Strahan things to do

Strahan Shopping

Strahan’s waterfront is home to a handful of stores where you can pick up locally made crafts and Tasmanian whiskey. Beautifully crafted goods are available at Wilderness Woodworks while fresh flowers can be found at Pollen and Twine. Patrick’s IGA is well-stocked with groceries for those who are self-catering and there is a local pharmacy if you’re in need of medical supplies. 

Strahan Cafes and Dining

Despite its remote setting, Strahan offers a diverse range of dining options, from cosy cafes to gourmet restaurants. Traditional pub fare is on offer at Hamer’s Hotel while freshly caught seafood, including Macquarie Harbour ocean trout, is served with a view at the View 42° Restaurant & Bar or in a more casual setting at the Bay Fish Co. On the waterfront is The Kitchen, which offers plenty of grab-and-go options, while homemade vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free treats are available at the Coffee Shack. You can pick up an array of Tassie-made goods at the Hidden Providore or feast on burgers and shakes at Tracks on Point, which occupies the heritage-listed Regatta Point Railway Station. 

Historic Foreshore

One of the best ways to experience Strahan is by strolling along its historic foreshore, which follows the old government railway line along a route that once connected all the way to Zeehan. Admire the 1900 Customs House where conservationists met for the famous Franklin Dam campaign, then see the late-19th-century Bond Store where goods were once stored. Also not to miss is the Federation mansion of Ormiston House and the Regatta Point Railway Station, which serves as a departure point for the West Coast Wilderness Railway. 

Gordon River Cruise

No visit to Strahan is complete without cruising the Gordon River to experience the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Most half-day cruises include a stop at the former convict settlement of Sarah Island and a visit to the river’s aquaculture farms, as well as including a buffet lunch onboard the vessel. Dinner cruises are also available.

“The Ship That Never Was”

“The Ship That Never Was” is a theatrical play that was written by Richard Davey and has been performed in Strahan by the Round Earth Company since 1994. It tells of an attempted escape to Chile aboard the hijacked “Frederick” brig by 10 convicts and has been described as an “exciting and dynamic dramatic experience, not to be missed”. 

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Delve into the history of the region aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which connects Strahan to the former mining town of Queenstown. Hauled by a historic steam train, it journeys through the ruggedly beautiful Tasmanian wilderness and past the former gold mines of Lynchford. In Queenstown, you can get up close to historic railway artefacts at the West Coast Wilderness Railway Museum. 

Henty Dunes

A short drive north of Strahan are the Henty Dunes, a series of giant dunes that stretch 15 kilometres along the coast. They have been formed by the powerful winds of the Roaring Forties that blow all the way from South America. Aside from exploring the Henty Dunes on foot, you can toboggan down them or visit on an ATV tour. 

Queenstown 

Less than an hour’s drive from Strahan is the historic mining community of Queenstown, which is famed for the rocky “moonscape” that blankets the surrounding hills. It is located at one end of the West Coast Wilderness Railway and is home to a museum that celebrates the region’s fascinating past. Aside from touring the underground mines of Mount Jukes and visiting the Ironblow Lookout, you can drive the 99 bends that spiral down into Queenstown. 

Walks Near Strahan

Strahan is home to a handful of short walks that explore the West Coast’s magnificent beaches and temperate rainforest.

Hogarth Falls
Distance: 1.7 km | Time: 30 minutes
Starting in People’s Park, this easy trail takes you beneath towering gums and through temperate rainforest to the picturesque Hogarth Falls. Occasionally, platypus can be seen swimming in the creek below. Public toilets and barbecues are available in People’s Park. 

Ocean Beach Trail
Distance: 4 km (return) | Time: 1.5 hours
This shared-use trail accesses Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand, Ocean Beach, and is perfect for experiencing the wildness of the West Coast. Between October and April, short-tailed shearwaters nest in the dunes behind the beach and in the evening, it’s one of the best places in Strahan to watch the sunset.