Evening Dinner Cruise

Introduction

Tasmania’s Gordon River is a highlight for travelers seeking pristine wilderness and captivating history, and the Evening Dinner Cruise on Spirit of the Wild offers a luxurious way to explore it. While we haven’t personally boarded this exact cruise, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an experience that combines scenic beauty, engaging storytelling, and fine Tasmanian cuisine.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the stunning scenery with ancient rainforests and Hells Gates at the river’s mouth. Second, the knowledgeable guides, who truly enrich the journey with stories and insights. Third, the delicious locally-sourced dinner that feels like a proper treat after a day of adventuring.

The only thing to consider? The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to plan your transport to the meeting point in Strahan. This trip suits those who want a relaxed, immersive experience with a focus on scenery, history, and top-notch food, all wrapped into a six-hour adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning Wilderness: Cruising on a hybrid-powered vessel that minimizes environmental impact, you’ll get close-up views of ancient rainforest and stunning river scenery.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Emily, Lyell, and Harriet are praised for their engaging and informative narration, making history and nature come alive.
• Gourmet Dining: A chef-prepared buffet dinner featuring Tasmanian produce, with options for different seating classes and an open bar on the upper deck.
• Iconic Sights: See Hells Gates, fish farms, and the ancient Huon pine, plus stop at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island for interpretive tours.
• Authentic Experience: Reviewers highlight the balance of relaxation and education, with many describing the cruise as “fabulous,” “worth every dollar,” and “a must-do.”
• Limited Inclusion: No hotel pickup is included, so plan accordingly; the meeting point at 24 Esplanade, Strahan, is easily accessible.

The Detailed Experience

Starting Point and Timing

You’ll meet the cruise at 24 Esplanade, Strahan at 3:15 pm, ready for an early evening adventure. The total cruise spans roughly six hours, making it a great way to unwind after a morning of exploring or as a standalone highlight. The tour tends to be very popular, often booked well in advance—about 12 days before the date, on average.

The Vessel: Spirit of the Wild

The boat itself is a highlight, designed to maximize comfort and minimize environmental impact. Its hybrid propulsion system ensures a quiet ride, so you can fully enjoy the serenity of the wilderness without engine noise. Inside, you’ll find ample deck space, including a 360° viewing deck at the top, perfect for panoramic photos and spotting wildlife.

Scenic Cruising on the Gordon River

The cruise begins by quietly gliding up the Gordon River, passing through World Heritage-listed rainforest. As you cruise, your guides will share stories about the river’s ecology, history, and the significance of the Tasmanian wilderness. Reviewers like those on Tripadvisor mention the guides’ ability to make the experience engaging—Kiah and Lyell are noted for their charismatic storytelling.

Heritage Landing – An Ancient Rainforest

After about three hours on the water, you’ll stop at Heritage Landing, where a short interpretive walk introduces you to some of the oldest rainforests in the world. Expect to see towering myrtle and sassafras trees, along with plenty of opportunities to snap photos. Many reviewers comment on the peacefulness of this stop, describing it as a “fascinating” and “fabulous” experience.

Sarah Island – The Convict Past

Next, you’ll step ashore at Sarah Island, once known for its brutal convict settlement. Guided by experts from the Round Earth Company, you’ll explore the ruins and learn about the harsh conditions faced by the convicts. Lyell’s storytelling is often highlighted for bringing history to life. Reviewers note that the tour is very educational and not rushed, with one saying, “we learnt a lot about the convict history.”

Hells Gates and the Mouth of the River

As the cruise continues, you’ll pass through Hells Gates, the narrow entrance where river and ocean meet. Many travelers find this passage awe-inspiring, as the channel’s wild currents and rocky formations create an almost otherworldly scene. Some reviews mention sipping on a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink here, part of the included amenities on the main deck.

The Gastronomic Highlight: Dinner Onboard

The dinner is a real treat—a chef-prepared buffet showcasing some of Tasmania’s best produce, including local seafood, cheeses, and other delicacies. Passengers can choose between different seating options, with the upper deck offering an open bar and main deck providing a complimentary drink. Reviewers frequently mention how delicious and generous the food is, making the cruise feel like a true culinary indulgence.

Additional Features and Comfort

Passengers rave about the comfortable seating and the attentive service from staff like Andy and Harriet, who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism. The vessel’s interpretive facilities, including maps, photographs, and guidebooks, help deepen your understanding of what you’re seeing.

Overall Atmosphere

Many reviews emphasize the relaxed yet educational atmosphere. Whether you’re on the main deck or on the upper deck, you’ll find excellent views and interesting commentary. The combination of scenery, history, and food creates a balanced experience that appeals to nature lovers, history buffs, and foodies seeking a memorable evening.

Value and Practical Tips

For the price of $102.50 per person, the cruise offers good value when you consider the included gourmet dinner, guided tours, and the unique scenery. Compared to other Tasmanian tours, this experience hits a sweet spot of comfort, education, and authenticity.

One thing to keep in mind is the lack of hotel pickup—so plan your transport to the meeting point in advance. The tour runs from mid-afternoon into the evening, making it ideal for those who want a relaxing, scenic end to a day in Strahan.

Also, booking about 12 days ahead is recommended, as this tour is quite popular. The maximum group size is around 190 travelers, which helps create a lively yet intimate atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of luxury and culinary delight. If you enjoy learning about local history and ecology, the guides’ storytelling will enrich your experience. Food lovers will appreciate the quality Tasmanian produce, and anyone wanting a tranquil, scenic escape will find plenty to love in the Gordon River’s calm waters and ancient forests.

It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a laid-back itinerary with plenty of opportunities for photos, relaxation, and good conversation—and who don’t mind the non-inclusion of hotel pickup.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour starts at 24 Esplanade in Strahan, and you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

What is the duration of the cruise? The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, including stops at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island.

Are food and drinks included? Yes, a chef-prepared buffet dinner is included, with options for an open bar on the upper deck and a complimentary drink on the main deck.

Can I choose my seat class? Yes, there are three seat classes available, allowing you to select a preferred view and amenities.

Is the boat environmentally friendly? Yes, Spirit of the Wild features a hybrid propulsion system designed to minimize environmental impact.

What are the main sights I will see? Expect views of Hells Gates, ancient rainforests at Heritage Landing, convict ruins on Sarah Island, and glimpses of Huon pine trees.

Is this experience suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, but check personal mobility or health considerations if necessary.

How far in advance should I book? Booking about 12 days ahead is recommended due to high demand.

What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 3 days before the tour for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

The Evening Dinner Cruise on the Gordon River offers an excellent way to experience Tasmania’s wilderness without sacrificing comfort or culinary quality. It’s a well-rounded trip that combines the serenity of ancient rainforests, the intrigue of convict history, and the flavors of local produce—all aboard a modern, eco-conscious vessel.

For those who want a relaxing yet educational experience with plenty of opportunities for stunning photos and memorable stories, this cruise hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who value expert guides, good food, and scenic beauty wrapped into one seamless adventure.

In short, if you’re after a peaceful, scenic journey with a gourmet twist, this cruise will likely become one of your favorite Tasmanian memories.