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 scenic stroll along Strahan's historic foreshore walk, where natural beauty and rich heritage collide. Starting at West Strahan Beach, enjoy sweeping views of calm waters and lush landscapes. As you wander, discover local galleries brimming with art, and historic information pillars that bring to life the town’s maritime legacy and timber industry.

Along the way, you'll pass heritage-listed buildings that tell the stories of early settlers. The walk concludes at Regatta Point Station, home to the West Coast Wilderness Railway, where you can admire the charming architecture and, if lucky, spot one of the historic steam trains. This picturesque path offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, which is why it's one of the best things to do in Strahan.

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's convict history is rich, with former penal colonies scattered across the state, and Sarah Island stands out as one of the most notorious. It housed convicts who re-offended after being shipped to the island. Surrounded by the vast Macquarie Harbour and dense rainforest, Sarah Island was remote and unforgiving—making escape attempts an almost constant occurrence, with over 180 recorded attempts.

Visitors can learn more by taking a cruise to the island, which offers a glimpse into the harsh conditions convicts endured. Don’t miss The Ship That Never Was, Australia’s longest-running play, which retells one of these daring escape stories. The performance is held daily at the Richard Davey Amphitheatre on the Esplanade from September to May. Sarah Island is an unmissable stop on your Strahan adventure.

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.

Sitchu Tip: 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 offering daily tours near popular accommodations like Strahan Village.

You can tailor your adventure, with options like Sarah Island, the wild Hell’s Gates, Bonnet Lighthouse, or Heritage Landing, before entering the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

The view from the river is breathtaking, with the water often as smooth as glass, perfect for capturing stunning “mirror shots” of trees reflecting in the water.

Strahan, Tasmania

Explore the Ghost Town of Pillinger

For a spooky day trip from Strahan, visit Pillinger, a former mining town abandoned in the 1800s. You can join a Gordon River Cruise or hike the 10.8 km Kelly Basin Track, part of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. As you follow the old railway line, you’ll pass rusted mining equipment and crumbling buildings, offering a fascinating yet eerie experience.

Kelly Basin Road, Southwest

Catch the Sunset at Ocean Beach

Just a 10-minute drive from Strahan, Ocean Beach stretches 30 km of sand and offers a rugged escape. While perfect for beach-combing, 4WD adventures, and sunset views, it’s not suitable for swimming due to dangerous waves and rips. Its remoteness makes it one of the must-see 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-know. 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 even 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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