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Strahan - Cities, Towns and Localities |
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Located
on the scenic Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tasmania, Strahan has a
number of great attractions and tours. River cruises are a great starting point for visitors to
explore Macquarie Harbour and
Sarah
Island, the states first penal colony. Cruises can take you to the
lower reaches of the Gordon River and dont forget to visit the
fantastic Ocean Beach, just 6 km from town, which also offers a great
fishing location. |
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 Book
Strahan Attractions Online |
Abt Wilderness Railway
The original steam railway was built by the Mt
Lyell Mining and Railway Company to transport ore and supplies between
Queenstown and Strahan. When the price
of copper collapsed in 1963, the railway was abandoned. Today the
historic Abt Wilderness Railway has been restored offering visitors a
breath-taking journey along 34 kms through the King River Gorge,
stopping occasionally at walkways for a closer view of the forests and
river. This is a unique journey through the world-renowned rugged
western coastline of Strahan to Queenstown.
Cape Sorell Lighthouse
Constructed on Cape Sorell in 1899, the lighthouse
stands 40 metres high and the tower is 2.5 metres in diameter. It is now
the only structure still standing as the houses and the engine room have
been dismantled.
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Franklin River
Flowing 125 kms through the heart of the south-west Tasmanian
wilderness until it reaches the Gordon River. It is a must for tourists
and rafting enthusiast with its rainforests, tranquil pools, and
roaring, rock-strewn rapids.
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Gordon River
To see the Gordon River, and to walk through the dense temperate
rainforest on its banks, is to experience one of the wonders of the
world. The cruises are world renowned taking in this untouched
rainforest, Hells Gates, Macquarie Harbour, Heritage landing and the
Gordon River itself.
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Hells Gate
Named by the convicts who came to Macquarie Harbour. It was and still
feels like the entrance to one of the most isolated places on earth.
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Macquarie Harbour
On a clear calm day the harbour is like a mirror. The waters edge have
brown button grass growing on the river banks, with the shores being
heavily wooded. Although it may look beautify, the harbour has seen
great suffering and hardship in its past, with convicts rowing from
Sarah Island to the Gordon River, spending the day cutting down Huon
Pines, and then rowing back to the island.
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 Ocean Beach
The place to experience what the end of the world is really like. This
beach is often very windy, but it is worth standing on the flat beach
just to watch the huge waves breaking. Ocean Beach is 40 km long, with
huge dunes behind the beach. If you get a fine day, try to catch the sun
setting over the beach. It is breathtaking.Ocean Beach Mutton Bird Rookery
October to March
Ocean Beach is the spot to be when you
can witness the annual migration of the Mutton Birds (Puffinus tenuirostris), as
they return from their winter migration to breed on Ocean Beach. At dawn, a
parent birds will leave the nest (a burrow in the sand) and fly out to sea to
feed. Then as the sun begins to set, the sky is filled with the return of
hundreds of birds, guided to their nest by the calls of their mates and young.
Come April, the birds begin their migration to Japan and South Ease Asia.
There are interpretive signage and care should be taken not to walk on the
rookeries as you may collapse the nest.
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Ormiston
Located on Bay Street which runs off The Esplanade, the house was built
in 1902 by F.O. Henry, a successful local storekeeper who made his
fortune investing in mining in the area. It is a fine example of
Federation architecture, surrounded by large grounds, that include some
beautiful magnolia trees. Ormiston is now a 5-star luxury guest house.
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Peoples Park and Hogarth Falls
Located at the northern end of Strahan Harbour is
called the People Park, consisting of a mixture of natural forest and
botanical gardens, that includes picnic and camping facilities. There is
a return 1 hour walk to the Hogarth Falls, that passes through
rainforest, with the trees clearly identified for those interested in
the botany of the area.
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Sarah Island
In January 1822 a ship arrived in Macquarie Harbour
with 14 convicts, 16 soldiers and their families. They established a
convict station on Sarah Island.
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Strahan Central
The building is now a cafe and gallery with accommodation but for
people who visited the town a few years ago it will be remembered as The
Royal Ba-k of Avram. This was a project of the self-titled Duke of Avram
who, concerned that the average citizen could not open his own bank,
decided to open a gift shop selling coins and in order to avoid getting
into trouble, called it a Ba-k. He did not win. Eventually he was closed
down by the police.
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The Strahan Post Office and Customs Office
Located on the Esplanade is this fine
example of an early 20th century Customs House. Built to meet the
demands of Strahan as it became the major port for the mining operations
at Queenstown, this two-storey brick building, with stucco trim, now
houses the National Parks and Wildlife offices.
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Strahan Wharf Centre
The reception desk is built from Huon Pine, the foyer is
made from river gravel. It also has an excellent and comprehensive
display recounting the story of the Tasmanian west coast. Ph: 03 6471
7488.
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