Best Things to Do in Strahan: Where to Eat, Stay & Play

Strahan is one of Tasmania’s hidden gems. You’ll drive through the untouched Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area on the West Coast along the Lyell Highway, and while it feels like you’re driving to the end of the earth, it’s worth it once you arrive.

Strahan was once one of Tasmania’s most populous towns with about 10,000 people living here. The bustling port was a transport hub for the nearby tin mines, but now, it’s a sleepy fishing village with a fascinating convict and industrial past. Strahan is also around 45 minutes from rugged, beautiful Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, a must-visit for outdoorsy types.

While it’s only a small town with a population of about 700 people, there’s plenty to do and see in this historic place. Read on for your guide to the best things to do in Strahan.

Risby Cove

Part of the gorgeous Risby Cove boutique hotel, this waterfront restaurant has a delicious menu paired with its stunning view of the marina and Macquarie Harbour.

With a commitment to using local produce in its dishes, you can expect lots of seafood given the roaring fishing trade in Strahan – try the locally caught fish of the day, the grilled octopus or the shell scallops.

Each dish on the menu is helpfully paired with a local wine for a true Tassie experience.

The Esplanade, Strahan

The Coffee Shack

Local favourite The Coffee Shack is the cute and cosy cafe run by two sisters, serving much-needed caffeine to Strahan residents and tourists, conveniently located opposite the cruise terminal.

During summer The Coffee Shack is open from 6 am - 4 pm, with plenty of time to grab coffee and snacks before you hit the road, or for a pick-me-up on the way home. While they don’t have a sit-down breakfast, they have lots of yummy bites, like toasties, slices and cakes.

19 Esplanade, Strahan

View 42°

It’s all in the name, but View 42° is a bar and restaurant with a spectacular view across the harbour. Perfectly positioned to get the best vantage point for Strahan’s glorious sunsets, head up there on a clear day, order a Tasmanian wine, whisky or gin and settle back in a window seat for the main event.

With an ever-changing seasonal menu, you can pair your Tassie beverage with local cheese, calamari or oysters, salads, soups and desserts.

Sitchu Tip: This is a seasonal venue, generally open 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

Henty Dunes

The West Coast of Tasmania is a wild wonderland, with every pocket bringing a sense of wonder and adventure - and the Henty Dunes are no exception!

The 30m tall dunes are surrounded by rainforest and run for 15km along Tasmania's longest beach - Ocean Beach - giving an illusion of a sandy desert flanked by water, trees and shrubbery.

Not only is it a fabulous sight to see, but you can unleash your inner child with sand boards for hire from businesses in Strahan to glide down the dunes at thrilling speed.

14km north of Strahan

Take a Walk Along Strahan's Historic Foreshore

Take a leisurely stroll around the historic foreshore walk and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning scenery of this picturesque town. The walk commences at West Strahan Beach, offering breathtaking views of the calm waters and lush surroundings. As you make your way along the foreshore, you'll encounter several galleries showcasing local art, providing a perfect opportunity to appreciate the region's creative talent.

Throughout the walk, historic information pillars dot the path, offering fascinating insights into Strahan's storied past. These informative markers detail the town's maritime history, the significance of the timber industry, and the stories of the early settlers who shaped the community.

As you continue, you'll pass by several heritage-listed buildings, each with its own unique story. The walk meanders through beautifully landscaped gardens, where you can pause and take in the serene ambiance.

The journey concludes at Regatta Point Station, a historic railway station that serves as the terminus for the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Here, you can explore the station's charming architecture and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the historic steam trains that still operate today.

The Esplanade, Strahan

Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill

Step back in time to a booming pining era in the heart of Strahan at Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill.

This proudly Tasmanian, family-run business has been in Strahan for over 80 years. The sawmill is no longer in commercial operation, though it remains open for history buffs to enjoy stories from the past and demonstrations of how a thick pine log is transformed into beautiful pieces.

The gift shop is a particular highlight, filled with intricate items made on-site that would make the perfect memento to remember your Tasmanian travels, or as a gift for someone special. The chopping boards have caught our attention!

The Esplanade, Strahan

Visit Sarah Island

Tasmania has a rich convict history, with former penal colonies dotted throughout the state. But Sarah Island was for the worst of the worst – home to convicts who re-offended once they’d been shipped out here. Remote and wild, inmates here must have thought they were at the end of the earth when they arrived. Cruise operators in the area run tours to the island, and it’s well worth a visit.

