Trying to decide between the World Heritage Cruise or the cruise on the Lady Jane Franklin II. Prices are similar, but the World Heritage Cruise is shorter.

Any other differences, such as boat size, smaller group size, etc that anyone is aware of?

All comments appreciated.

Hi Melnq,

My choice would be the World Heritage and get the Upper Deck. (extra cost, but well worth it for the snacks, wine and a smaller group).

That said, while I ADORE Tasmania and this is THE attraction in Strahan, I must tell you that (IMO) there's nothing that scenic or exciting about the it ...it's just cruising along looking at the reflections of trees, grasses, etc, in tannin (brownish) colored water.

Again, just my opinion, and of course, I don't know your expectations!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Tasmania Specialist

Mel,
We did the Lady Jane Franklin Cruise in October and thoroughly enjoyed it.
We were on the main deck where we had window seats (with 2 in each row) or there was a cheaper alternative in the middle.
There was a fully operational bar, plus tea or coffee etc. and we had a very nice buffet lunch.
The scenery was wonderful and all that it is said to be, and there was certainly no thought of it taking too long.The boat was full but it is so large that the crowd is easily absorbed.

Thanks Melodie.

We visited Strahan during our last trip to Tassie but chose NOT to do the cruise (or the Port Arthur tour for that matter). After posting my trip report, I got so many comments about how we'd missed out, that we're going out of our way to do both this time.

Strahan doesn't really fit into our itinerary though, so now I'm back to wondering if it's worth the effort.

As far as expectations, we've taken the Milford Cruise in NZ twice, and were diasppointed both times. Maybe it was the crappy weather, maybe it was the crowds, mybe we're just jaded, but to this day, we think the drive to Milford is much prettier than the cruise itself.

As you're our resident NZ specialist too, maybe you can offer a comparison for me.

Thanks Prue. I get the impression most tourists take the Lady Jane Franklin and it appears to be the larger of the two operators - maybe because it's run by Strahan Village?

I'm not concerned about time so much, just trying to determine if there are other differences between the two operators.

Hi Melnq!

As far as a comparison to Gordon River and Milford...there just isn't any...Milford wins hands down. and since you've done it twice (yikes) and didn't like it either time (bad weather is SUCH a bummer) and you could have the same thing happen AGAIN with Gordon, I'd be inclined to say "skip it".

Milford (in good weather) is stunningly beautiful, like going to one of the Scandivian fjords. Most of the time you'll have a pod of dolphins on the way back, which is wonderful and exciting.

Gordon River is just an amble along a river with nothing to see but foilage reflected along the riverbanks into the aforementioned tannin/brackish water.

Honestly if this is a special side trip you're making just for this, (i.e., not on the way to Cradle or something), which is what it sounds like, and you have other interests, or things that would better fit into your itinerary, or would like to add a day or two somewhere else, then I'd say go for it!

If you'd like to email me privately with your itinerary or interests, please feel free...

Regards,

Melodie

Thanks Melodie. I have no doubt that Milford is gorgeous, just haven't had the luck to see it in all it's glory.

While I've got your attention - any thoughts on Binalong Bay in Tassie?

Melnq,

only that it's an area I haven't been to in Tassie!!!

Melodie

We took the Lady Jan Franklin - in the winter! We made a deliberate trip to Strahan - stayed two days - and loved the drive, even though it is long and twisty - and there is only one place to stop for lunch in Derwent Bridge which has no heat! Imagine a boat that holds 200 with only 20 passengers, yet they put out the full buffet and we had the services of the naturalists along the way. There are two places you stop and walk in the rainforest and on an island which was part of the penal colony. Have not been to Milford so can't compare. Might not enjoy the Gordon River when crawling with tourists in the middle of summer.

Thanks oliverandharry - we'll be there in April, so I wouldn't think it'd be too crowded, but who knows.

Still waffling...

I went on the Lady Jane Franklin upper deck and had the best time.

We always enjoy nature but was real nice to have some luxury thrown in for a change. If I were younger I would paddle down.

I loved the scenery, but I am a nature lover. To me seeing reflections in tannin stained river was so beautiful. Like a black mirror. The Huon pine is such a beautiful timber it could be gone from our land forever if not for the saving of this area from logging. It was magical to me from the quiet river to the rough ocean waves at the devils entrance. The island tour was good but a little too much for the imagination as so much had decayed.

I just loved it but each to their own.

Hope they still have the show for you at the Strahan visitors centre. The Ship That Never was" Was great silly fun at the same time giving history lesson of Sarah Island.