From our base in Strahan, an historic township on beautiful Macqarie Harbour in Tasmania's western wilderness, we enjoyed a wonderful cruise on the Eagle, a vessel belonging to World heritage Cruises.

Again, brilliant weather. breath-taking scenery, fascinating history and superb service on board the boat.

Our ride took us down the harbour to the coast, the lighthouses and the entry to the ocean at Hells Gates, back past areas devoted to Tasmania's thriving aquaculture in pristine waters and to Sarah Island, a brutal convict settlement predating Port Arthur. Here, we went ashore for an interesting and entertaining guided walk.

By lunchtime the Eagle entered the Gordon River, a tranquil wilderness with stunning scenes at every bend, where we were reminded of the early quest for the rich timbers in this area, including the precious Huon Pine, its numbers decimated and now a protected rarity.