Where to Stay in Strahan, Tasmania — A Locals Honest Guide.
Strahan (pronounced "Straughn") is a picture-perfect town lost in time on Tasmania's West Coast. After ten years exploring every corner of this island, I still think it's unmatched — for its wild natural beauty, its perfectly preserved heritage, and an otherworldly stillness you can't find anywhere else. If you're after the true Tasmania, it's a must.
I get asked often, usually by the lovely people who found us already booked and want to know where else to lay their head, or by people I care about who need a different fit for their travel group or plans. Strahan is a small, charming and surprisingly varied hamlet, and your choice of stay will shape your whole West Coast adventure — so I take my stay recommendations seriously! There are plenty of places to stay here, but these are the four I've stayed in and loved myself, and the ones I happily send our own guests to, knowing they'll be looked after.
So, where should you stay in Strahan? A Quick Summary.
I’m going to dive deep here in this journal post, but I know a lot of you are looking for quick tips to start your trip research to this special place. Here’s the low down based on who you're travelling with - and, the sort of adventure you’d love to have here on the beautiful West Coast of Tasmania.
If you’re travelling alone, or it’s just the two of you and want the water right by your door, it’s Captain’s Rest in Lettes Bay (confirmed by the many 100’s of guests who tell us so!). If it’s a hotel stay with the convenience of a restaurant and bar, Risby Cove is your spot. If you love an old manor house and a proper bed and breakfast, Franklin Manor is my pick. If your travelling as a group or with your family - or you’ve left it late! Strahan Village is a great pick for this and there are always beds available year round. If Captain’s Rest is booked and you’d love a harbour view from top of Strahan, the Wheelhouse Apartments is a great choice.
That’s top notes! Time to dig into my picks a little more.
The view of Macquarie Harbour from Captains Rest. By Bianca Jackson Photography.
Is there waterfront accommodation in Strahan?
Surprisingly less than you’d think for a harbour town. Most of what calls itself waterfront has the Esplanade (the main road) running between you and the water. The natural vegetation harbourside is thick, so you might get small glimpses of the water here and there during your stay, but you’d need to get out physically to explore and admire it.
There are two exceptions, Captain's Rest sits three metres from Macquarie Harbour, measured in my own footsteps. I’m yet to find anywhere in Tasmania that sits closer. The old jetty rambles right out the front door and the resident ducks visit for snacks right on cue each morning and whenever you call them. From every perch at Captain’s Rest, your bed, bath, dining nook and lounge, through the truly huge antique windows you’ll experience 180 degree views of the entire harbour and the vast West Coast Wilderness beyond ever changing throughout the day. We often find guests make plans to experience the town but cancel them quickly once they check in to spend their entire stay tucked up here. There’s a true magic to this little heritage cabin and it’s unique spot.
Risby Cove is the town's true waterfront hotel, on the harbour's edge a few minutes' walk from the wharf, with its Cove Pavilions right down at the water. Between these two choices, your options for true waterfront stays are covered, us - best for a couple or solo travellers, and for those who prefer the hotel experience we’re lucky to have Risby Cove on offer.
Between the two of us the waterfront is covered — one for a couple, one when you want a hotel — and everything else on this list is about the view rather than the water itself.
Waking up to waterfront views of Strahan and Macquarie Harbour from bed at Captains Rest. By Bianca Jackson Photography.
Franklin Manor — for people who love a true bed and breakfast in old house complete with it’s history.
Franklin Manor is a grand old house on the Esplanade, a ten-minute walk along the water into the main street. Guests we send here stay here for the house and its history itself — the rooms, the breakfast, the feeling of having stepped back a century. She’s a beauty and the owners and team, who are just lovely, will take incredible care of you. They recently opened Charlotte’s Restaurant, with chef Mathieu in residence bringing french cuisine using incredible local produce to the town. Charlotte’s is open to all visitors, not just those staying at Franklin Manor and we give it the big tick of approval for anyone wanting to dine out!
Waterfront luxury at Captain’s Rest. By Bianca Jackson Photography.
Strahan Village — for larger groups, families and those who have left booking a little late!
In peak season the town fills to capacity, so it’s Strahan Village that is the pick who always has the beds available. It’s owned by a big operator, RACT, and the complex is spread over a few sites in the middle of the small town centre. Rooms views vary, and only some offer harbour views so make sure you ask when booking so you get one that does. Ask for the hilltop harbour-view rooms or the waterfront executive rooms and you’re set. For a family, a carload of friends, or groups travelling together — this is the sensible choice.
The old jetty, resident ducks and still mornings enjoying waterside at Captain’s Rest. Photo by 1924us.
Wheelhouse Apartments — for couples who want a modern stay and a view from up high.
Wheelhouse Apartments sits high up on the hill in the middle of Strahan. Nautically themed to their bones, the views look out over the town and the harbour. The apartments themselves are well appointed and large, so there’s room to spread out. It’s a different kind of luxury for the solo or couple travelers - more of a modern stay if that’s your preference.
Captain’s Rest sits three metres from Macquarie Harbour, measured in my own footsteps. Photo by Ben Sowry.
I write local guides to the best of Tasmania & updates on my own adventures a few times a year. If you'd like these to land directly in your inbox pop your name on my mailing list—I'd love to stay in touch with you. No schedule, no selling - just when something deserves to be sent.
All recommendations here at Captain’s Rest are genuine, personal, and entirely unpaid. These are the places we stay ourselves, with hosts we know and love, and send our closest friends to without hesitation.
