Gateway to the mighty Franklin and Gordon Rivers, steeped in history and natural beauty, Strahan is one of Tasmania's significant tourist experiences. Once a sleepy mining and fishing port established in the late 1850's, it was also home to the timber cutters (piners) who tackled the dangerous rapids of the upper reaches of the Gordon River and its tributaries in quest of the most prized of all native timbers - the Huon Pine. In 1982 Strahan catapulted to fame as the town was immersed in controversy, spurred on by the 'Fight for the Franklin', an Australia wide fight to prevent the Franklin River from being dammed.
Approximate driving times to/from Strahan:
- ▪ Hobart 5 hrs
- ▪ Launceston 4 hrs
- ▪ Cradle Mountain 2 hrs 30 mins
- ▪ Devonport 3 hrs 45 mins
- ▪ Burnie 3 hrs
- ▪ Stanley 5 hrs via Western Explorer
- ▪ Queenstown 45 mins