| STRAHAN - TASMANIA - 7468 | ||||
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 Beautiful Strahan Safe Harbour. |
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Population: 758, Elevation: 10m Latitude:42.0932 Longitude:145.1942 Location: 50km west of Queenstown Highway:B27 Zeehan Hwy, B24. Nearest Major Town:Queenstown Nearest Airport:Strahan Touring Area:West Coast |
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 Overlooking Strahan Village |
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Strahan surely has to be one of the world's best kept secrets. I love it ! It has been the main west coast port for more than 160 years but many changes have occured since the days huge rafts of Huon Pine were floated along the Gordon River to Strahan for milling and export. Nevertheless, a reminder of the timber era can be seen on the Strahan wharf, where a Huon Pine sawmill still utilises the boom and derrick that lifted the pine logs from the water. The wharf is a busy place. Fishing boats, charter boats, Gordon River Cruises and even a charter seaplane mean there is constantly something to see and become involved in. Last time I was there great chunks of dry ice were lying on the wharf next to a fishing boat getting ready to set out for the deep waters of the Southern Ocean. The Esplanade facing the wharf area is a delight. Nifty little craft shops, cafes, coffee lounges and general stores are well kept and attractive. Plenty of outdoor seating allows you to refresh yourself while enjoying the view and activity around. There is an excellent lookout over the town at the eastern end, although the road past the motel is a bit rough. Strahan's economy is now centred on fishing, forestry and tourism and is the starting point for Gordon River cruises. Tasmania's largest river, the Gordon is navigable for 42km and forms part of the World Heritage Area. What to See and Do: Cruise on the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour, call at Sarah Island - a former penal settlement, fly over western and south-western regions in a seaplane, take a jet boat ride on the King River, sail the waterways on the vintage yacht, see World Heritage interpretive displays in the Strahan Customs House, visit Ocean Beach and Hogarth Falls. Across Risby Cove at Regatta Point the West Coast Wilderness Railway has been reconstructed and now runs daily trips along the King River through the rain-forest to Queenstown and back. The rail uses the only rack & pinion system in the Southern hemisphere to negotiate the steep hills and curves and is a wonderful experience if you allow a few hours. Marine Charters are also available for fishing or touring. Fishing charters catering for up to 23 persons can be arranged with Strahan Marine Charter on 03 6471 7353, or email strahanmarinecharter@bigpond.com for bookings and enquiries. I strongly recommend you read 'For the term of his Natural Life', by Marcus Clarke, before visiting Strahan. The book traces the miserable life of a convict transported to van Diemans Land and much of the first part of the book is set around Macquarie Harbour and Sarah island. It is also an exceptional read if you disregard the many preposterous coincidences which occur.
INFORMATION CENTRE: Strahan Visitors Centre The Esplanade, Strahan. Tasmania. 7468 Ph: 03 6471 7622 HOW TO GET THERE: Coach Operators Redline: Ph: 1300 360 000 Greyhound Pioneer: 132 030 | |||||||||
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins | |