
Heritage Landing Gordon River Boardwalk
Step into Tasmania's ancient rainforests and explore the haunting history of Sarah Island on a scenic Gordon River cruise.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for forest and river views

Heritage Landing Gordon River Boardwalk
Best Time
Best light for forest and river views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Tasmania's ancient rainforests and explore the haunting history of Sarah Island on a scenic Gordon River cruise.
"A bucket list destination to visit, experiencing the uniqueness of the South West Wilderness of Tasmania."

Book Your Cruise Early
Gordon River Cruises are the main way to access. Book ahead to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Short, Easy Walk
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for a brief forest immersion. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Huon Pines
Boardwalk
Walk amongst trees thousands of years old, including the iconic Huon Pine, growing at a millimeter per year.
Sarah Island Penal Settlement
Gordon River Cruise stop
Explore the haunting ruins of a former penal colony, established before Port Arthur.
Pristine Wilderness
South West Tasmania
Experience unspoiled scenery, rugged peaks, wild rivers, and unique flora and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Heritage Landing
Embrace the Wilderness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Your Cruise Early
Gordon River Cruises are the main way to access. Book ahead to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Short, Easy Walk
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for a brief forest immersion. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for pademelons and other native fauna. :deer:
Respect the Environment
Help preserve this unique UNESCO World Heritage area for future generations. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Your Cruise Early
Gordon River Cruises are the main way to access. Book ahead to avoid disappointment! :ticket:
Short, Easy Walk
The boardwalk is flat and accessible, perfect for a brief forest immersion. :athletic_shoe:
Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for pademelons and other native fauna. :deer:
Respect the Environment
Help preserve this unique UNESCO World Heritage area for future generations. :evergreen_tree:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Heritage Landing for its stunning natural beauty and the opportunity to walk amongst ancient Huon Pines. The historical significance of Sarah Island, visited on the same cruise, is also a major highlight. However, some find the experience can feel crowded due to the shared nature of the boat tours.
"This is truly a bucket trip destination to visit. We took the 6 hour World Heritage Cruise with stops at Hell's Gate, The Penal settlement of Sarah Island established before the southern Penninsula Penal Settlement of Port Arthur but it is possible to access this unique destination by flying in with tours Greg Wells from Par Avion Tours who not only will share his knowledge of this area but share his music all based on history not only of our First Nation's Mimegin Mob but Piner local who used the beautiful Huon Pine Timber later working in unison with Bob Brown, our Tasmanian "David Attenborough who fought to preserve this landscape.
The uniqueness of the South West Wilderness of Tasmania containing unspoilt scenery, rugged peaks, wild rivers, unique flora and fauna, and a long and rugged coast, here you will see trees of 1000s of years of age. One such example are the 3000 year old Huon Pines, as Huon Pines only grows 1mm a year in height. And, you will experience the purity of the air thanks to all these ancient trees; Sassafrass, Myrtle, Huon Pine and Tasmanian Laurel growing along side one another just as they have for many , many years.
Sadly there are still places in the SW where trees are still being logged despite this area being classed by UNESCO as a unique due to the vast array flora that grow in harmony with the other.
It is my hope that tourists who come to visit our South West Coast not only become moved by what they see but assist us in the preservation for future generations to enjoy."
mary marsh
"While this place was interesting it is shared with a boatload of passengers which takes away from the natural setting in a major way. It’s a short, flat walk taken on a boardwalk through the forest. But feels very crowded. Trees are well signposted with interesting background of their aboriginal heritage."
Nicky Jurd
"We visited Heritage Landing via Gordon River Cruises.
It is a great stop and forest walk.
Recommended"
Allen Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Heritage Landing is by taking a boat tour, with Gordon River Cruises being the most popular option. These cruises depart from Strahan and include stops at key points of interest like Heritage Landing and Sarah Island. Private vessels may also be able to access, but confirm this with local authorities.
No, Heritage Landing is not accessible by road. It is situated within the remote South West Wilderness of Tasmania and can only be reached by boat.
Gordon River Cruises typically depart from the town of Strahan in Tasmania. Ensure you check the specific departure location and time when booking your tour.
The duration of the boat trip varies depending on the specific cruise itinerary. Gordon River Cruises often offer full-day excursions that include Heritage Landing and other significant sites.
Strahan is accessible by car and coach services from major Tasmanian cities like Hobart and Launceston. There is no direct public train service to Strahan.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't buy tickets specifically for Heritage Landing itself, but rather for the boat tour that takes you there. Booking a cruise with operators like Gordon River Cruises is essential.
Prices for Gordon River Cruises can vary depending on the season, package, and inclusions. It's best to check the official website of the cruise operator for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Discounts may be available for certain groups, such as seniors, children, or families. Keep an eye on the cruise operator's website or contact them directly to inquire about potential offers.
Typically, a cruise ticket includes the boat journey, access to onboard commentary, and stops at key attractions like Heritage Landing and Sarah Island. Some packages might include meals or other amenities.
It is generally understood that Heritage Landing is primarily accessible via organized boat tours like Gordon River Cruises. Access via private vessels might be possible but should be confirmed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The boardwalk at Heritage Landing is a short, flat, and elevated pathway that winds through the ancient rainforest. It's designed to protect the delicate ecosystem while allowing visitors to experience the forest up close.
The walk along the boardwalk is relatively short, usually taking about 20-30 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. It's a brief but impactful immersion into the wilderness.
The boardwalk is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers. However, due to its natural setting, some areas might present minor challenges. It's advisable to check with the cruise operator for specific accessibility details.
You'll see a variety of ancient trees, including the magnificent Huon Pine, Sassafras, Myrtle, and Tasmanian Laurel. The Huon Pines are particularly notable for their age, some dating back thousands of years.
While the cruise itself provides commentary, specific guided walks on the boardwalk might not always be available. Some visitors suggest it would be beneficial if more information about the plants was shared.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Environment
The South West Wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage area renowned for its unspoiled scenery, rugged peaks, wild rivers, unique flora and fauna, and ancient forests. It's a vital ecosystem with trees thousands of years old.
Huon Pines are unique to Tasmania and grow incredibly slowly, with some trees being thousands of years old. They are a symbol of the ancient and resilient nature of the Tasmanian wilderness.
While sightings are not guaranteed, you might be lucky enough to spot native wildlife such as pademelons. The purity of the air and the diverse plant life are also significant natural features.
Despite the area being classified as unique by UNESCO, there are unfortunately still areas in the SW where logging occurs, which is a concern for conservationists.
Thanks to the abundance of ancient trees like Huon Pines, Sassafras, Myrtle, and Tasmanian Laurel, the air quality in this region is exceptionally pure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Nature Enthusiasts
While the boardwalk is short, it's packed with botanical wonders. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like pademelons. The journey itself, through the dramatic Gordon River, is also a scenic highlight, offering stunning views of the rugged South West Wilderness.
History Buffs
The cruise itself can also be seen as a journey through history, following routes that have been significant for both Indigenous peoples and European explorers and settlers. The commentary often touches upon the rich history of the region, including the use of Huon Pine timber.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gordon River Cruise Experience
During the cruise, you'll witness the dramatic landscapes of the South West Wilderness, including rugged peaks and the pristine river. A key stop is the Sarah Island Penal Settlement, a haunting reminder of Tasmania's convict past, where you can explore the ruins and learn about its harsh history. The cruise also includes the short, accessible boardwalk walk through the ancient rainforest at Heritage Landing.
While the cruise offers a fantastic overview, some visitors have noted that the experience can feel crowded with a large number of passengers. The commentary is informative, but some wish for more in-depth guided information about the unique flora encountered on the boardwalk.
Tasmania's Ancient Rainforests
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Huon Pine, a species endemic to Tasmania that grows at an astonishingly slow rate of just 1mm per year. Seeing these ancient giants, some estimated to be over 3,000 years old, is a profound experience. Alongside the Huon Pines, you'll find other iconic Tasmanian rainforest species like Sassafras, Myrtle, and Tasmanian Laurel, all growing in harmony.
This pristine environment is a crucial part of Tasmania's natural heritage, and its preservation is a significant concern. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and appreciate the delicate balance of this ancient ecosystem, understanding that its survival is vital for future generations.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit