Destination
Tasmania’s West Coast is a land of untamed beauty. Wild rivers carve through ancient rainforest, and windswept shores meet rugged mountains. Cruise the majestic Gordon River through ancient rainforest, explore the haunting ruins of long-abandoned mining towns, or stroll the shores of spectacular Ocean Beach.
Western Wilds
Remote, dramatic, and shaped by the elements, Strahan is the gateway to a land like no other. Towering rainforests, vast button grass plains, and the relentless force of the Southern Ocean create a landscape that is both beautiful and unforgiving. This is a place where nature reigns supreme, where the rich past lingers, and where the sense of isolation is as humbling as it is awe-inspiring. At the edge of the world, the wild remains truly wild.
Getting Here
Strahan is best accessed by road, with the journey forming an integral part of the West Coast experience. Approximate driving times from major Tasmanian centres are as follows:
Launceston — approx. 4 hours
Hobart — approx. 4.5 hours
Devonport — approx. 3 hours
Burnie — approx. 2.5 hours
Freycinet — time varies by route; approx. 5.5 hours
We encourage guests to take their time and enjoy the journey. To enhance the experience, Risby Cove has developed a selection of suggested self-drive travel itineraries from each of these locations, featuring optional scenic and cultural stops along the way.
Once your stay is confirmed, our concierge team will be in touch to tailor a personalised travel itinerary for your chosen route. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be travelling through some of Tasmania’s most spectacular landscapes: a fitting prelude to your time at Risby Cove.
Arriving in Style
For guests seeking a more effortless arrival, Risby Cove offers the option to arrive by air, transforming the journey itself into a memorable experience.
Chartered Flight Transfers
Swift and comfortable, these private flights deliver you directly to Strahan from Hobart (50 mins) or Melbourne (1 hr 45 mins), ensuring minimal transition.
Scenic Flight Transfers – Take the Scenic Route
For the ultimate arrival, Risby Cove has partnered with Par Avion to offer an unforgettable scenic flight into the West Coast. Enjoy sweeping views of rainforest, alpine plateaus, rugged coastline, and remote World Heritage wilderness—including Macquarie Harbour, Ocean Beach, Cradle Mountain, and the UNSECO Tasmanian Wilderness for a rare perspective of Tasmania’s wild heart.
What to Bring
The weather on the West Coast is notoriously changeable and it’s not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. The frequent rain that sustains our magnificent wilderness also means that conditions are often wet, so appropriate wet-weather gear is essential. Rain notwithstanding, the Tasmanian sun packs a real punch and can result in painful sunburn, even on a cloudy day.
Whatever experiences or activities you choose, we recommend that you pack:
A waterproof jacket
A hat
Sturdy, enclosed, waterproof footwear (if you intend to go bushwalking)
High-quality sunscreen (SPF50)
Sunglasses