About Strahan

A jewel in the wilderness





Nestled on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan was originally developed as a port of access for the mining settlements on the West Coast of Tasmania. Strahan became a vital location for the timber industry that existed around the Gordon River & Macquarie Harbour, particularly the harvesting of one of the world's rarest timbers Huon Pine - known as Lagarostrobos franklinii.

Strahan is today, as it has been historically, a port to a small fishing fleet that braves the west coast conditions and Hell's Gates. Strahan is the nearest inhabited locality to Cape Sorell and is literally the gateway to the south-west wilderness via boats, planes and helicopters that utilise Strahan as their base when travelling into this region.

You too can partake of these wonderful experiences, especially the boat trip to Sarah Island and the lower Gordon River. (relics of the old penal settlement remain - a ghostly reminder of times gone bye)

It is the home of the Round Earth Theatre Company, which conducts explanatory tours of Sarah Island and also has produced a daily enactment/play about Sarah Island, The Ship That Never Was, which has exceeded 5000 performances and is Australia's longest running play.

Strahan is located on the West Coast of Tasmania, Australia. 4½hrs drive from Hobart, 3½hrs drive from Launceston, 2hrs drive from Burnie, 3hrs drive from Devonport and 2hrs drive from Cradle Mountain. Flights are available to Strahan Airport from Hobart by charter. Click here for our driving tips.

The beauty of the west coast is in its natural attractions like Ocean Beach, a 36km stretch of remote coastline just a few kilometres from town .... take an inspirational walk on the wild side alongside the Great Southern Ocean