The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park was created after an extensive battle by many Australian citizens to protect the Franklin River from being damned in the 1980’s. The Franklin and other smaller rivers flow into the Gordon, which then flows into Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania’s west coast.
In January 2024, it was time to take a cruise on the Macquarie Harbour and the lower reaches of the Gordon River.

Macquarie Harbour is not deep, but its area is six times larger than Sydney Harbour!


Hell’s Gates not only referred to the dangerous entrance to the lighthouse, it was also called thus by the prisoners of Sarah Island – Australia’s old convict colony – as a description of the disease ridden, cruel world they were about to enter.


Different aspects of Bonnet Island.


Most birds flew away as the cruise boat approached – even though it was in its “whisper quiet” electric engine mode. This sea eagle, however, simply sat and watched it pass by.

The Leatherwood trees were in full flower along the river banks.

Sarah Island is now an historic site, but was a penal colony reserved for the worst convict offenders during its11 year history as such.
If you like any of the photos here and would like to see them framed (without text) on your walls, send me a message and let’s chat about what you’d like to achieve.
Email: info@kirstieyoung.photography

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