8 Great Things To Do In Strahan on Tasmania's Remote West Coast
Are you planning a trip to Tasmania and unsure about whether to visit the West Coast? This post highlights all the best things to do in Strahan.
Strahan was once a bustling port during Tasmania's mining mecca of the 1800s. It is now a historic harbour-side village, famous throughout Australia for its river cruises, which attract visitors to Strahan's magnificent heritage wilderness.
Being the remotest village on Tasmania's west coast and the last piece of land before South America, separated by the Southern Ocean, made me immediately want to explore the area.
So, after spending an incredible two nights in Cradle Mountain, we continued our adventure by adding a two-night stay in Strahan onto our 8-day Tasmania road trip itinerary.
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My first impressions of Strahan
Many of Tasmania's towns are small, and Strahan is no exception. We primarily travelled here to take a Gordon River wilderness cruise, which is listed as one of Tasmania's top attractions and one of Australia's best cruises.
We were excited to sail the tranquil waterways and take in the exceptional views of the Unesco-listed wilderness.
Sadly, our cruise never materialised due to torrential rain and wind. Instead, we spent one of our days in Strahan listening to heavy rain hitting the tin roof of our bungalow. The plus point was that I got a suitcase load of washing done; the perks of booking accommodation with a washer/dryer!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strahan
Best time to go to Strahan
The best time to visit Strahan is during Australia's summer, between December and February. Tasmania's weather is expected to be comfortable, so you can fully enjoy the outdoor activities you plan to do.
Strahan has an oceanic front with wild, mild, damp summers, so be prepared for inclement weather, such as the unexpected downpour we encountered in February.
Remember that the island is covered by dense rainforest, meaning that a significant amount of rain falls throughout the year!
How to get to Strahan
When you arrive in Strahan, you will experience incredible scenery, ranging from mountains and lakes to rainforests and the sea. I found Tasmania extremely special and distinct from mainland Australia.
You can fly into Launceston and Hobart or catch the ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. An overnight sailing on The Spirit of Tasmania was my choice to get to Tasmania from Melbourne.
Once you arrive in Tasmania, you can hire a car to explore the island at your own pace. If driving isn't for you, then guided tours are bookable to show you the diverse nature of this incredible island.
Driving times in Tasmania
Strahan from Devonport will take three hours with no stops. We chose to stop in Cradle Mountain for two nights, which perfectly suited our road trip itinerary.
Strahan, from Launceston, is under four hours away and will take you through Cradle Mountain National Park.
Strahan from Hobart is a five-hour drive that takes you from southeast to western Tasmania. The drive covers fantastic sights, including Lake St. Clair National Park, Australia's deepest lake.
Accommodation in Strahan
I booked an Airbnb called the Red Door. It had great views across the bay and was perfect for a 2-night stay during my lap of Tasmania.
Strahan offers a range of accommodations, from apartments to camping grounds. I have listed several places that will suit all budgets and lifestyles.
Aloft Boutique Apartments - These contemporary, self-contained apartments are less than a 5-minute drive from Ocean Beach. They have private patios, free WI-FI, and on-site parking.
Check availability and pricing for Aloft Boutique Apartments
Salt Box Hideaway: this one-bedroom apartment offers mountain and sea views and free Wi-Fi. It is a cosy retreat after a day of exploring the hidden gems in Strahan.
Check availability and pricing for Salt Box Hideaway
Strahan Village, a favourite holiday accommodation for visitors to the Tassie town of Strahan, offers several dining options. Most rooms provide excellent views of Macquarie Bay.
Check availability and pricing for Strahan Village
Strahan Backpackers features quirky, budget accommodation, a shared lounge, a garden, barbecue facilities and a terrace.
Check availability and pricing for Strahan Backpackers.
Macquarie Head Campsite is located at the harbour entrance and may have one of the best views in Strahan.
Check availability and pricing for the Macquarie Head campsite.
The Best Things to Do in Strahan
Gordon River Cruise #1
Gordon River cruises are the number one experience in Strahan Village. Sail to Hells Gate, the meeting point of the harbour and the Southern Ocean, out into vast Macquarie Harbour, a waterway six times larger than Sydney Harbour and along the Gordon River.
Cruise packages through Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness area include a visit to the convict ruins on Sarah Island and a walk through the temperate rainforest at Heritage Landing.
West Coast Tasmania Wilderness Railway #2
A must-do in Tasmania is the fabulous 4-hour return journey aboard the Wild Coast Wilderness Railway, which appeals to all ages.
Leave the shores of Macquarie Harbour and head into the ancient rainforest and mountains of the rugged Tasmania west coast. Stopping at remote train stations, you will visit Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril and Queenstown before returning to Strahan.
Hogarth Falls #3
A short stroll from Strahan Esplanade is People's Park. A 50-minute return route will take you to Hogarth Falls, classed as one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. Another great walk that I did from this list was the Dove Lake Walk in Cradle Mountain.
Walk alongside Botanical Creek and through the beautiful rainforest until you reach the waterfall. Take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere before making your way back along the same route.
Ocean Beach #4
If you are looking to spend time on a beach, Ocean Beach is 6 km from Strahan. This 40km sandy beach is the last landmass before South America and a great place to come and watch the stunning sunsets for which Australia is famous. I don't think you will be swimming in the ocean; this is one of the wildest beaches on the planet!
Henty Dunes #5
For adventure seekers on Tasmania's wild west coast, this is a chance to do a spot of sand tobogganing at Henty Dunes. Book with Gordon River Cruises, which can also set you up with hire bikes to explore the roads around the Strahan waterfront.
Activities Along Strahan Waterfront
The Ship That Never Was #6
This top-rated theatre show has run for the last 25 years and tells the hilarious story of convicts escaping from Sarah Island. We didn't have time to see it; however, local reviews indicate it's hilarious, and as it is Australia's longest-running play, I guess it must be.
Morrisons Huon Pine #7
You can smell this shop before entering it, but that's a good thing, as the scent is of earthy pine timber. We stumbled upon this working pine mill/gallery/shop that makes furniture and trinkets from Huon pine trees in the area. It is located just along the seafront, near Gordon River Cruises.
Watch a Tasmanian sunset #8
I have witnessed some of the most stunning and dramatic sunsets in Australia, and one of the free things to do in Strahan is to watch the evening light show as it sets over Macquarie Bay.
Final Thoughts About Strahan
I am glad we visited Strahan. Even though it is isolated, there is still plenty to do if the weather is good or you don't mind getting wet.
If you aren't particularly interested in doing the Gordon River cruise, leave Strahan off your itinerary and add on a different town, such as Stanley - famous for its fairy penguins - or Launceston - Australia's third oldest city and the location of some of Tasmania's best outdoor adventure pursuits.
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Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Such a shame that you couldn't do the cruise but it seems like you still found plenty to do to occupy yourselves in Stahan (after the washing was done;)). I haven't been to Tasmania yet although I've been to Australia loads. I return this year for Christmas so maybe this is the year. Thanks for all the info.
I think you would love Tasmania. I preferred it over mainland Australia.
Sorry that you weren't able to enjoy the cruise you had planned due to the weather, but it sure does look like it was a beautiful destination to experience overall. The landscape is just stunning. Being remote, quiet and small - Strahan sounds exactly the place I would want to go if I am looking for a relaxing holiday.
It was a lovely town and very remote. Just what I like.