Arriving and landing on the tiny Sarah Island (670m long and 150m wide) was a relaxing and enjoyable one hour break from our Macquarie Harbour cruise out from Strahan and on the way to the Gordon River.

However this was not the case 200 years ago for the unfortunate convicts who were sent here. Read some of the histories from the links in the Quick Facts section and you'll get the idea that sailing from Hobart around the south west coast of Tasmania and hoping against shipwreck as you entered Hells Gates was no picnic back then. Especially when you knew that the punishment before you was more dire than that which you had left, with no hope of escape.

Electing not to join the guided tour (felt too much like a convict work gang!) we wandered the island and simply enjoyed the peace of a very beautiful place. Back in the convict days the entire island was virtually cleared of all trees which have now grown back, so as we wandered about we kept discovering hidden reminders of the past amongst the recovered stands of blackwoods and melaleucas.

My sons were attracted to the small coves carved out to accomodate waterside activities that now form beautiful little gravel beaches. We discovered the remains of the wind break fence and massive logs that once formed part of the waterfront lying in the clear water. You could see how they quarried the rock to build the various stone structures right next to where they stood.

Quick facts
More information: The Round Earth Company. or Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania.
How to get there: Drive to Strahan and book a cruise with World Heritage Cruises
Location: Macquarie Harbour
Cost: Island tour costs are included in the cruise fare.

Craig Rose