West Coast Yacht Charters

In the heart of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness

Strahan, West Coast, Tasmania, Australia

We were recently featured on the ABC. Click here to watch the full video.

The Yacht “Stormbreaker”

Comfort in the heart of the wilderness

West Coast Yacht Charters is owned and operated by its creator, Trevor Norton, who has been the skipper since the beginning in 1991. He is passionate about this beautiful area and both of the 23 hour overnight cruises to the mighty Gordon River are fully guided. Trevor will tell you about the fascinating history of this precious Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast of Tasmania.

Fishing gear and kayaks are provided for your enjoyment, and we always sail when the wind permits.

With a maximum of 10 overnight passengers, “Stormbreaker” has two warm and comfortable double cabins, an 8 bunk cabin, 2 bathrooms and the large saloon below deck. On the covered deck you‘ll be delighted by the breathtaking scenery while sailing across Macquarie Harbour, the second largest in the Southern Hemisphere into one of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Areas.

Gordon River Cruise - 23 hours

After boarding our yacht “Stormbreaker” you’ll depart from Strahan Wharf to cruise/sail the picturesque waters of Macquarie Harbour in the beautiful wilderness of the West Coast of Tasmania.

Following afternoon tea, you will arrive at the notorious penal settlement of Sarah Island. Now you are in the World Heritage Area where we will take you ashore to discover the fascinating ruins and hear some tales of hardship and brutality. Then we will cruise/sail the short distance to the entrance of the magnificent Gordon River, where our yacht meanders to the overnight destination of Heritage Landing.

Upper Gordon River Cruise - 23 hours

On our unique cruise you will be inspired by this isolated wilderness when travelling the 35km up the famous Gordon River to Sir John Falls aboard our 65ft (20m) steel ketch “Stormbreaker”.

We navigate the river to collect a group of intrepid rafters who have paddled the beautiful and remote Franklin River. Experience Macquarie Harbour and enter the Gordon River and magnificent World Heritage Area of Tasmania, as we meander along the river to Sir John Falls. You can walk on the special walkway to watch the beautiful and remote waterfall in action. Once there, you can do some fishing and kayaking.

Explore & Rejuvenate on the West Coast of Tasmania

Strahan Tasmania, on the edge of Macquarie Harbour is the home of the West Coast Yacht Charters tours aboard the yacht “Stormbreaker”. These tours can include a guided tour of Sarah Island, and the area is described as one of the most unique places in Southern Australia. Strahan is located on a spectacularly beautiful harbour at the end of the world.

Take in the Wilderness – Strahan Tasmania is a must visit Tasmanian Experience destination and a cruise on Yacht “Stormbreaker”, that takes in Macquarie Harbour and the Lower Gordon River is an unmissable adventure no matter what the weather is like.

The Crays Accommodation and West Coast Yacht Charters cruise package

We have built nine self contained holiday units and houses in three convenient locations which are each a short walk from Strahan’s main street, activity departure points, and major attractions. You can leave your car or bike in the free covered parking at your door while you walk the short distance around Risby Cove to the centre of Strahan. These apartments and houses have garden and wilderness surrounds, and some have Harbour views.

You can stay in one of these warm and comfortable self contained apartments or three bedroom houses before or after your cruise with us. It is our pleasure to offer you a discount on this accommodation.

“Stormbreaker”

The ocean going yacht “Stormbreaker” has two private double cabins, a large eight bunk cabin (with curtains for privacy), and two bathrooms with hot showers, toilets and hand basins. She has a large saloon and galley below deck, with great space on deck for dining or relaxing.

Overnight Cruises

Our overnight cruises are ideal for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the wilderness. It is the most time efficient way to really experience the World Heritage South West Wilderness and the Gordon River. Shorter group cruises are also possible.

Explore & Rejuvenate

Strahan is a picturesque Tasmanian waterfront holiday town located 298 km west of Hobart and 41 km from Queenstown. It is the last outpost of civilisation on the West Coast of Tasmania and is surely one of the most precious places on earth.

What our visitors are saying

So far this has been the best of our 3 weeks in Tasmania. The yacht is well maintained and the skipper Trevor and crewman Rob are passionate and professional. Waking up in total isolation on the Gordon river was a real highlight. I can highly recommend this great tour.

Wayne

Trevor – you and your team have given us a rare opportunity to share the beautiful pristine environment of the Gordon River. We thank you also for sharing part of your extensive knowledge of this area.

Peta and Ron

This trip was a highlight of our most recent visit to Tasmania. Trevor is full of information and obviously passionate about the area. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed; the evening meal was superb and I won’t forget paddling on glassy calm water in the evening.

Margaret