sTRAHAN

Strahan is a picturesque harbour town on Tasmania’s rugged west coast, surrounded by ancient rainforest, wild rivers and the serene waters of Macquarie Harbour.Once an important port for the region’s mining and timber industries, it’s now a popular base for exploring the Tasmanian wilderness and experiencing the area’s fascinating convict and maritime history. 

One of Strahan’s greatest attractions is its connection with the Gordon River, where visitors can cruise through tannin-darkened waters and explore the nearby penal settlement of Sarah Island. The town also provides a gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, one of the largest and most spectacular tracts of temperate rainforest in the world. 

 Below is a list of the most popular things to do in Strahan and recommended accommodation options for all budgets. 

Best things to do in strahan

  •  A Gordon River cruise is one of those iconic, not-to-miss Strahan experiences. Cruises travel across Macquarie Harbour through Hells Gates and into the tannin-stained waters of the Gordon River, where the surrounding rainforest often creates mirror-like reflections. 

    Most cruises include a stop at Heritage Landing for a rainforest walk among ancient Huon pines and a visit to Sarah Island, where guides explain the area's convict history. Established in the 19th century as a penal settlement, Sarah Island became notorious for the harsh conditions endured by convicts.

    World Heritage Cruises offers morning cruises that depart Strahan at 9:00 and return at 15:00, with a delicious lunch included. During the peak summer months (27 December to 16 January), they also offer an afternoon cruise (including dinner) that departs Strahan at 15:15 and returns at 20:30. 

  • For a quieter and more active way to experience the area, consider kayaking around Strahan and Macquarie Harbour. It allows you to get much closer to the water and rainforest than you can on a large cruise boat.

     Guided trips with West Coast Kayaking take you into sheltered waterways and rainforest-fringed coves, with the possibility of seeing wildlife and exploring secluded beaches.

     Departing from West Strahan Beach at 9:00, West Coast Kayaking runs 2.5-hour morning paddles in stable double sea kayaks. They also offer customised kayaking excursions to other West Coast locations, such as Lake Burbury, Tullah and the Henty River.

  • The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a heritage train journey between Strahan and Queenstown through the magnificent rainforest of western Tasmania. Originally built in the late 19th century to transport copper from the mines around Queenstown to the port at Strahan, the railway now operates heritage steam and diesel services along sections of the original route. 

     The journey includes dramatic rainforest scenery and historic railway infrastructure, with commentary explaining the railway's engineering and mining history. Different options are available, ranging from shorter trips to longer excursions, and not every service operates every day. It’s best to check the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s current timetable. 

     Departures from Strahan

     •          The Cryptic Express (1.5 hours): Departs from Regatta Point Station, Strahan, travelling inland along Macquarie Harbour and the King River towards the rainforest.

    •          Teepookana and the King (2.5 hours): A longer Strahan-based journey through rainforest and along the King River, with a stop at Teepookana.

     Departures from Queenstown

     •          Lynchford Express (20 minutes): A short heritage railway journey from Queenstown to Lynchford, including an opportunity for gold panning and exploration of the former mining area.

    •          Rinadeena, Rack and Rainforest (3 hours): A longer steam journey from Queenstown through rainforest to Rinadeena, including travel over the famous Abt rack-and-pinion section.

  • For an easy walk close to town, head to Hogarth Falls through People's Park. The 2.4 km return walk takes around 40–50 minutes and passes through a tract of cool-temperate rainforest containing myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood. Ending at a picturesque cascade, it’s one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks.

     Ocean Beach + Henty Dunes

     Ocean Beach is the dramatic coastal counterpoint to Strahan's sheltered harbour. At around 40 km long, it is Tasmania's longest beach, with the Southern Ocean producing powerful surf and an enormous sense of space. It's particularly impressive around sunset, although the beach is wild and not patrolled, so swimming isn't recommended.

