Strahan

Strahan is a town in the island state of Tasmania in Australia. It’s located on Tasmania’s west coast at Long Bay at the northern end of Macquarie Harbour, about 300 km west of the state capital of Hobart, and known as one of the most isolated (and beautiful) parts of Australia.

Originally a penal colony, Strahan became a mining port and later an important timber industry and general shipping centre for the area.

Strahan is now the main tourist centre for Tasmania’s west coast region, the ‘gateway’ for boats, planes and helicopters taking visitors to the southwest wilderness. There is also a small fishing industry that still operates out of Strahan.

Strahan Attractions

• Cape Sorell Lighthouse – Constructed in 1899, 40 metres high and 2.5 metres in diameter.

• Macquarie Harbour Cruises – There are a number of cruises which travel across Macquarie Harbour and up the lower reaches of the Gordon River. Some go to Hells Gate and Sarah Island.

• Ocean Beach – Desolate and beautiful. 40 km long with large dunes. Waves hitting here have travelled all the way from Patagonia in South America.

• People’s Park and Hogarth Falls – At the northernmost end of Strahan Harbour, the Park a mix of natural forest and botanical gardens, with picnic and camping facilities. From here it’s a 30 minute walk to the Hogarth Falls through rainforest.

• Sarah Island – Former convict station, dating from 1822. Ruins of buildings still visible.

• Strahan Wharf Centre – Comprehensive display recounting the story of the Tasmanian west coast.

• The Ship That Never Was – Longest running theatre production in Tasmania, the true story of the escape from Sarah Island, by the Round Earth Theatre Company.

• Visitors Information Centre – The Government of Tasmania sponsors a web site just for the town of Strahan.

• Water Tower Hill Lookout – Esk Street. Excellent view of town and Macquarie Harbour.