Things to do in Strahan | Tasmania
After spending a big chunk of my Australian Adventure on this big Island located just south of Melbourne I think it’s only fair that I share some of my knowledge from that time with you! Tasmania is where I had my first job abroad and I have spent a total of 10 months on this breathtaking Island which I know is a very long time for a backpacker like myself.
This is the first post about Tasmania but if you like it, there is plenty more where that came from! Honestly, I can’t praise Tasmania high enough, it is where I tried Yoga for the first time in my life, it’s where I had my first seasonal job experience, Where I worked as a Barista for the first time and realized that being myself is good enough. It’s also where I realized out how much I love small remote towns and fell in love with the wild, untamed nature that Tassie is famous for! Tassie is short for Tasmania, because we all know how Aussies love to shorten every single word, haha!
Since my own Tasmanian adventure started in Strahan on the west coast, I think that’s a perfect start for this series of posts as well! That, and I just had a Zoom birthday party for a girl I met while working there, which brought back a ton of memories! I arrived end of 2016 and resided in the small harbour-side village for 6 months and today I want to share some knowledge that will make your own visit to Strahan 103% better! Let’s dive in shall we?
Tasmania | Australia
Things to do in strahan
Things to do
Sand boarding in Henty dunes
If you are lucky to have a few sunny days while you’re in Strahan you HAVE TO go sand boarding or tobogganing in the Henty Dunes not far from the village! You are guaranteed sore legs from climbing up the dunes, sand e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e and so much laughter!
ATV Adventures
For the adrenaline junkie there is an opportunity to explore the Henty sand dunes (or Maquarie harbour not far from here) on an ATV! Tripadvisor rank Strahan ATV Adventures as #1 of things to do in Strahan and I do understand why, riding an ATV is so much fun!
Hogarth falls
Only a short walk into the rain forest from People’s park you will find Hogarth falls. According to Discover Tasmania it is one of Tasmania’s 60 great short walks, which must mean something right? It’s an easy path and you’ll have a boardwalk to walk on for some of it but because it often rain in Strahan the part not covered by a boardwalk can be muddy and/or wet so I would recommend not wearing shoes you’re afraid to get dirty.
Platypus SIGHTINGS
The Platypus are shy animals that occasionally can be seen near river banks in Strahan. They live in the rivers, lakes and streams, including the Goron River and if you are out close to dusk you might be able to spot one if you’re lucky! Talk to the locals in town and they might be able to direct you to a lucky spot where you’ve got a higher chance of spotting one.
The platypus is 1 out of 2 mammals that lay eggs, which by itself makes them pretty cool but did you know the males platypus has a spur on the inside of their hind legs that releases a powerful venom? That makes the platypus one of only five known venomous mammals in the world, so if you are lucky enough to spot one make sure to keep a safe distance!
According to Strahan Village there is a resident platypus living in Strahan’s botanical creek (along the walk to hogarth falls) and although I was never lucky enough to spot it for myself, the walk itself to Hogarth falls made it worth the trip every time!
Bonnet Island
Bonnet Island is a tiny Island just off the coast with a lighthouse and penguins. You sold yet? I know I was.. haha! The Island is home to a thriving colony of fairy penguins that head out to hunt for food during the day and return back to their burrows at dusk. The penguins that live here are the worlds smallest penguin species but because they keep the tour groups small your chances of spotting them are very big! During the tour you will be served Tasmanian wine and cheese and when the penguins start to return after sunset the guides will have special lights with them that doesn’t disturb or harm the penguins so that it is easier for you to spot them.
Gordon River cruise
Jump aboard a catamaran and cruise down the Gordon River where you will be bombarded with local history. During the day you will leave the boat 2 times, first for the heritage landing & then again for a guided tour of Sarah Island which was my favorite part of the tour. The crew takes very good care of you on board the boat and while you’re on land the tour guide will put on a show for your amusement! The history of Sarah Island is horrible, but very interesting and the guides know so much so it’s easy to be captivated by their stories and knowledge.
The ship that never was
After a day on the Gordon river, I’d suggest you go and see the ship that never was for even more information about the history of Sarah Island! It’s a live theatre production that’s been performing in Strahan since 1994, making the show older than myself. If you like history, and was intrigued by what you heard the guides tell you about Sarah Island, then I would highly recommend taking the time to see this show! During the summer the stage is outside no matter the weather, blankets are provided but it can get a bit chilly so wrap up warm!
West coast wilderness railway
Take a step into the past and go on a 4h River & Rainforest journey with an original 1953 heritage diesel locomotive! Departing from Regatta Station in Strahan, on this tour you will be able to taste wild honey, go on a walk in the Tasmanian rain forest and listen to stories about how the railway was built and how this impacted the lives of those who lived here during these times. It’s an incredible story that’s for sure but I’ll leave that a secret until you are brave enough to head on an adventure in the Tasmanian wilderness and find out for yourself.
If you feel like that’s not enough, you have the 9h Queenstown explorer which will take you as far as Queenstown and back! Because this will give you a 90min stopover in Queenstown, I would recommend you either join the walking tour of the town, or grab something to eat at the Tracks Café and visit the FREE Train Museum.
The tracks café offers delicious barista coffee and the food will not disappoint! They also serve delicious Potato Wedges with Sweet Chili & Sourcream. Never had it or heard about this combo? Neither had I, It’s an Australian thing, but it’s actually a really nice combo!
OCEAN BEACH
Take the car out to Ocean beach and enjoy the powerful swells of the Southern Ocean. It’s quite powerful to see, but I would not recommend swimming here, the waves are mighty and the ocean is very treacherous! With sand that stretch for more than 30 kilometers it is the longest beach in Tasmania.
If you have a 4x4 and know what you’re doing you could drive along the beach but it’s not something I’d recommend if you don’t know what you’re doing. Cars that get stuck here often gets buried here. But it’s a very nice place for a sunset walk! Actually, Tasmania is one of my favorite places in the world for sunsets and I wrote a post about my favorite sunset spots in Australia, can you guess how many of the pictures in the post is taken in or near Strahan? hehe.
Best Cafe | The Shack
You know me, can’t live in a place without trying out the cafees! If you visit Strahan you have to go to The Shack - It doesn’t look like much from the outside because just like the name implies - It’s a shack. But it’s my favorite Cafe and they make delicious homemade treats and they also make a mean Iced Coffee! It’s family owned and the sisters that work there are super lovely!
And Timmy, if you’re reading this, how’d I do? haha. That was everything for now, and until next time, take care! xo Nathalie
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