Gordon River Kayaking | 7‑Day World Heritage Paddle

📍 Tasmania, Australia | All INCLUSIVE

Slide through glassy waters, paddle past ancient rainforest, and camp beneath Tasmania’s wildest skies

This 7‑day expedition into Tasmania’s wild heart is paddling nirvana.

Start and Finish

Start and Finish

Hobart, Tas

Small Groups

Small Groups

Maximum 10-12 People

Full Distance Paddled

Full Distance Paddled

Approx. 77.5 km

Difficulty

Difficulty

Moderate

Climate +

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

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Gordon River Kayaking | 7‑Day Wilderness Paddle in World Heritage Tasmania
Tour Overview

Paddle Deep into Tasmania’s Wildest Heart

An extraordinary 7-day kayaking expedition immersing you in the serene beauty of Tasmania’s Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour—one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers. Glide silently through mirrored waterways, camp beneath lush rainforest canopies, and experience the deep cultural and historical layers that enrich this remarkable region.


Quick Facts

  • Duration: 7 days

  • Region: Gordon River & Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania

  • Experience: Kayak expedition with riverside camping

  • Includes: Experienced guides, all equipment provided, thoughtful meals included


Trip Highlights

  • Macquarie Harbour crossing with time on secluded beaches and historic Sarah Island

  • Upstream venture on the Gordon River, surrounded by towering ancient Huon pines, leatherwoods, and sassafras reflected in still waters

  • Riverside campsites each evening beneath a canopy of stars

  • Sailing-yacht finale, retracing your paddle strokes back to civilisation


Good to Know

  • Pacing & mood: Unhurried wilderness immersion focused on connection, reflection, and an unforgettable escape

  • Texture of the trip: Mirrored waterways, rainforest camps, and rich cultural–historical context woven throughout

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Key Tour Info

Tour Itinerary
Day 1 | Hobart to Strahan via Franklin River Nature Trail

Drive Time: ~5 hrs (290 km) | Walk: 1 km (easy)

Set off from Hobart with hotel pickups between 9:00–9:30am. The drive to Strahan takes around 5 hours, but you'll break it up with a stop at the Franklin River Nature Trail for a gentle 1km loop walk beneath towering cool-temperate rainforest.

Arriving in Strahan mid-afternoon, you'll check in and explore this charming West Coast town. In the evening, catch a performance of The Ship That Never Was—a lively retelling of Australia’s greatest convict escape. Over dinner, your guides will brief you on the expedition ahead.

Day 2 | Macquarie Harbour: Hells Gates to Double Cove

Distance: 7.5–18km · Time: 2.5–5hrs paddling

Weather permitting, you'll paddle across the infamous Hells Gates, the narrow channel where the Southern Ocean meets Macquarie Harbour. From there, trace the western shoreline into wild country, navigating calm waters flanked by ancient rainforest.

Alternatively, if conditions dictate, a small boat will drop you and your gear at Liberty Point, where you’ll begin paddling a more sheltered route to Double Cove. Either way, this is your first real taste of the quiet, moody magic of the West.

Day 3 | Double Cove to Birchs Inlet via Sarah Island

21km · Time: ~4–5hrs paddling

Follow the shoreline southward, passing aquaculture farms and hidden beaches before making a detour to Sarah Island—a site of brutal convict history and the unlikely home of Australia’s largest shipyard in the 1820s.

After a reflective walk through its eerie ruins, continue paddling toward Birchs Inlet, where you'll set up camp surrounded by still water and thick rainforest.

Day 4 | Birchs Inlet to Eagle Creek (Entering the Gordon River)

Distance: 22km · Time: ~5hrs paddling

The longest and most spectacular paddling day of the trip. Glide up the mirror-like Gordon River, flanked by towering Huon pine, myrtle, sassafras, and celery-top pines. The silence is profound, interrupted only by the dip of your paddle and the call of rainforest birds.

Make camp at Eagle Creek, deep within the World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Day 5 | Eagle Creek to Sir John Falls

Distance: 17km · Time: ~4hrs paddling

Continue upriver into increasingly remote wilderness. This stretch is rich in history—you're paddling in the wake of early timber workers and protestors who helped save this region from damming.

Arrive at Sir John Falls, a scenic cascade and the spiritual heart of the upper Gordon. Camp here amid the ferns and mosses, where the Franklin and Gordon Rivers nearly meet.

