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Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River Cruising - Create Memories for a Lifetime

On the wild west coast of Tasmania lies a water system that's a natural treasure for the planet. The Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour are the jewels of Tasmania's West Coast - ancient wonders that are little changed since the days of the supercontinent Gondwana. Today, protected in UNESCO World Heritage Area and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, these untamed waterways are a hub for eco-tourists, and cruising is the perfect way to get to the heart of them.

Starting from the pretty harbourside town of Strahan - once named by The Chicago Tribune as 'The Best Little Town in the World' - a variety of vessels ply the waters of Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. From multi-day luxury cruising to briefer voyages under sail, there's a Macquarie Harbour and Gordon River cruise to delight every traveller.

A cruise on the MV Discovery is the ultimate in West Coast wilderness cruising. This luxury vessel has been purpose built for small expedition voyages and accommodates 24 guests in stylish cabins. It makes journeys of three days and two nights on the Gordon River, Macquarie Harbour and surrounds, including one night high on the river, further than most other cruise boats.

Highlights of the journey include cruising Macquarie Harbour with views to the quartzite crags of Frenchmans Cap on the skyline. There's also an evening walk on Sarah Island, an exploration of the historic ghost-port of Pillinger and a walk to the Birchs Inlet sanctuary to view the orange-bellied parrot, one of the rarest birds on Earth. A highlight is an early-morning paddle in a kayak, morning mist rising from the river and overhanging forests mirrored in the deep-amber waters. Small, motorized vessels allow for further side trips to places previously only accessible to the most intrepid river travellers.

Dining on the Discovery is truly a sumptuous affair: head chef Nathaniel Embrey - protégé of Xavier Mouche - uses the best Tasmanian produce to create nightly culinary extravaganzas. Guests savour the fine flavours and cool climate wines of Tasmania in an elegant dining room with floor to ceiling windows. If it's five star dining in a rainforest that's desired, this is about as close as it gets.

MV Discovery also makes the spectacular voyage out of Macquarie Harbour and down the coast to enter Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, a totally unspoilt and extensive waterway surrounded by magnificent mountains.

For those looking for adventure, sailing on the yacht Stormbreaker is the way to go. Sunset cruises of Macquarie Harbour with crayfish dinners are a specialty on this 20-metre ketch. Longer cruises cross mighty Macquarie - which is six times the size of Sydney Harbour. Sailors awake in the morning to extraordinary reflections in the river's glassy patina. The very brave might even venture in for a swim.

With less time to spare, a day cruise on the Lady Jane Franklin II, the Wanderer II or Adventurer are the choice. These sleek catamarans depart Strahan daily, and take in historic Sarah Island, once Van Dieman's Land's most feared penal colony. Expert guides weave tales of convict hardship, skullduggery and even cannibalism here with skill that brings the place chillingly alive. Next stop, Hell's Gates, the treacherous entrance to Maqcuarie Harbour, where the Southern Ocean roars. The treacle-dark waters of the Gordon follow. There's a pause to stroll the primeval riverside rainforest, and to view legendary Huon Pines.

Three different experiences, three ways to explore Tasmania's watery western wilderness. Embark on any one and it's sure to be a natural encounter that will spawn memories for a lifetime.

For more information on the variety of cruise voyages from Strahan visit: www.worldheritagecruises.com.au
www.gordonrivercruises.com.au
www.tasadventures.com