Strahan West Coast

Well we left Cradle Mountain mid morning and set off on the 140km journey through the mining town of Zeehan to the west coast wilderness and the town of Strahan.  We have now travelled about 10,500 kms. This region is famous for the attempted damming of the Franklin River and the huge fracas between the federal government, Tasmanian state govenment, developers and environmentalists. This is what probably put Strahan on the map and they have made the most of their tourism opportunities through the Macquarie Harbour/Gordon River cruises and flights and Huon pine merchandising.

Apparently it rains to some extent on average 300 days of the year on the west coast. Well we arrived on a “pearler” of an afternoon, it was sunny the next day and it was sunny on the day we left. You can be lucky.

So we arrived mid afternoon and immediately took in a Huon Pine cutting demonstration and talk right on the wharf where the cruises ships come in. They time these demonstrations for the afternoon arrival of the ships. After this we looked through the store with marvellously sculptured Huon Pine furniture. I recognised many people I had seen or talked to at Cradle Mountain. I guess if you are doing Tassie in an anti clockwise direction, Strahan is the obvious next destination. I guess we will recognise fellow tourists in Hobart as well.  Speaking of recognising people, Georgia has met 2 Beecroft school  friends/families in Strahan.

Huon pine show

Georgia with customary slouched shoulders shows off the Huon Pine products on offer

It was then off to our camp which happened to be at the back of the Strahan golf club. We stayed between the 1^st tee and the football oval. I have really enjoyed the simplicity and open spaces of these bush/recreation camping spots as an alternative to the Big 4 caravan parks with all the bells and whistles. Though I was tempted for 9 holes, I had no time for this as my duty of course was to my family and looking after their every wellbeing and making sure they were comfortably settled in camp.

After dinner we went into town for a look around. Strahan is a quiet and pretty little coastal town. Apart from the cruises, I am not sure what would hold your attention for more than a 1 night stay.

Andrw showing who is the boss in Strahan town centre

The next morning it was off early for an 8.30am cruise down the Gordon River. It was a lovely boat, the water was pristine, we were speaking with our cruise neigbours from Greenwich in Sydney, saw some sea lions, the captain was giving good commentary on life, history and activities on the river. It was all good. 

Arriving for departure

We all got off at Sarah Island where professional actors took us on a journey of the island’s convict history, which was very entertaining (for us that is not so for the convicts or it seemed for anyone living in Tasmania at that time). We reboarded the boat for a sumptuous lunch and continued down the Gordon River.

Our host regalling us with the stories on Sarah Island

We then went onshore for a wilderness walk and talk through forests of Huon Pine and Myrtle trees. 

By the time we were onboard and heading back towards Strahan, 80% of us had descended into a restful sleep in their seats. We arrived back at Strahan mid afternoon to of course the Huon Pine cutting demonstration. After a coffee and ice cream in town, it was back to camp for a quiet afternoon.

I spent an hour with my new best friend, camp neighbour Peter who had come from the east coast and Hobart region. He gave me  some good information on where to go and stay as we headed east. He and his wife Lesley and all of us then headed over to the golf club for a drink (my shout!). I then took Andrew to the skate park , and we were back for a simple dinner and an early night.

Next stop heading east through Queenstown and Hobart.