Gordon River cruise.

Down to the quay at 8.15 for 8.30 departure.

Weather rainy again but we are undercover on board the catamaran, Spirit of the Wild.

First, a cruise in Macquarie Harbour while enjoying breakfast. The entrance to Macquarie Harbour is called 'Hell's Gate' and is, apparently, well named. When it's not too rough, they go through 'Hell's Gate'. It was too rough today.

On the way back we paused near the huge fish farms - quite controversial…

From there we headed for the mouth of the Gordon River. Once in the river, the captain slowed the boat. Speed in the river is about 8 knots (I think) so the boat's wash doesn’t damage the banks.

In the river, at the lower speed, the boat was absolutely silent (whisper mode). It just sliced silently through the water. This is because it's powered by an electric motor not a fuel powered motor.

The banks are heavily vegetated right down to the water.

We docked at Heritage Landing and had a walk through the rainforest (temperate). Back on board to see a buffet lunch for us to line up for. There were various salads, antipasto, smoked salmon and hot ocean trout plus wine and beer etc.

We ate this while heading for Sarah Island. Sarah Island, like Norfolk Island, was used as a secondary penal colony. This meant that convicts who offended again got sent to these harsher places.

We had a one hour guided tour with a ranger. Apart from a squall while there it was very enjoyable and interesting.

Would you believe, afternoon tea was waiting when we got back on board.

Landed back at 2.30pm and headed back to our digs.

Just got to work out where to eat tonight after the play we are booked to see - 'The Ship that never was'. The ranger who guided us around Sarah Island will be in the play. He suggested that if we want to know what happened to the convicts that commandeered a boat and sailed away, we should go to the play tonight.Read more