Things To Do in Tasmanian West Coast

Cruising the Rivers

Gordon River Cruises (tel. 1800/084 620 in Australia, or 03/6225 7075; www.puretasmania.com.au) offers a 6-hour trip daily at 8:30am, returning at 2:15pm. In peak season, a second cruise leaves at 2:45pm and returns at 8:30pm. Cruises take passengers across Macquarie Harbour and up the Gordon River past historic Sarah Island, where convicts -- working in horrendous conditions -- once logged valuable Huon pine. The trip includes an entertaining guided tour through the ruins on Sarah Island with actor/historian Richard Davey. Cruises depart from the Main Wharf on the Esplanade, in the town center. The fare, including lunch, is A$95 adults and A$50 children 3 to 14 for internal seats; A$120 adults and A$70 kids for window seats; and A$210 for all seats upstairs with the captain.

World Heritage Cruises (tel. 1800/611 796 in Australia or 03/6471 7174; www.worldheritagecruises.com.au) offers morning and afternoon cruises, leaving Strahan Wharf at 9am and returning at 2:45pm and from January to March again at 3pm and returning at 8:30pm. The company's 35m (115-ft.) catamaran Eagle stops at Sarah Island, Heritage Landing, and at a salmon farm. The cruises cost A$90 to A$115 for adults, A$48 to A$63 for children 5 to 16 (free for children under 5), and A$247 to A$310 for families of five, including a buffet lunch or dinner.

West Coast Yacht Charters (tel. 03/6471 7422; www.westcoastyachtcharters.com.au) runs overnight sailing cruises (including Sarah Island) for A$320 adults, A$160 children aged 10 to 14, all-inclusive. You can charter the whole boat for a minimum of 4 or maximum of 10 people for A$1,200. The company also offers other cruises.