In the grand Tasmanian wilderness, glide through a world of mirrored rivers and lush rainforest to uncover traces of the Gordon River’s history.

The sky is brushed with clouds the consistency of fairy floss, their edges grazing the mountain tops. In the early morning, the Gordon River lies totally still, the glassy surface reflecting the landscape so perfectly it seems the world has turned upside down.

Feeling the gentle drift of the Spirit of the Wild catamaran beneath your feet, your cruise sets off from Strahan into the vast Macquarie Harbour. At its entrance is the notorious Hells Gates, a name coined by convicts who faced this channel of water en route to the harbour’s notorious penal station. Two lighthouses flank the gateway to the harbour, their blinking lights cutting through the dark each night. Beyond stretches the open Southern Ocean, but the Spirit of the Wild heads east, slipping through Hells Gates into Macquarie Harbour.

Purpose-built for hybrid cruising, the environmentally friendly Spirit of the Wild is fitted with both diesel engines and electric motors. The diesel engines propel you across Macquarie Harbour, but as you slip past Sarah Island into the mouth ofthe Gordon River, the quieter electric motors take over. Aptly named ‘whisper mode’, every ripple and bird call feels amplified as you glide across the water, its shores fringed by myrtle beech sassafras and celery-top pine. Painted in deep, muted tones, the vessel blends seamlessly with the river, as though part of the scenery itself.

At Heritage Landing, dedicated guides lead small groups alona rainforest boardwalk, drawing attention to one of the world’s oldest living organisms, the Huon pine. Then comes the main event: Sarah Island. Skimming across the Gordon’s tannin-darkwater, the island appears to float, mirrored perfectly in the river. Between 1821 and 1833, up to 380 convicts at a time were held on the tiny island, and the walls of one of Australia’s harshest penal settlements still stand among other ruins. Despite the sombre stories of its early days, the island is a testament to human endurance.

Back on board, the comforts of the catamaran welcome you. Your favourite spot might be on the viewing deck, perhaps complemented by a glass of Tasmanian Chardonnay in hand. Breathe in the crisp rainforest air as you take in your surroundings and connect with your fellow travellers. When it’s time for lunch, a plate of Macquarie Harbour smoked salmon with seasonal, fresh salads will do just fine. After visiting salmon and trout farms and learning how the fish are nurtured in these pristine waters, the meal feels like a fitting companion to the journey.

As the Spirit of the Wild drifts back to Strahan, your mind carries the day’s reflections: rainforests reflected in tea-coloured waters and memorable moments shared with new-found friends. For now, there’s nothing left to do but sit back and relax, at least until your next adventure.

Words by Danielle Cowan