Major city · Australia
Strahan
Give Strahan two nights: one full day for a Gordon River cruise, one for the railway or Ocean Beach. One night only works if you pre-book the morning cruise.
Strahan is a village of about 700 people on Macquarie Harbour, the only real service town for Tasmania's west coast and the gateway to the Gordon River and the South West World Heritage wilderness. There is no regular passenger airport and no local bus, so you arrive by car or a twice-weekly coach and everything worth doing is a booked cruise, a booked train or a short walk. Two nights is the working minimum; three lets you add Ocean Beach and the Henty Dunes without rushing.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (long daylight, mild days)
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, some tours reduced)
- Airports
- BWT · LST · HBA
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Strahan000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Strahan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyStrahan is a small, safe village; the real risks are weather, remote roads and cold water.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (About 2 h 30 min by road; Rex flies here daily.
- Getting aroundNo local bus.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Budget bedBackpacker or hostel bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomA$220 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedMotel or apartment double room, a night, per roomA$380 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$200 (≈ US$140) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (About 2 h 30 min by road; Rex flies here daily. The nearest useful scheduled airport.) · LST Launceston Airport (About 3 h 30 min by road via the A10; Jetstar and Qantas serve it.) · HBA Hobart Airport (About 4 h 30 min by road via the Lyell Highway; the usual arrival if you drive the west coast.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Jul
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Aug
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Sep
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jul (20 rain days), driest Feb (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Strahan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
16 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
18 rd
Jun
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
18 rd
Jul
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
20 rd
Aug
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
20 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
18 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
17 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
15 rd
Dec
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No local bus. The village and Regatta Point are walkable, but the hill up to Regatta Point is steep. A car is needed for Ocean Beach, the Henty Dunes and the Zeehan road. Cruises and the railway leave from their own wharves and stations, both walkable from the Esplanade.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Queenstown
goDoor to door: 40 min by car, 2–4 h by train
Drive the B24, about 40 min; or ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway
Mining town with a moonscape hillside; pair it with the railway rather than driving both ways.
Zeehan
cautionDoor to door: About 45 min
Drive the B27 north, about 45 min
Watch for logging trucks; the mining museum is the reason to stop.
Stanley
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h
Drive the A10 north via Tullah and Wynyard, about 3 h
Too far for a return day; sleep there on the way to or from Devonport.
Burnie
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive the A10 north, about 2 h 30 min
Useful as an airport run rather than a day out.
Tullah
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive the A10 east, about 1 h
Lake and mountain views; a good lunch stop on the way in or out.
Devonport
overnightDoor to door: About 3 h 30 min
Drive the A10 north, about 3 h 30 min
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal; a full driving day from Strahan.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Esplanade and village centre
Walk to the cruise wharf, the visitor centre and most restaurants. Best for a two-night stay without a car.
Harvey Street and Andrew Street
One block back from the water; mostly self-contained apartments and motels, 5–10 min walk to the wharf.
Regatta Point
Across the harbour on the railway side; quieter, with the tavern and villas, about 3 km (1.9 mi) from the village.Across the harbour on the railway side; quieter, with the tavern and villas, about 1.9 mi (3 km) from the village.
Strahan Beach and holiday parks
Cabins and powered sites near West Strahan Beach; good for families and campervans.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–300 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or apartment double room1 × 2 nights × A$220 | A$440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$200 | A$800 |
| Gordon River cruise, half or full day2 × A$175 · check | A$350 |
| West Coast Wilderness Railway, return to Queenstown2 × A$160 · check | A$320 |
| The Ship That Never Was theatre ticket2 × A$25 · check | A$50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$201 |
| Trip total≈ A$553 per person per day, bed included | A$2,211≈ US$1,500 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights, ferry and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Counter meal or pub main | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Fish and chips | A$18–28 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Fresh crayfish, when availableAsk at the shops on the Esplanade; availability varies. | A$60–90 (≈ US$40–60) per kg |
| Fuel, per litreFill up in Queenstown or Zeehan if you can. | A$2.00–2.30 (≈ US$2) |
| Camping or caravan site, powered | A$40–60 (≈ US$30–40) per night |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No regular passenger flights into Strahan Airport: it handles charter and helicopter flights only.
- The Hobart coach runs only a couple of days a week and takes 5 h plus a wait at Lake St Clair: book ahead.
- Logging trucks use the Strahan–Zeehan road; pull over and let them pass.
- Mobile coverage is patchy on the west coast; download maps and tickets before you leave.
- Book the Gordon River cruise and the railway weeks ahead in summer: both sell out.
- Do not attempt to take a boat out through Hells Gates; the entrance is shallow and dangerous.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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StrahanStrahan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies in Strahan. The US consulate-general is in Melbourne; the UK, Canada and New Zealand have consulates or high commissions in Melbourne and Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Strahan, TassieLink coach: about 5 h plus a wait at Lake St Clair, a couple of days a week (check)
- Gordon River cruise: about A$130–250 (≈ US$90–170) depending on length and operator (check)
- West Coast Wilderness Railway, Strahan → Queenstown: about A$120–220 (≈ US$80–150) return (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
- Is the cruise running today? — Is the cruise running today?
- I have a booking — I have a booking
English is the local language; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Strahan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (long daylight, mild days) · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, some tours reduced) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for Burnie/Wynyard: last Rex arrival, road transfer time and a Strahan fallback if the flight is cancelled.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: the Esplanade, Harvey and Andrew Streets, Regatta Point, Strahan Beach.
- Place pages with verified departure times and cutoffs (Gordon River cruise, West Coast Wilderness Railway, The Ship That Never Was, Hogarth Falls).
- Weather and road fixtures so the cruise, railway and Ocean Beach gates can go green or amber.
Sources
- officialStrahan Visitor Centre
- officialWest Coast Wilderness Railway
- officialGordon River Cruises
- officialWorld Heritage Cruises
- officialTassieLink coach services
- secondaryWikivoyage: Strahan, revision 5320040 (CC BY-SA 4.0)