After boarding our yacht “Stormbreaker” you’ll depart from Strahan Wharf at 1.00pm 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 at around 4pm. 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. Returning to the yacht, 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.

A walkway has been constructed here to allow you to walk past the 2000 year old Huon Pines, Sassafras, Myrtle, Pandanus Palms, Blackwood and Native Laurel, and other forest species. This is also a great time to do some kayaking, or trout fishing. You can view the glow-worms after sunset in this dark, isolated wilderness. Following dinner, you can simply relax on deck, or make the most wonderful echoes while gazing at the stars reflected on the glassy Gordon River.

Rising early next morning, the river will offer you your best chance to capture its endlessly fascinating reflections on film. We’ll depart around 8.30am, which will allow you to enjoy your breakfast while cruising downstream. Upon leaving the river we will aim to catch a breeze and complete a memorable sailing adventure amongst the majestic surrounding mountains of Macquarie Harbour, arriving back at Strahan at approximately 12 noon.

This cruise is for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the wilderness. The most time efficient way to really experience the World Heritage South West Wilderness and the Gordon River.

Upper Gordon River Cruise – Rafter Collection (Overnight)

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 mighty 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.

We are the only company granted a Government license for this precious area, so it’s a real treat to be aboard.

Your accommodation is in either of our two double private cabins, or in the large eight bunk cabin (each with its own curtain). “Stormbreaker” has a large saloon below deck (heated), 2 bathrooms, showers, toilets, hand basins and a great space on deck where you can talk with the skipper, do some helming, climb the rigging, or just sit back and admire the stars.

The rafters get on board in the morning and share the continental style breakfast and a light early lunch on your return trip to Strahan, arriving at around 12noon.