Pieman River cruise, Tasmania: Wilderness boat tour cost & sights

The Arcadia II Pieman River cruise from Corinna in Tasmania takes in rainforest, platypus, waterfalls and the SS Croydon shipwreck.

A Pieman River cruise one of the best ways to experience the wilderness conditions of western Tasmania. Given the paucity of roads. And it’s possible to take such a Pieman River cruise from Corinna in the north-west of Australia’s smallest state.

These 4.5 hour cruises leave from the settlement of Corinna, 60km north of Strahan and 70km west of Cradle Mountain.

Pieman River cruise on the Arcadia II

The Pieman river cruises take place on the Arcadia II, which is on the Australian register of historic vessels. The Arcadia II was built in 1939 out of Huon pine, and it has a varied history. It started as a luxury pleasure craft, before being requisitioned as a supply ship in World War II.

Since the war, the Arcadia II has been used as a scallop fishing boat, then a cruise boat. It plied its trade on Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. It has been operating cruises on the Pieman River since 1970.

Pieman River cruise cost

The Pieman River cruises from Corinna last around four-and-a-half hours, costing $95. The route goes as far as Pieman Head, with the skipper giving a running commentary on the river’s history, flora and fauna.

The Arcadia II skirts close to the banks of the Pieman River – often close enough to reach out and touch the rainforest.

Sights and wildlife on the Pieman River from Corinna

The Pieman River cruises from Corinna also pass the wreck of the SS Croydon at the Savage River Mouth, and Lover’s Falls close to the mouth of the Donaldson River.

In terms of wildlife, there’s a good chance of seeing platypus or sea eagles.

Corinna accommodation

Corinna accommodation is available at the Corinna Wilderness Village.

Corinna is one of Australia’s gold rush towns. If you want the gold mine experience, however, you’re better off at Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Victoria, or on a Superpit tour in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

More things to do in Tasmania

Tackle the Cape Hauy Walk on the Tasman Peninsula.

Drive Tasmania’s southernmost road to Cockle Creek.

Taste cheese and chocolate at Coal River Farm near Hobart.

Do a Lark Distillery Tour in the Coal River Valley.

Learn to surf at Clifton Beach.