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Explore Strahan, Tasmania with The Pillinger Explorer
Board the MV Sophia in Strahan, Tasmania for an unforgettable cruise across Macquarie Harbour, where you’ll explore the historic ruins of Pillinger and walk through lush rainforest on your way to the iconic Hells Gates; along the voyage you’ll marvel at the engineering of the Training Wall, visit the historic lighthouse and resident penguin colony on Bonnet Island, and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by Strahan Village chefs, all while traveling in comfort and luxury aboard the MV Sophia and discovering the natural and cultural highlights of Strahan and the surrounding harbour.
About this activity in Strahan
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
if you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
if you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Highlights
- Sail the spectacular Macquarie Harbour aboard the comfortable MV Sophia and cruise to the iconic Hells Gates for dramatic coastal views.
- Step ashore to explore the ruins and rainforest of Pillinger’s old township, uncovering the region’s convict and mining heritage.
- Visit Bonnet Island and its historic lighthouse, home to a resident penguin colony you can observe from the boat or shore.
- Enjoy a chef-prepared gourmet lunch plus morning tea and beverages on board while you relax and take in the harbour scenery.
Important Information
- This fully guided Strahan cruise combines history, nature and wildlife highlights across Macquarie Harbour - ideal for families, couples and adventure-seekers.
- All food and non-alcoholic drinks are included; alcoholic beverages are available as part of the onboard offering.
- The experience is suitable for all fitness levels; expect some light walking when exploring ruins and island shorelines.
- Public transport options are available nearby; hotel transfers are not included, so plan your own arrival to the departure point.
Meeting Point
Boarding is at Strahan Wharf (MV Sophia boarding point). Please arrive 20 minutes before departure to check in and get settled on board.
Includes
- Enjoy a chef-prepared gourmet lunch included with your experience in Strahan, Tasmania - a delicious highlight that pairs perfectly with the region’s flavours.
- Start your day with morning tea provided on the tour, so you can relax and savour local moments without worrying about snacks.
- Quench your thirst with included sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks during the activity, keeping you refreshed as you explore the area.
- Alcoholic beverages are provided as part of the offering, giving you the option to unwind with a drink while taking in the destination’s sights.
- Benefit from a fully guided experience led by experts, ensuring you get the most from your time in the region with local knowledge and seamless logistics.
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own arrival and departure logistics when visiting Strahan and the surrounding area.
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point using local buses or trains in the area.
- The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, designed so you can participate comfortably regardless of your experience here.
Customer Reviews
9/10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
Great experience and learning about the history. Great crew, morning tea, delicious lunch and wine. Would recommend this to friends as an adventure.
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Summary:
A steady cruise across the harbour to Pillinger, the heads and lunch at Bonnet Island.
Erin gave us a fantastic run through the history of Pillinger and led us through what is left of the town. The rainforest has taken much of it back including an orchid and white bellied sea eagle as extras.
Des drove Sofia, ably throughout the trip.
Great morning tea and lunch also included.
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Summary:
This is one of the best cruises we've ever done, we were blown away with what we saw and the knowledge that Des and Erin had was amazing. Would definitely recommend this cruise if you come to Strahan
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Know more about Strahan
On the MV Sophia you'll sail across Macquarie Harbour and explore Pillinger's old township ruins, lush rainforests along the shoreline, the engineering landmark of the Training Wall, Bonnet Island with its historic lighthouse and penguin colony, and the iconic Hells Gates as you cruise toward the open ocean.
Your cruise includes morning tea, soda/pop and alcoholic beverages, plus a chef-prepared gourmet lunch created by Strahan Village chefs so you can enjoy local flavours while cruising Macquarie Harbour in comfort.
The fully guided experience aboard the MV Sophia is designed to be comfortable and suitable for all physical fitness levels, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing, on-deck viewing and short onshore exploration of ruins and the lighthouse without strenuous activity.
Yes - the fully guided MV Sophia cruise is family-friendly and Group-Friendly, offering accessible sightseeing of historic ruins, wildlife viewing at Bonnet Island's penguin colony, and relaxed onboard comfort that suits a range of ages and fitness levels.
Yes - the Water-Based MV Sophia tour emphasizes nature and wildlife: you’ll visit Bonnet Island to see its penguin colony and cruise past rainforest-lined shores and historic coastal ruins, making it a strong choice for Nature & Wildlife and Outdoor & Nature interests.
Public transportation options are available nearby and hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded, so plan your arrival accordingly - the cruise itself is offered on a comfortable, luxury vessel with guided commentary for an accessible sightseeing experience.
