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For Those Who Want to Tour ‘The Hell On Earth’ - Sarah Island

• Posted by Harley Leon March 27, 2023 Filed in Travel #world heritage cruises strahan  #strahan river cruise  35 views
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  Are you planning a trip to Sarah Island? From its haunting tales of the past to its natural beauty, this tourist attraction never ceases to amaze. It’s important to bring the right equipment, plan your activities and learn about the island’s unique ecosystem. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to embark on your Sarah Island adventure! Be sure to read up on what the weather’s like, the terrain, and check out the rules and regulations of the area. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can make the most of your trip to Sarah Island.

   

  For an amazing tour of the Island be a part of a splendid experience aboard one of the World Heritage cruises in Strahan. Now, let’s uncover a bit of history before you embark on a journey to what the Aboriginals call “Langerrareroune”. 

   

  Hell on Earth, 1820s

   

  When you visit Macquarie Harbour you are sure to admire it for its natural beauty. Believe it or not, back in the 1820s it was a completely different picture altogether. How, you may ask? For all those who don’t know, the entrance to the harbour is known as Hell’s Gates. And it’s named so for a very good reason. To enter through the harbour meant navigating the waters so perilous, that many lost their lives. The ones who made it though, couldn’t sigh in relief either. What awaited them on the other side was something worse than death. There was a penal settlement on Sarah Island that had harsh conditions like backbreaking work, lack of food, rampant disease, inhospitable climate etc. that convicts either tried to escape, or looked for a way to execute themselves. 

   

  A Prison That Was a Centre of Industry

   

  Over the years, the settlement changed its bad reputation in a dramatic way, so much that it didn’t deserve a bad name after all. The rivers of the West coast were lined up with Huon pine trees–a timber ideal for shipbuilding. Within a few years, the tiny convict outpost transformed into the largest shipbuilding yard in the British colonies. 

   

  Getting back to the present, here are some  interesting facts you need to know about the Island. 

   

  Sarah Island, Today 

   

  In 1833, the Penal Station in Macquarie Harbour closed down. and Sarah Island was used as a probation station in 1847. In the present day Sarah Island, only remnants of the penitentiary, bakehouse, tannery and commandant’s slipway remain, that give an insight to the cruelties of convict life.  This striking spectacle is made more prominent with the beauty of the Macquarie Harbour, surrounding Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the serene ambience near the Gordon river. 

   

  Here’s what you need to keep in mind  before you set out on an adventure to Sarah Island.

   

  • The weather is often blustery and wet. So equip yourself with appropriate clothing even if you are planning to tour the Island in summer
  • Most tours are wheelchair friendly as well
  • A boardwalk links important sites across the land
  • The best time to take a tour here is during the Australian summer months from December to February. Being the peak season for the region, it’s the ideal weather and temperature for outdoor activities

   

  Sarah Island is a beautiful and untouched part of Tasmania, and is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique adventure. However, it's important to be prepared for the elements, history and the wildlife before you take the plunge. Knowing what to expect can help make your trip to Sarah Island a safe and enjoyable one. Get yourself into a 6-hour Strahan river cruise that offers you a guided tour at various stops in Sarah Island and the World Heritage Rainforest.