Day 16: Strahan - A lazy day cruising on the river
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Useful Resources
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What a lovely evening last night was. I had fish and chips down near the harbour. The weather was so nice and warm for the evening. Finished of course with a great sunset.
This morning the weather is still great. Looking forward to my trip on the boat. After breakfast I had a walk around to the harbour to catch the boat for 9am.
The boat is certainly big and comfortable. I've got a nice window seat to enjoy my hard day of relaxation. The boat was only half full, so there was plenty of space for everyone.
Our first stop was to the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, Hells Gate. For a big harbour it has a very narrow entrance of just 80 metres. It was certainly very windy standing outside, but was also enjoyable. Once we had been outside the harbour, we turned around and continued with the cruise to one of the many fish farms around Strahan. The farms produce trout and Atlantic salmon.
After the fish farms we headed to Sarah Island. Sarah Island used to be one of the harshest penal settlements in Australia. The boat docked here for about an hour. We were given a guided tour by a very informative guide. The settlement was at one time a major shipbuilding yard. In 12 years the convicts built around 130 vessels. Once we finished on the island we headed back onboard as we began to go up the Gordon River.
Whilst starting our navigation of the river we were served lunch. There certainly was enough yummy food to go around for all, times two.
The Gordon River goes through extremely dense forests. These forests were originally used for the Huon Pine. But now this whole region is world heritage listed and there is no more logging. The cruise up the river was very scenic and it started to get warm outside. We stopped for a 30 minute walk along a boardwalk through the forest. By doing this short walk you got to see some Huon Pines growing and a 2000 year old one which fell in 1999.
After our walk we headed back onboard and began our trip back down the Gordon River.
I was very pleased I came to Strahan and was impressed with the tour today. Initially I thought it was a lot of dollars to spend on a day trip. But it was very well organised, informative and the scenery was just breathtaking. Plus the food was great.
Tomorrow it is back on the bike. The hot weather is meant to end today and the forecast is for showers. At least it should be cooler for tomorrow's ride.
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| Sunset over Strahan |
This morning the weather is still great. Looking forward to my trip on the boat. After breakfast I had a walk around to the harbour to catch the boat for 9am.
The boat is certainly big and comfortable. I've got a nice window seat to enjoy my hard day of relaxation. The boat was only half full, so there was plenty of space for everyone.
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| My transport for the day |
Our first stop was to the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, Hells Gate. For a big harbour it has a very narrow entrance of just 80 metres. It was certainly very windy standing outside, but was also enjoyable. Once we had been outside the harbour, we turned around and continued with the cruise to one of the many fish farms around Strahan. The farms produce trout and Atlantic salmon.
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| Heading out to Hells Gate |
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| The old court house on Sarah Island |
Whilst starting our navigation of the river we were served lunch. There certainly was enough yummy food to go around for all, times two.
 |
| Heading up the Gordon River |
The Gordon River goes through extremely dense forests. These forests were originally used for the Huon Pine. But now this whole region is world heritage listed and there is no more logging. The cruise up the river was very scenic and it started to get warm outside. We stopped for a 30 minute walk along a boardwalk through the forest. By doing this short walk you got to see some Huon Pines growing and a 2000 year old one which fell in 1999.
After our walk we headed back onboard and began our trip back down the Gordon River.
I was very pleased I came to Strahan and was impressed with the tour today. Initially I thought it was a lot of dollars to spend on a day trip. But it was very well organised, informative and the scenery was just breathtaking. Plus the food was great.
Tomorrow it is back on the bike. The hot weather is meant to end today and the forecast is for showers. At least it should be cooler for tomorrow's ride.