Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Gordon River, Tasmania!

Gordon River

Why Visit?

Gordon River Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Embark on a serene journey through Tasmania"s wild heart with our accessible and immersive Gordon River tour. This spectacular area, known for its pristine wilderness and historic significance, is now delightfully accessible to all, including those with mobility challenges.

Getting There

Fly into Hobart or Launceston and rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Strahan, the gateway to the West Coast wilderness. Alternatively, Tassielink coaches provide convenient transport options with accessibility features, ensuring a comfortable ride to your destination.

Day 1: Strahan Village

Begin your adventure in the quaint Strahan Village, where smooth pathways and accessible facilities allow easy exploration of its charming harbor and artisan shops. Check into one of the wheelchair-friendly accommodations, like the Strahan Village Hilltop, offering breathtaking harbor views and fully accessible rooms.

Day 2: Gordon River Cruise

The highlight of your trip is a cruise on the majestic Gordon River. Board the specially equipped "Spirit of the Wild" vessel, which features wheelchair lift access, accessible restrooms, and unobstructed viewing decks. Glide peacefully through ancient rainforests, mirrored waters, and the imposing Gordon River banks, all while indulging in commentary on the area"s ecological and historical insights.

Interesting Facts

- The Gordon River is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, home to some of the oldest temperate rainforests on Earth.

- The river was pivotal during the 1980s environmental movements, notably in saving the Franklin River from damming.

Day 3: Heritage Landing and Sarah Island

Don’t miss the accessible boardwalk at Heritage Landing, an enchanted stroll beneath ancient, towering Huon pines. Follow this with a visit to Sarah Island, where guided tours recount tales of its grim convict past, surprisingly accessible through well-maintained pathways.

Departure

Conclude your inspiring journey by easing back to Hobart or Launceston, taking with you the serene echoes of one of the planet’s last great wildernesses, explored effortlessly on wheels.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Sarah Island

Why Visit?

Uncover the Mysteries of Sarah Island: A Wheelchair-Friendly Journey

Embark on an unforgettable expedition to Sarah Island, a tiny, hauntingly beautiful isle nestled in the rugged wilderness of Tasmania"s Macquarie Harbour. Once an infamous penal colony, this island is now a captivating historical site, accessible and enjoyable for wheelchair users and those on mobility scooters.

Getting There

Your adventure begins with a serene cruise operated by Gordon River Cruises from the picturesque town of Strahan, situated on the west coast of Tasmania. These cruises are equipped with accessible facilities, ensuring a comfortable journey for all. As the boat glides through the tranquil waters, soak in the stunning views of dense rainforest and steep river banks.

Exploring Sarah Island

Upon docking, you"ll be greeted by expert guides ready to take you on an enthralling tour of the island. The paths around Sarah Island are mostly flat and gravelled, making them suitable for wheelchairs and scooters. As you navigate through the remnants of the penal colony, your guide will bring to life the tales of hardship and ingenuity that echo around every corner.

Learn about the shipbuilding industry that flourished here, despite the island’s harsh conditions. Between 1822 and 1833, Sarah Island became one of the largest shipyards in Australia. Marvel at how, even in such a remote location, prisoners managed to construct over 100 vessels.

Key Highlights

- The Shipyard Model: View a detailed model that shows the innovative dry dock designed by convicts.

- The Solitary Confinement Cells: Hear the chilling stories of the isolation endured by prisoners.

- The Chapel: Reflect on the small chapel area where convicts found solace.

Before You Go

Check weather conditions and ensure your mobility equipment is well-suited for gravel paths. Book your cruise with Gordon River Cruises in advance, specifying any accessibility needs.

Sarah Island promises a journey back in time, filled with poignant stories and stunning natural beauty, all made accessible for everyone to experience.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Henty Dunes

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure at Henty Dunes in Tasmania, where stunning landscapes meet accessibility for all. Begin your journey in the coastal town of Strahan, approximately a 15-minute drive northeast to the expansive dunes. Accessible parking is available at the entrance of the site.

Kick off your visit by exploring the accessible boardwalks leading to viewing platforms that offer breathtaking vistas of the sprawling dunes. The boardwalks are sturdy and wide, accommodating both wheelchairs and mobile scooters, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Henty Dunes without limitation. As you navigate through the area, you"ll be surrounded by the unique flora and fauna that inhabit this coastal ecosystem. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species that thrive in this sandy environment.

For those keen on learning more about the area, informative signage along the boardwalk provides fascinating insights into the dunes" geological formation and history. Henty Dunes has been shaped by thousands of years of wind and water, creating a natural spectacle unlike any other. These signs are positioned at accessible heights, making it easy for all visitors to read and enjoy the information.

The highlight of the tour is the modified sandboarding experience. Local tour operators offer specially designed sandboards that are accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone can experience the thrill of sliding down the dunes. Pre-book your sandboarding session to ensure availability and assistance.

As the day winds down, enjoy a picnic at the designated accessible picnic areas near the parking lot. These areas are equipped with accessible tables and positioned to offer stunning views of the dunes, making it the perfect spot to reflect on your adventurous day at Henty Dunes.

Whether you"re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or just in for some fun, Henty Dunes offers a memorable and inclusive outing for visitors on wheels.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.