     A highlight of visiting Ocean Beach is climbing the Henty Dunes, some of which rise to around 30 metres. You can walk across them to Ocean Beach or hire a sandboard in Strahan and slide down the slopes. 

  • The Ship That Never Was is a lively theatrical play that tells the true story of the last ship built by convicts on Sarah Island. The play focuses on a group of convicts who stole the vessel in 1834 and attempted to escape to South Australia. It’s an entertaining mix of historical events with comedy, audience interaction and plenty of local storytelling. 

     The performance is run by the Round Earth Theatre Company and takes place at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre (next to the West Coast Information Centre on the Esplanade). During the warmer months (1 September 2025 to 31 May), performances take place every evening at 17:30 and bookings are essential.

     Performances continue throughout June and July, provided there are enough bookings and the weather is favourable. The theatre takes a break in August. 

  • A stroll along the Strahan waterfront is an easy way to appreciate the town and its relationship with Macquarie Harbour. The Esplanade has interpretive information about the area's convict, maritime and pioneering history, while the harbour itself is dotted with boats bobbing in the water. 

     Not to miss is the Huon Pine Shop & Gallery, which provides an insight into Strahan's traditional timber industry and the importance of Huon pine to the region. You can see salvaged timber being transformed into furniture and other objects, and find a unique souvenir to take home.

     In the mornings, you can get your caffeine fix at The Coffee Shack. 

Best places to stay in Strahan

LUxury aCCOMMODATION

Strahan Village is located in the heart of town and includes cottages and rooms spread throughout the historic village precinct. The waterfront location makes it particularly convenient for exploring on foot, with restaurants, shops and cruise departures all within easy reach. Aside from modern rooms offering views across the harbour and well-appointed apartments, there are several heritage cottages that ooze charm. 

Franklin Manor is an elegant boutique property set among established gardens near the waterfront. The historic building has a refined atmosphere and provides a quiet stay, with individually styled rooms that are adult-only. Aside from several communal lounges with roaring fireplaces, there’s a fine-dining restaurant, Charlotte’s, serving French-inspired cuisine.  

Risby Cove is the only true waterfront accommodation in Strahan and boasts an enviable setting overlooking Macquarie Harbour. The property has a peaceful, secluded feel while still being within walking distance of the centre of Strahan. In total, there are 12 bespoke suites (some with outdoor cedar hot tubs), plus an award-winning restaurant that highlights seasonal Tasmanian produce. 

Mid-range accommodation

Motel Strahan is a practical and comfortable option for travellers who want straightforward accommodation close to the centre of town. The property features 13 ensuite units, complete with king-size beds, air-conditioning/heating, tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms also include spa baths and on-site laundry facilities are available.

Strahan Bungalows provide self-contained accommodation on a quiet street, just 15 minutes' walk from the Esplanade. The two-bedroom bungalows are well-suited to families and travellers who want to prepare some meals thanks to their fully-equipped kitchens. An accessible bungalow with wheelchair access, a roll-in shower and grab bars is available. 

Strahan Aloft is a boutique accommodation option less than 10 minutes' walk from the Esplanade. It features Garden Studios with laundry facilities and full kitchens, as well as Loft Studios with kitchenettes and harbour views. For more room to move, there’s a spacious apartment that provides a home-away-from-home in Strahan. 

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat is a good option for budget-conscious travellers, offering a range of accommodation and family-friendly facilities. Aside from its powered and unpowered sites, there are several cabins and cottages, including studio accommodation for couples and a four-bedroom house that sleeps up to 10 people. Guests have access to BBQ areas, a laundry and playground, while the property's Platypus Walk follows a creek through the grounds.

Strahan Backpackers is a slightly quirky accommodation option aimed at travellers looking for an inexpensive stay and a social atmosphere. It features 8-bed dormitories and a family cabin, as well as private twins/doubles set within colourful huts. The rainforest setting and platypus-filled creek that runs alongside the property add to the experience.