Destination Guides > Australia > Tasmania > Western & Central Tasmania > Strahan
Strahan
The nicest town in western Tasmania is situated on Macquarie Harbour. It started out as a transport hub for the penal colony at nearby Sarah Island but later became a major port for the timber and mining industries. Nowadays Strahan is a popular base for travellers exploring the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Practical Information
Strahan Visitor Information Centre
The Esplanade, Strahan
Tel (03) 6471 7622
Website www.tasmaniaswestcoast.com.au
Open Jan-Feb 10am-9pm daily; Mar-Dec 10am-8pm daily
Parks & Wildlife Office
The Esplanade, Strahan
Tel (03) 6471 7122
Website www.parks.tas.gov.au
Open Mon-Fri 9am-noon & 1pm-5pm
INTERNET ACCESS
Strahan Online Access Centre
The Esplanade, Strahan
Tel (03) 6471 7788
Open Mon-Tue 1pm-5pm, Wed 10am-1pm, Thu 2pm-5pm daily
Coming & Going
Tassielink (tel 1300 300 520) has daily buses to Hobart and two buses a week to Launceston.
Hostel Accommodation
Strahan Backpackers
43 Harvey Street, Strahan
Tel (03) 6471 7255 or 1800 444 442
Eating & Drinking
There are some good places to eat along Strahan’s waterfront Esplanade. Banjo’s Bakehouse (The Esplanade, Strahan) is the cheapest place in town with fresh bread, pies and pastries. The best budget dining option is the Fish Café on the Wharf (41 The Esplanade, Strahan), which serves pizza and delicious locally-caught fish and chips.
Hamer’s Hotel (The Esplanade, Strahan) serves good quality pub meals and is there is a great atmosphere with an open fireplace. It is the only real place to go out at night and it can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights.
Activities
Jet Boating
50 minute jet boat rides go up the King River past Huon forests and under the historic Teepookana Bridge.
Tel (03) 6225 7016 or 1800 420 155
Website www.puretasmania.com.au
Cost $65
Macquarie Harbour Cruises
World Heritage Cruises operate boat trips on the harbour that include a visit to Sarah Island.
Tel (03) 6471 7174
Website www.worldheritagecruises.com.au
Full-day cruise $85-110
