Strahan is a small town and former port on the west-coast of Tasmania. It is located 298 kilometres west of Hobart and 41 kilometres from Queenstown, on the edge of the Macquarie Harbour. Part of the stunning Tasmanian World Heritage Area, Strahan was also the base for the environmental campaign to save the Franklin River. The town was originally developed as a port of access for mining settlements in the area; however, it also became a vital location for the timber industry after the discovery of the local Huon pine, a superb fine-grained wood ideal for ship building. A railway line from Queenstown was opened in 1899, and during this time of prosperity, Strahan had a population of over 2,000 people and was the second busiest port in Tasmania.

Those visiting Strahan can find short-term parking at Strahan Golf Club, located on Meredith Street. Sites are $10 per vehicle per night and stays are limited to 7 days. Visitors can find a dump point in Harvey Street, and potable water can be obtained from The Esplanade, next to the toilet block in the big car park. 

The Gordon River Cruise is renowned as one of the most popular tourist activities in the area, exploring Macquarie Harbour and the Lower Gordon River. A short drive out of town is Ocean Beach, a huge expanse of sandy beach with views of the Southern Ocean. The steam railway journey from Queenstown to Strahan takes you through dense rainforest and alongside rushing rivers to experience life as the early miners did. At the northernmost end of Strahan Harbour is the People Park, a pleasant mixture of natural forest and botanical gardens with picnic facilities. The annual Strahan Piners Festival is held in November.

Tourist/Visitor Centre       

Esplanade on the wharf, Strahan TAS

Ph: 03 6472 6800

tourism@westernwilderness.com.au

www.tasmaniawestcoast.com.au

Casual Parking       

Esplanade, near the wharf and VIC, fee $2.00 per day; Esk St for vehicles up to 9m, fee $5.00 per day

Short Term Parking           

Strahan Golf Club, Meredith St, max 7 days, $10.00 pn

Dump Point  

Harvey St

Potable Water          

The Esplanade.  Next to the toilet block in the big car park.  Next door to the woodworking centre.

Hospital        

Nearest Orr St, Queenstown, Ph: 03 6471 3300, (37km)

Doctors Surgery     

Bay St, Ph: 03 6472 6300

Pharmacy     

1 Reid Street, Strahan, Ph: 03 64 717795, (located in Strahan Supermarket Complex)

Supermarket            

1 Reid St, Ph: 03 6471 7738