Evening Dinner Cruise

If you’re considering a trip to Strahan, Tasmania, this Evening Dinner Cruise aboard the Spirit of the Wild promises a blend of natural beauty, intriguing history, and gourmet dining. While I haven’t personally floated on this vessel, reviews highlight how this journey offers a calming, educational, and visually stunning experience.

One of the things most travelers love is the chance to see the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness from a boat designed with environmental care in mind. The Spirit of the Wild uses hybrid propulsion and an eco-friendly hull, meaning your journey respects the pristine surroundings. Plus, a dinner showcasing top Tasmanian produce elevates the trip from just sightseeing to a true taste of local excellence.

However, a potential consideration is that this cruise runs for about six hours, so it’s ideal for those prepared for a leisurely, full-day experience. If you’re not a fan of long tours, it might feel a bit much. Still, for lovers of nature, history, and high-quality food, this cruise hits many sweet spots. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate detailed guides and authentic experiences rather than cookie-cutter tours.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or someone simply wanting to enjoy Tasmania’s wilderness in comfort, this cruise offers a rich, well-rounded package.

Key Points

• Eco-Friendly Design: The hybrid vessel minimizes environmental impact while offering excellent views.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable on-board guides bring stories of the river, rainforest, and convict history to life.
• Gourmet Dining: A chef-prepared buffet dinner showcases local Tasmanian ingredients.
• Varied Stops: Experience rainforest walks at Heritage Landing and explore convict history at Sarah Island.
• Stunning Scenery: See Hells Gates, fish farms, and ancient Huon pines from the water.
• Flexible Seating & Bar Options: Choose between three seating classes, with an open bar on the upper deck and complimentary drinks on the main deck.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Booking and Cost

For around $111.17 per person, the cruise offers a strong value, especially considering the included dinner, expert guides, and multiple scenic stops. Reviews consistently praise the quality of the food and the attentive service, with many noting that the experience feels premium without being overly expensive. The tour lasts approximately six hours, making it a substantial yet relaxed way to spend an afternoon and evening in Strahan.

Note that there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so you’ll need to organize your transportation to the meeting point at 24 Esplanade. The start time is 3:15 pm, perfect for catching the sunset on your return journey.

The Vessel: Spirit of the Wild

This boat isn’t just a boat; it’s a thoughtfully crafted vessel. Its hybrid propulsion means it operates quietly, allowing for a more peaceful view of the wilderness, and its environmentally designed hull keeps your visit sustainable. Inside, the vessel offers interpretive facilities—maps, photographs, guidebooks—and multiple decks, including a top 360° viewing deck, ensuring excellent visibility no matter where you sit.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

• Gordon River: We love the way the cruise quietly glides past towering rainforests and ancient trees, giving you a sense of the grandeur of the Tasmanian wilderness. Guides share stories and insights, making the surroundings come alive. Stopping at Heritage Landing for a walk through the rainforest is a highlight, allowing you to stand among the centuries-old trees and feel connected to the land.

• Hells Gates and the Mouth of the River: Seeing Hells Gates, where the river meets the ocean, is often called the most dramatic part of the cruise. This narrow, rugged opening is both awe-inspiring and historically significant, marking the entrance to one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness areas. Many reviews mention the thrill of passing through this weather-beaten gateway and the panoramic views that come with it.

• Sarah Island: The tour of this convict settlement is more than a history lesson. Guides from the Round Earth Company captivate audiences with tales of treacherous conditions and resilient convicts. One reviewer noted, “the Sarah Island tour was fascinating,” thanks to guides who are charismatic and well-informed. Expect to learn about the island’s difficult past and its role in shaping Tasmania’s history.

Dining Experience: A Highlight

The chef-prepared buffet dinner is often singled out as a standout feature. It offers a variety of Tasmanian delicacies, and many reviews emphasize the quality and freshness of the food. On the premier upper deck, you can enjoy an open bar, adding to the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. Meanwhile, the main deck offers a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink, so no one feels left out.

Reviews from Travelers

Most reviews give this experience a perfect score, praising the friendly staff, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking scenery. One comment that keeps coming up is how well-organized and informative the guides are, making the trip both educational and entertaining. For instance, “Our guide Lyell was very charismatic and taught us a lot about the history of the convicts,” one traveler noted.

Several reviewers also mention the cruise’s relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty in comfort. Even those who encountered minor inconveniences, like flies, still found the overall experience delightful, describing it as “well worth doing” and “fabulous.”

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This cruise is perfect for those who want a comprehensive experience of Tasmania’s wilderness, history, and local cuisine all in one outing. It’s especially appealing if you value guided storytelling and a luxurious yet eco-conscious vessel. The cruise’s multiple scenic stops, from rainforests to historical sites, ensure you gain a broad appreciation of the region’s significance.

While the price might seem steep compared to simpler tours, the inclusion of high-quality food, guided interpretation, and environmental considerations makes it a compelling value. Plus, the relaxed pace allows ample time to soak in the scenery, take photos, and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.

This experience is best suited for adventurous food lovers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts looking for a memorable, all-encompassing journey. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a mix of education, relaxation, and gourmet indulgence in a stunning setting.

FAQs About the Evening Dinner Cruise

What time does the cruise start?
The cruise begins at 3:15 pm, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery as the afternoon turns to evening.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately six hours, including stops at Heritage Landing and Sarah Island.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those prepared for a longer, relaxed tour. Very young children might find the duration a bit challenging.

What’s included in the cost?
Your ticket covers the 6-hour cruise, a chef-prepared buffet dinner, onboard guides, and drinks on the upper and main decks.

Are drinks available onboard?
Yes, the premier upper deck features an open bar, while the main deck includes a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink.

Is hotel transportation included?
No, you’ll need to get to the meeting point at 24 Esplanade, Strahan.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor conditions, plus layers in case it gets cooler in the evening. Some reviews mention flies, so insect repellent might be helpful.

Can I choose my seating?
Yes, you can select between three different seat classes, with the upper deck offering the best views.

Is the vessel environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. The hybrid propulsion system minimizes noise and pollution, helping preserve the pristine environment.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to three days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that are non-refundable.

Final Words: Who Will Love This Experience?

This dinner cruise offers a thoughtful way to enjoy Tasmania’s unique landscapes while savoring local flavors. It’s a great pick for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling, scenic beauty, and premium dining in a sustainable vessel. If you’re after a relaxing, informative, and delicious way to see the Gordon River, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Families, couples, and solo travelers seeking a memorable adventure will find plenty to love here. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and want to learn about Tasmania’s convict history and rainforest ecosystems from knowledgeable guides.

While it’s a longer tour, it’s clearly designed to maximize comfort and value, making it a high-quality option for those ready to indulge in Tasmania’s wilderness with a touch of luxury.

To sum it up, this Evening Dinner Cruise balances stunning scenery, expert interpretation, and fine dining in a way that few experiences in Tasmania can match. It offers a fantastic way to connect with the island’s wild heart, all while enjoying the comforts of a modern, eco-conscious vessel. Perfect for those who want to indulge in a full-spectrum adventure that feeds the eyes, mind, and palate alike.