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Things to do in  Strahan

Escape to the west coast

On the west coast of Tasmania, at the northern end of Macquarie Harbour, the remote village of Strahan is a former penal colony turned regional tourism center. Surrounded by national parks and reserves, Strahan is an excellent jumping-off point for tours by boat, plane, and helicopter into the South West Wilderness region. One of the best things to do in Strahan is take a river cruise on the Gordon River; sail by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates; and explore the former penal colony on Sarah Island.

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When to visit

For warm weather and less rain, the best time to visit Strahan is between December and February. That said, the west coast of Tasmania is typically wetter than the east, so it can rain any time of year. If you visit during Australia’s wet winter months, you might feel like you have the place to yourself, but some attractions will likely be closed.

Getting around

While much of Strahan is walkable, the best way to get there is to drive. There are bus services to the village from all major Tasmanian cities, but the journey is long. Having your own vehicle also opens up more opportunities for exploring the surrounding parks and reserves. Alternatively, you can see the nearby sights by taking one of the numerous Gordon River boat tours that depart from Strahan or the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which takes passengers deep into rainforest.

Traveler tips

While in Strahan, go platypus spotting at Hogarth Falls. It’s an easy 25-min walk (each way) from People’s Park, along a path that through the rainforest. Afterward head to Ocean Beach, a few minutes west of town, to enjoy sunset on the longest beach in Tasmania. If you’re there anytime from September to February, you can also see short-tailed shearwaters coming back to the beach to roost.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is Strahan, Tasmania, known for?
A:

Strahan in Tasmania is known as a former mining port on Macquarie Harbour. It sits along the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway and serves as a base for visiting the Sarah Island penal settlement.

Q:What activities are popular in Strahan?
A:

Popular activities in Strahan include going on a boat cruise on the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour to the Sarah Island penal settlement and taking a ride on the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Q:How many days do you need in Strahan, Tasmania?
A:

Allowing at least two days in Strahan gives you time to see the small town in Tasmania and to explore surrounding attractions such as Macquarie Harbour and the Henty Dunes.

Q:Is it better to stay in Queenstown or Strahan?
A:

It’s better to stay in Strahan if you want to take a boat cruise on Macquarie Harbour or the Gordon River. It’s better to stay in Queenstown if you want mountain views and access to waterfalls and hiking trails.

Q:What is there to do in Strahan in the winter?
A:

Things to do in sleepy Strahan in winter include taking a boat cruise on Macquarie Harbour, visiting Hogarth Falls, and learning about the area’s convict history.

Q:Is Strahan, Tasmania, worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Strahan in Tasmania is worth visiting for its easy access to the West Coast Wilderness Railway, Macquarie Harbour historic site, and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

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