Day 6 | Junction of the Franklin and Gordon Rivers

Distance: 12km · Time: ~3hrs paddling

Make a final upstream push to the junction of the Gordon and Franklin Rivers, a powerful symbol in the story of Australian environmentalism. After soaking in the serenity, return downstream to Sir John Falls for a final night under the stars. Time to relax, reflect, and share stories around camp.

Day 7 | Return to Strahan via Yacht + Travel to Hobart

Sailing · Return Travel

Load your kayaks onto the Stormbreaker, a classic sailing yacht, and cruise back down the Gordon River and across Macquarie Harbour. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea eagles, and the surreal beauty of mist clinging to the treetops.

Arrive in Strahan where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Hobart. Expect to return around 7:00pm—with tired arms, a full camera roll, and a soul deeply stirred by one of Tasmania’s wildest waterways.

Need more info. Check out full trip notes here

Food & Accommodation

Where You’ll Be Staying and What You’ll Be Eating

🏕️ Accommodation
This expedition blends rugged adventure with creature comforts where it counts. On the first night, you'll stay in a cosy guesthouse in Strahan—a peaceful base to prep for the journey ahead. From Day 2 onward, it’s wilderness camping in remote riverbank settings, fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the rainforest.

  • Spacious one-person tents provided (or roomy doubles for couples)
  • Comfortable sleeping mat and warm sleeping bag
  • Campsites are chosen for their beauty, seclusion, and access to the water
  • Final nights are spent at the legendary Sir John Falls campsite, a hub of wild river stories

🍽️ Meals
All meals, snacks, and drinks are included—thoughtfully prepared to fuel long days on the water and nourish you in the elements.

  • Hearty breakfasts, picnic-style lunches, and hot, wholesome dinners
  • Meals are made using mostly fresh Tasmanian produce
  • A glass of wine is included with dinner each night to toast the day’s adventures
  • Dietary needs are happily catered for—just let the team know in advance

Everything is transported and cooked by your expert guides, but you’re welcome to pitch in with dishes and camp life if you’re feeling communal.

What's Included & What's Not

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

  • 5 full days of immersive sea kayaking through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness
  • Visits to iconic sites including Hells Gates, Sarah Island, Birches Inlet, Eagle Creek, and the Gordon–Franklin River junction
  • Shore-based walks and interpretation of natural and cultural history throughout the expedition

Guides

  • Two experienced, wilderness-certified sea kayaking guides
  • Safety briefing and equipment overview on Day 1
  • Passionate storytelling on local ecology, history, and conservation efforts

Accommodation

  • 1 night in comfortable guesthouse accommodation in Strahan
  • 5 nights camping along the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour
  • All group camping gear supplied: one-person tents (or doubles for couples), sleeping mats, sleeping bags, liners, ground chairs

Meals

  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 7
  • Daily snacks, hot drinks, and a glass of wine with dinner each night
  • Meals designed for active paddlers and dietary needs catered for

Transport

  • Return transport from Hobart to Strahan and back
  • All on-ground logistics, kayak transfers, and return sailing yacht journey from Sir John Falls to Strahan

Equipment & Support

  • High-quality expedition kayaks and paddling gear (spray decks, paddles, PFDs, dry bags)
  • Waterproof paddling jacket and pants, pogies, deck bag
  • Comprehensive first aid and emergency communications kit including satellite phone, PLB, flares, and marine radio

Fees & Impact

  • National Park entry fees
  • Carbon offsetting for all activities and travel emissions
  • Guidance on Leave No Trace principles and biosecurity protocols

🚫 What’s Not Included

  • ❌ Flights to/from Hobart
  • ❌ Accommodation before Day 1 or after return to Hobart
  • ❌ Alcohol beyond the nightly glass of wine (BYO allowed—no glass bottles)
  • ❌ Personal items like toiletries, cameras, or additional outdoor gear
  • ❌ Travel insurance (strongly recommended for weather delays or last-minute changes)
Weather Expectations

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Tasmania’s west coast is one of the wettest and wildest parts of Australia—and that’s exactly what makes this expedition so extraordinary. You're heading into true wilderness, where the weather shapes the land, the river, and the journey.

