We had a very wet night just before we set off, and we were starting to think the "West Coast" should really be renamed the "Wet Coast." Thankfully, the clouds decided to part just for us, the sun poked its head out, and the day turned spectacular for our cruise through Macquarie Harbour and out into the Gordon River.

Everything was so still as we pulled away from the jetty. The water was like a sheet of blue glass reflecting the sky.

A perfectly still morning as we leave the jetty in Strahan.
A perfectly still morning as we leave the jetty in Strahan.

We weren't alone for long, though. A pod of dolphins decided they wanted to see what we were up to, and they gave us a proper escort, frolicking right alongside the boat for a good fifteen minutes. Lisa was absolutely thrilled trying to catch them on camera, while Steve was just happy to lean over the rail and watch them play in the wake. The kids would have loved seeing how close they came to the hull.

Our dolphin escort playing in the harbour for a good fifteen minutes.
Our dolphin escort playing in the harbour for a good fifteen minutes.

We made our way out toward the heads to see the famous Hells Gates. It’s got a bit of a fearsome reputation for rough water, but because the morning was so calm, crossing in and out was a breeze. We passed some lovely little yellow cottages tucked away on the shoreline near the entrance—they looked so peaceful sitting there against the scrub.

The bright yellow cottages watching over the entrance to Hells Gates.
The bright yellow cottages watching over the entrance to Hells Gates.

After a bit of fresh air on the deck, we were treated to a proper spread for lunch. Lisa really enjoyed the fresh salmon and salads, and Steve made sure that little chocolate brownie didn't go to waste. It was just what we needed before we stepped off the boat to do a bit of exploring.

A fantastic local lunch spread to keep our energy up for the rainforest walk.
A fantastic local lunch spread to keep our energy up for the rainforest walk.

Our main stop was Sarah Island. We walked off the boat and along the long timber boardwalk to get onto the island proper.

Walking the long boardwalk to set foot on the historic Sarah Island.
Walking the long boardwalk to set foot on the historic Sarah Island.

It’s a beautiful spot now, but it has a very dark past. It was a penal colony back in the 1820s, and honestly, the conditions there were reputed to be some of the harshest in all of Tasmania. We both remarked that places like Arthur River and Maria Island were like holiday camps compared to what the poor souls here went through. You can still see the old brick ruins standing on the hillside, looking out over the water. It’s a very grounding experience to stand amongst those old walls and think about the history.

The weathered brick ruins on Sarah Island, a reminder of a very harsh history.
The weathered brick ruins on Sarah Island, a reminder of a very harsh history.

The boat itself was a beauty—very comfortable and gave us a great view of everything as we moved from the harbour into the Gordon River.

Our red and white cruiser waiting for us at the timber landing.
Our red and white cruiser waiting for us at the timber landing.

The river was a highlight for both of us. We headed up to a heritage landing site for a short walk through the rainforest. The air was so clean and damp, and the trees were dripping with life. It was the perfect, quiet way to end the afternoon before the boat turned around and brought us back to Strahan. We’ve come away with very full hearts and plenty of stories to tell.

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