploring the ruins.
Strahan lies at one end of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which travels east to the former mining hub of Queenstown through magnificent old growth rainforests. The beautifully refurbished carriages are pulled by original Dubs and Co. Abt steam locomotives built to tackle the rugged terrain.
Getting around Strahan
Strahan is around 4.5 hours’ drive from Hobart or three hours from Devonport where the closest airport is located. While the town itself is easy to explore on foot, a vehicle is best if you want to explore Tasmania’s West Coast.