Though Sarah Island was one of the more secure penitentiaries, with the vast Macquarie Harbour on one side and kilometres of wild rainforest on the other, over 180 escape attempts were made.

One story is retold in The Ship That Never Was, also known as Australia’s longest-running play. Catch a performance at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre on the Esplanade – it plays daily at 5.30 pm between September and May. In terms of the best things to do in Strahan, visiting this heritage island is a must. 

Sarah Island, Strahan and 12 The Esplanade, Strahan

Check Out Hogarth Falls

One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, this easy 2.4km return walk takes you from Strahan town centre through lush rainforest and towering gum trees to a lovely waterfall, which peaks in winter and spring after heavy rainfall but is active all year round.

If you time your stroll around dusk, you might be lucky to spot an elusive platypus in Botanical Creek at the bottom of the waterfall.

Peoples Park, Strahan

Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway

The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a unique way to experience the Strahan area and learn more about its history. Board the heritage diesel or steam trains at Regatta Point for a 2.5-hour journey, taking you along Macquarie Harbour before delving into the thick rainforest through the old port town of Teepookana and stopping at Lower Landing Station on the King River.

Onboard tour operators elevate this train journey to fascinating guided tours as they fill you in on everything you need to know about the surrounding wilderness, so sit back with a glass of Tassie sparkling and enjoy the ride.

62 Esplanade, Strahan

Take a River Cruise

A river cruise is one of the best things to do in Strahan, with several local operators running tours of the area daily, close to popular accommodation spots like Strahan Village.

You can choose your adventure here, but consider picking a tour of Sarah Island, the wild and beautiful Hell’s Gates, the gorgeous Bonnet Lighthouse or Heritage Landing before it goes into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Seeing this wilderness area from the river itself is breathtaking, with the river at times as smooth as glass, allowing you to take a “mirror shot” of the trees reflected in the water.

Strahan, Tasmania

Explore the Ghost Town of Pillinger

If you’re looking for a day trip out of Strahan with a spooky difference, you’ll want to check out Pillinger. Once a thriving mining town in the 1800s, it was abandoned once bigger mines were set up elsewhere.

Gordon River Cruises operates a tour to Pillinger, but you can also drive there and hike the 10.8km return Kelly Basin Track, one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks.

You’ll follow the old railway line that used to service the mine and spot old railway sleepers, rusted mining equipment and ruined buildings as you go. It’s both fascinating and eerie at the same time. 

Kelly Basin Road, Southwest

Catch the Sunset at Ocean Beach

Another popular day trip out of Strahan is Ocean Beach, less than a 10-minute drive out of town. Tasmania’s longest stretch of beach, Ocean Beach is an uninterrupted stretch of 30 kilometres of sand and when you stand on the shore and gaze out to the horizon, the next closest land is South America.

This is a beach for exploring, beach-combing, 4WD-ing on the dunes and sunset-gazing. It is worth noting this isn't the spot for a leisurely swim – out there is the treacherous Southern Ocean, with huge, pounding waves and dangerous rips. But when you visit, you’ll get a sense of how rugged and remote this area is...making it one of the best things to do in Strahan. 

Ocean Beach Road, Strahan

Captain’s Rest

Strahan has many beautiful accommodation options, but Captain’s Rest is the best-known. This stunning one-bedroom property has been featured in local and international design publications and paved the way for the “renovated coastal shack” trend that emerged on Airbnb over the past few years.

Its crisp white walls, antique decor, crackling fireplace, cosy couches and luxe linens – not to mention waterfront position and resident ducks – will have you wanting to stay forever.

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

A relatively new accommodation option in Strahan, The Quarters consists of four cabins on the Esplanade in the centre of town.

The cabins are cosy and rustic, with wood-panelled walls, comfy bedding and vintage knick-knacks dotted around the spaces. Some cabins come with sweet little Juliet balconies off the main bedrooms, where you can enjoy your morning coffee with the sunrise.

79 The Esplanade, Strahan

Rosy Summers

This adorable pink shack is in the same Lettes Bay enclave as Captain’s Rest and is a perfectly renovated old miner’s house.

With white-washed walls, a pale pink facade and thoughtfully decorated with vintage treasures, Rosy Summers is the perfect little haven to unwind in after a long day of exploring the area. While it’s set back from the water, it’s only a short walk down to the jetties of Lettes Bay. It also has a sister accommodation in the form of Bushy Summers.

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! 

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