☀️ Summer (Dec–Feb)

  • Daytime temps: 14–22°C
  • Night temps: 6–12°C
  • Expect mild days with a mix of sunshine and passing showers
  • Still bring full waterproofs—rain is frequent, even in summer
  • Early sunrises and long paddling days

🍂 Autumn (Mar–May)

  • Daytime temps: 12–18°C
  • Night temps: 4–10°C
  • Cooler evenings, changing foliage, and frequent misty mornings
  • Excellent water conditions and reflective river scenes

🌧 Year-Round Realities

  • Annual rainfall: ~1900mm
  • Rainforest means rain—expect wet weather on at least 2–3 days
  • Conditions can shift rapidly, especially in the upper Gordon River
  • Strong westerlies or southerlies may influence paddling routes and distances

💡 Note: The guides adjust the itinerary daily to work with—not against—the weather. Your job is to stay dry, stay warm, and soak in the wild beauty, rain or shine.

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What To Pack

What to Pack

Kayak storage space is limited, so pack light, smart, and waterproof. All essential gear is provided, but you’ll need to bring your personal clothing and a few comfort items.

Here’s what to bring:

🧤 Clothing for Paddling & Camp

  • 2 x thermal tops – one lightweight for paddling, one heavier for camp (wool or synthetic, not cotton)
  • 2 x thermal bottoms – same as above
  • 1 x lightweight fleece or jumper
  • 1 x warm down or polar fleece jacket
  • 1 x waterproof breathable rain jacket with hood (your own for camp)
  • 1–2 quick-dry shirts
  • 1 x quick-dry shorts
  • 1 x synthetic long pants
  • 1 x swimwear
  • 1 x sun hat or cap
  • 1–2 beanies (one for paddling, one for evenings)
  • Wool or fleece gloves
  • 1 x pair of walking socks
  • 1 x pair of warm socks for camp
  • 7 x underwear
  • Footwear:

🧼 Toiletries & Personal Items

  • Biodegradable toothpaste and toiletries (no glass or aerosols)
  • Lip balm (SPF 50+)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (natural or low-impact preferred)
  • Personal medications (plus extra, packed separately)
  • Hand sanitiser (60ml)
  • Small quick-dry towel
  • Compact toothbrush & essentials
  • Toilet kit (TP provided, but a small personal bag is handy)

🔦 Gear & Optional Comforts

  • Headlamp (plus spare batteries)
  • Small dry bag (for camera, sunscreen, etc.)
  • Book or journal
  • Camera or GoPro (fully charged + spare battery)
  • Paddling gloves (optional, pogies are provided)
  • Small camping pillow or travel cushion
  • Ziplocks or plastic bags for wet gear
  • Extra wine/spirit (we provide a glass of wine with dinner—anything extra must fit in your duffle bag)
Co2 Footprint
Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

Zero Trace CO₂e Report — Gordon River Kayaking | 7-Day Wilderness Paddle (Tasmania)

Results Summary

  • Estimated total per person: ≈ 780 kg CO₂e
  • Offset per person (200%): ≈ 1.56 t CO₂e
  • Group total for context (12 guests): ≈ 9.36 t CO₂e

Method: high-estimate with Well-to-Tank (WTT) and aviation non-CO₂ effects via RF = 1.9; includes single-origin guest flights, all meals (included + off-tour), on-tour road transport, camp/guesthouse nights, yacht return, and +10% uncertainty uplift.

Purpose

Conservatively measure greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and state the 200% offset applied per person.

Key Tour Info

  • Region: Gordon River & Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania
  • Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
  • Start/Finish: Hobart ⇄ Strahan ⇄ Hobart (return road transfers)
  • Group size used for context totals: 12 guests (page shows max 10–12)
  • Kayak distance: ≈ 77.5 km total paddled
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Logistics included: Return Hobart–Strahan road transfers, sailing yacht return from Sir John Falls to Strahan, national park fees, all meals, 1 night guesthouse + 5 nights wilderness camping, expedition kayaks & safety gear.

Scope & Boundaries

  • Scope 1: On-tour vehicle fuel (Hobart–Strahan transfers; local shuttles).
  • Scope 2: Purchased electricity only if directly attributable (generally captured via accommodation factors).
  • Scope 3: Guest flights to/from tour start (single-origin rule), accommodation (guesthouse + camping), all meals (included + off-tour), sailing yacht return (fuelled operation), and uncertainty uplift. Capital goods excluded.
  • Method frame: GHG Protocol; DEFRA-aligned factors with WTT; aviation RF = 1.9 for non-CO₂ effects.

Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule

  • Chosen origin hub: Melbourne (MEL) as the nearest major capital to Hobart (HBA).
  • Routing applied (return): MEL ↔ HBA for each person.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

  • Flights: Distance-based economy factors (DEFRA), WTT included, RF = 1.9 applied.
  • Road (coach/mini-coach): Higher passenger-km factor to reflect lower occupancy (conservative).
  • Marine (yacht): Treated as a small marine diesel operation for a full return segment day.
  • Accommodation: Room-night approach (guesthouse + camping) using regional benchmarks to avoid undercounting.
  • Meals: Meat-heavy mixed diet at ~2.5 kg CO₂e per meal (upper-bound).
  • Uncertainty uplift: +10% added to the subtotal where primary meter/fuel data is missing.

Activity Data Applied

  • Guest flights: MEL ↔ HBA (≈ 617 km each way).
  • On-tour road: ≈ 700 km total per person (Hobart→Strahan ≈ 290 km + Strahan→Hobart ≈ 290 km, plus allowance for local logistics).
  • Sailing yacht return: Sir John Falls → Strahan (full return segment day; conservative marine diesel assumption).
  • Accommodation: 6 nights (1 night guesthouse + 5 nights wilderness camping).
  • All meals consumed: 21 meals/person (7 days × 3/day), regardless of inclusions.

Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)

Flights (MEL ↔ HBA, return; WTT + RF = 1.9): ≈ 370 kg
On-tour road (≈ 700 km; conservative passenger-km factor): ≈ 87 kg
Sailing yacht return (marine diesel, conservative): ≈ 80 kg
Accommodation (6 nights; region benchmark): ≈ 120 kg
All meals (21 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 53 kg

Subtotal: ≈ 710 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 70 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 780 kg CO₂e

Reporting focus is per person. Group totals are provided only for context.

Group Totals (context, 12 guests)

  • Tour total: ≈ 9.36 t CO₂e
  • (Offsets are applied per person only: ≈ 1.56 t CO₂e retired per traveller.)

Assumptions (transparent)

  • Origin hub fixed: Melbourne for all travellers (nearest major capital to Hobart).
  • Aviation: Distance-based; WTT included; RF = 1.9 to reflect non-CO₂ warming.
  • Road: Not all shuttle kms listed; used itinerary road legs + buffer to remain conservative.
  • Marine: Yacht treated as fuelled operation for a full return segment day (conservative litres/hour assumption).
  • Accommodation: Camp nights counted via room-night benchmarks (prevents underestimation).
  • Meals: Every meal during the trip window counted, independent of inclusions.
  • Uncertainty: +10% uplift applied to subtotal to capture unknowns.

Versioning

Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.

References

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Tour FAQ's
How fit do I need to be for this expedition?

You’ll need a moderate level of fitness and mobility. Expect to paddle for 4–6 hours a day at a relaxed pace, with short breaks and occasional walks on uneven ground. No prior kayaking experience is required, but being comfortable on the water and in remote wilderness conditions is important.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No previous experience is needed—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn. The expedition is fully guided, and instruction will be provided at the start. The pace is unhurried and the guides are highly experienced at supporting a variety of skill levels.

What kind of kayaks will we be using?

You’ll paddle high-quality, stable double sea kayaks (Mission Eco Niizh 565s) equipped with lightweight paddles, spray skirts, and waterproof jackets and pants. All gear is supplied—just bring your personal clothing and a sense of wonder.

Is it safe to kayak in such a remote area?

Yes. Roaring 40°s Kayaking guides are certified in sea kayaking, wilderness first aid, and remote safety. They carry an extensive emergency kit, satellite phone, marine radio, and GPS tracking. Your safety is the top priority.

Where will I sleep?

The first night is in a comfortable twin-share lodge in Strahan. The rest of the trip is spent wild camping along the Gordon River, with roomy tents, warm sleeping bags, and mats provided. You'll fall asleep beneath towering rainforest canopies to the sound of flowing water.

What if the weather is bad?

This is a rainforest environment, so some wet weather is expected. The itinerary is flexible and your guides will adjust plans daily based on forecast and conditions. Quality waterproof paddling gear is provided to keep you dry and warm.

What if I don’t want to paddle the whole way?

You’re welcome to take it easy—paddling is done in pairs, and the group maintains a relaxed, steady pace. However, there is no support vehicle once the kayaking begins, so a reasonable commitment to the full experience is required.

Is there phone reception or power?

Nope! This is a true digital detox. There’s no mobile coverage or power, so come prepared with fully charged devices and spare batteries.

What’s the minimum age?

Generally, this trip is recommended for ages 18+. Exceptions may be made for younger guests with previous wilderness or kayaking experience—contact to discuss suitability.

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