Rafting

Arthur River Cruises. For a more serene time, Arthur River Cruises runs five-hour boat trips on a beautifully preserved old steel craft along a section of the river 14 km (9 miles) south of Marrawah. Glide through pristine rain forest unchanged for centuries, while enjoying morning tea and a BBQ lunch with wine. 1414 Arthur River Rd., Arthur River, Tasmania, 7330. 0427/885--792; www.arthurrivercruises.com.au. A$95.

Gordon River Cruises. These 5 ½-hour cruises across Macquarie Harbour—a vast body of water that's six times larger than Sydney Harbour—and the Gordon River include a delicious smorgasbord lunch. An informative commentary accompanies the trip to historic Sarah Island, and you can disembark at Heritage Landing and take a half-hour walk through the vegetation to a 2,000-year-old Huon pine tree. 24 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania, 7468. 03/6471–4300; www.gordonrivercruises.com.au. A$105.

King River Rafting. This reputable outfitter, owned and operated by a husband and wife team, takes adventurers on a hair-raising ride on the King River. The full-day King of the River rafting trip departs from Queenstown, and the journey down the river takes about six hours, passing thousands of Huon Pines trees, a platypus pool, and the Sailor Jack Rapid. Queenstown, Tasmania, 7005. 0409-664--268; www.kingriverrafting.com.au. From A$100.

World Heritage Cruises. One of Tasmania's larger tour operators, this company runs leisurely half- and full-day cruises from Strahan Wharf, pausing at Sarah Island, Heritage Landing, and the Saphia Ocean Trout Farm on Macquarie Harbour. Onboard meals are included in the price. The Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania, 7468. 03/6471–7174; www.worldheritagecruises.com.au. From A$105.