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The Best Things to Do in Strahan: A Complete Guide to Tasmania’s Wild West Coast
Journey to the wild side on Tasmania's west coast and discover the best things to do in Strahan, with its spectacular scenery and fascinating history.
Strahan sits on the edge of Tasmania’s western wilderness, a small harbour town wrapped in ancient rainforest, river systems, and a history that reads like a frontier novel. Driving in is part of the experience — the Lyell Highway winds through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, where dense forest gives way to misted valleys and long stretches of quiet road. It feels remote the moment you arrive, but Strahan rewards that distance with deep character, rich stories and landscapes that stop you in your tracks.
Once a booming port servicing nearby mining towns, Strahan is now home to around 700 people and a thriving tourism scene shaped by its convict past, extraordinary waterways and proud timber and fishing heritage. Whether you’re here for fresh seafood, wilderness adventures, or slow days by Macquarie Harbour, Strahan delivers something rare: a place where nature, history and hospitality sit side by side.
Here is your guide to the best things to do in Strahan, from where to eat and drink to the region’s most unforgettable walks, cruises and stays.
Best Things to Do in Strahan: Eat & Drink
Risby Cove
Part of a boutique hotel on the harbour’s edge, Risby Cove offers some of the best dining in Strahan — warm lighting, water views and a menu that leans proudly into local produce. Expect Tasmanian seafood in all its forms: fish of the day, grilled octopus, scallops, and dishes paired thoughtfully with regional wines.
The Esplanade, Strahan
Tracks on Point
Tracks on Point sits inside the heritage Regatta Point Station, a relaxed stop for breakfast, lunch or something sweet between adventures. Expect burgers, pancakes, heartier plates, and classic cafe favourites served alongside Tasmanian wines and local craft beers. Settle by the fire when it’s cool or take a seat on the old station platform and enjoy a slow moment by Macquarie Harbour.
68 Esplanade, Strahan
The Coffee Shack
A long-time favourite opposite the cruise terminal, The Coffee Shack is exactly where Strahan fuels up each morning. Run by two sisters, it pours excellent coffee and serves baked treats, toasties, slices and cakes — ideal before setting off on a cruise or after wandering the foreshore.
19 Esplanade, Strahan
View 42°
Set high above the harbour, View 42° gives Strahan one of its best sunset vantage points. Order a Tasmanian wine, whisky or gin, settle into a window seat and let the view do the rest. The seasonal menu shifts through local seafood, salads, soups and desserts.
Sitchu Tip: View 42° typically operates between September and April.
41 Esplanade, Strahan
Westerly Seafood
No historic Tasmanian village by the water is complete without a standout fish and chip spot, and Westerly Seafood delivers just that. Situated in a picturesque setting, it’s serving up the freshest Tasmanian fish. And let’s not forget the crispy chips — they’re an irresistible bonus that completes the perfect seaside dining experience.
2 Esplanade, Strahan
Best Things to Do in Strahan: Explore
Henty Dunes
The Henty Dunes rise up to 30 metres near the edge of Ocean Beach, creating a dramatic sweep of sand backed by rainforest. Stretching for 15 kilometres, they’re a favourite for sandboarding — hire a board in town and glide down at full tilt or admire the scale from the ridge line.
14km north of Strahan
Take a Walk Along Strahan’s Historic Foreshore
This gentle walk begins at West Strahan Beach and follows the shoreline past calm waters, galleries and interpretive pillars that unpack the town’s maritime and timber history. You’ll pass heritage buildings before reaching Regatta Point Station — home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway. It’s a beautiful way to understand Strahan’s past while taking in the scenery.
The Esplanade, Strahan
Morrison’s Huon Pine Sawmill
A family-run institution for more than 80 years, Morrison’s offers a glimpse into Strahan’s timber heritage. The sawmill is no longer in commercial operation. Still, demonstrations show how Huon pine was once milled, and the shop is filled with pieces crafted onsite — chopping boards, small objects and keepsakes that make meaningful souvenirs.
The Esplanade, Strahan
Visit Sarah Island
One of Tasmania’s most infamous former penal settlements, Sarah Island sits in the far reaches of Macquarie Harbour. Once a place for re-offending convicts, it is now a powerful historic site accessible via guided river cruises. Afterwards, catch The Ship That Never Was — Australia’s longest-running play — revealing one of the island’s most daring escape stories.
Sarah Island, Strahan and 12 The Esplanade, Strahan
Check Out Hogarth Falls
One of Tasmania’s recognised Great Short Walks, this 2.4km return track leads through lush rainforest to a small waterfall active year-round. The area comes alive after rainfall, and dusk walks sometimes reward patient visitors with a sighting of a platypus in Botanical Creek.
Peoples Park, Strahan
Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway
A Strahan essential. Departing from Regatta Point, the heritage diesel and steam trains run through rainforest, past Macquarie Harbour and into former timber and mining territory. Guides share stories of the region’s industrial past while you sit back with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling.
62 Esplanade, Strahan
Take a River Cruise
Strahan is known for its river cruises — the tranquil waterways of Macquarie Harbour, Hell’s Gates, Bonnet Island and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park are all reachable via guided tours. The water often sits still enough to create perfect mirror reflections, making these cruises exceptional for photography.
Strahan, Tasmania
Explore the Ghost Town of Pillinger
Pillinger was abandoned in the late 1800s when mining activity collapsed. Today, you can reach it via a Gordon River cruise or by hiking the Kelly Basin Track. The walk leads through dense forest past relics, rusting machinery and the brick remains of once-busy settlement buildings.
Kelly Basin Road, Southwest
Catch the Sunset at Ocean Beach
Ten minutes from town, Ocean Beach spans roughly 30 kilometres — remote, windswept and dramatic. It’s perfect for long walks, beachcombing and sunset photography, though not safe for swimming due to strong rips and powerful surf.
Ocean Beach Road, Strahan
Best Things to Do in Strahan: Stay
Captain’s Rest
One of Tasmania’s most recognisable stays, Captain’s Rest set the benchmark for the “renovated coastal shack” aesthetic. White walls, antique details, a fireplace, luxe bedding and a harbour outlook make this one-bedroom cottage a beloved retreat.
63 Lettes Bay Road, Strahan
Seaforth Shack
Seaforth Shack is a perfectly positioned Airbnb in Strahan – completely secluded and surrounded by 10 acres of bushland, it’s just a 30-second walk down to the water and has a large deck that makes the most of the stunning mountain view in the distance. This two-bedroom property also has an outdoor shower and fire pit for the warmer months and a wood fire inside for snuggling up during winter with a glass of local wine.
Lot 3 Seaforth Street, Strahan
The Quarters
Four timber-lined cabins on the Esplanade bring contemporary rustic charm to central Strahan. Vintage details, soft bedding and — in some cabins — Juliet balconies give The Quarters personality in a prime location.
79 The Esplanade, Strahan
Rosy Summers
In the Lettes Bay precinct, Rosy Summers is a sweetly restored miner’s cottage with a pale pink façade, thoughtful vintage styling and a peaceful setting close to the water. Sister property Bushy Summers sits nearby.
81 Lettes Bay Road, Strahan
After perusing our guide to the best things to do in Strahan and planning an action-packed outdoor adventure, perhaps you are feeling hungry for more. These Launceston pubs and Hobart restaurants will give you a little culinary inspo!
*Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love; each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
