Local Attractions

This is the longest beach in Tasmania stretching 30 km north from the Macquarie Heads and Hells Gates, all the way up to Trial Harbour. Exposed to the expanse of the Southern Ocean the beach is pounded by the waves driven by the Roaring Forties, which you can often hear from atop the hill at Harrison House. Also a great place to watch the sunset and only an easy 15 min drive west out of town on the Ocean Beach Road. At dusk during the summer months you may often see flocks of Short-tailed Shearwater (Mutton Birds), returning to their sandy burrows in the dunes after the days feeding trip out over the ocean.

One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, this is an easy meandering stroll through sweet smelling bush and rain forest. Starting from Peoples Park which is only a 10 min walk back toward town, the well-marked track is a 40 min return trip. Along the way there are informative signs courtesy of Local Schoolchildren and the possibility to spot a shy Platypus feeding in Botanical Creek.

Built in 1896 to transport ore from Queenstown’s mines to the port of Strahan, the West Coast Wilderness Railway now carries visitors through Tasmania’s western wilderness in style aboard historic carriages pulled by meticulously restored steam engines. You’ll travel through rainforests, cross wild rivers and mountain gorges, enjoying spectacular views while listening to fascinating commentary about the regions rich and colourful past. Full and half day tours operate daily departing from the Regatta Point Station, which is less than 1 km south along the Esplanade. Parking is available past the Station on the right hand side, or leave the car here and stroll 10 mins along the foreshore footpath. Even if you don’t partake in a train ride, it is just wonderful to watch the Engines shunt in and out of their shed adjacent to the station, at the start and end of the day.

Both World Heritage Cruises (locally owned and operated) and Gordon River Cruises (owned by the NRMA) operate daily cruises out across Macquarie harbour down into the Gordon River. The fully guided tour will take you out and back through Hells Gates, pass by the Fish farms and majestic mountains of the South West Wilderness National Park. Land at Sarah Island for an informative insight into our convict past and then onto Heritage Landing to stroll through the beautiful rain forest. The Day Cruise takes approx. 6 hours (returning mid-afternoon) and is a must do while here in Strahan. Afternoon and Twilight cruises also operate seasonally depending on demand.