_edited.png)
Strahan, Tasmania - A Historic Harbour Village on the Wild West Coast
- Nov 9, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Strahan, Tasmania - A Historic Harbour Village on the Wild West Coast
Set on the edge of vast Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast, Strahan is a small village with a big sense of place. Located 226 kilometres from Devonport and around 300 kilometres from Hobart, Strahan feels wonderfully remote — and that’s part of its charm.
It’s also the gateway to the World Heritage–listed Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, placing some of Tasmania’s most pristine wilderness right on its doorstep.
Surrounded by rainforest, water, and history, Strahan is a place to slow down, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and immerse yourself in the stories of Tasmania’s wild past.
A Village Steeped in History
Strahan’s history as a 19th-century port and mining town is still very much alive today. Wander along the waterfront and through the village streets and you’ll find charming heritage cottages, old wharf structures, and historic hotels that hint at the town’s once-bustling role in Tasmania’s early settlement.
It’s a wonderful town to explore on foot, especially for history lovers and photographers who appreciate weathered timber buildings, moody harbour views, and a story around every corner.
Two boats cruise along the Gordon River, and we were booked on the Spirit of the Wild. We departed from the Strahan Wharf at 8:30 and headed to Hell Gates, where Macquarie Harbour and the Southern Ocean meet.
Then, we cruised along the Gordon River, enjoying the reflections to Heritage Landing. At Heritage Landing, we took a short boardwalk through the temperate rainforests and admired the native flora.
Back on board the boat, we enjoyed a buffet lunch and more beautiful views of the Gordon River on the way to Sarah Island. At Sarah Island, you can take a guided tour and hear the tales of convicts who lived in this dreaded penal colony.
The Ship that Never Was Play
After the cruise, we saw the very entertaining play “The Ship That Never Was”. This interactive play tells the dramatic and hilarious true story of the Great Escape from Sarah Island.
It’s Australia’s longest-running show, and you can see it at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre near the Visitor Centre. 👉 Click here for more details
From the Regatta Point Station in Strahan, you can ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway’s heritage Drewry diesel train. This trip takes you deep into the rainforest with interesting stories from the tour guides about how the railway was built.
👉 Click here to book your West Coast Wilderness Railway Trip
Short Waterfall Walk near Strahan
Hogarth Falls is a lovely waterfall located in People's Park in Strahan, Tasmania. The water from Botanical Creek cascades down in two tiers and the upper tier is about 15 metres tall. From the viewing platform, you can see both the upper and lower tiers.
Why Strahan Is Worth Visiting
Strahan is a town where water, wilderness, and history come together in a truly memorable way. From cruising silent rivers and exploring convict sites to rainforest walks and heritage railways, it offers experiences found nowhere else in Tasmania.
Whether you’re staying a night or lingering longer, Strahan invites you to slow down and experience the raw beauty and powerful stories of Tasmania’s West Coast.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It helps us cover website costs and continue sharing real travel experiences from the road.
Comments