King River Experience
Join the WILD RIVERS JET for an exhilarating 50 minute trip from Strahan to the West Coast's incredible King River. Departing the picturesque fishing port of Strahan, the Jet Boat travels across 5 kilometres of the majestic Macquarie Harbour, a vast expanse of water more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour. Passengers enjoy panoramic views of surrounding rugged mountain ranges as they cross to the entrance to the King River. This entrance is an amazing spectacle! The legacy of 100 years of unchecked mining waste is a vast 400 hectare delta; the river banks devastated to the high water mark. The damage has been the focus for much remedial work in recent years, with studies providing invaluable information that will prevent similar mistakes in the future. Rehabilitation work is being undertaken, and vegetation trials (some successful, some not), can be seen.
Alongside the river, the formation of the famous Abt Railway is visible
for most of Wild Rivers Jet's journey 8 kilometres upstream.
Passengers may catch a glimpse of a tourist train as it negotiates the
demanding terrain. Wild Rivers Jet passes under the imposing "Iron Bridge" at
Teepookana, once a bustling river port. Here we pause to reflect on the history
of this fascinating area before proceeding upstream to our turning point,
where we view a number of mature examples of the remarkable Huon Pine tree.
Other temperate rainforest species visible from Wild Rivers Jet are Myrtle,
Blackwood, Sassafras, Leatherwood, Pandani and Giant Tree Ferns. As well
as breath-taking scenery and fascinating history, passengers aboard Wild
Rivers Jet are treated to the thrill of High Performance Jet Boating,
including a number of adrenalin-pumping high speed spins. Depending upon
demand, passengers travel aboard either a 6 metre boat capable of carrying
up to 10 passengers (+ driver) or a 5 metre boat with a capacity of 5
passengers (+ driver). Boats cruise at a spirited pace of around 30 knots
with speeds exceeding an eye-watering 40 knots at times. To view a Quicktime
Movie of the Wild Rivers Jet tour, click here.
Please note: You will require Quicktime Movie Player to play this movie. Download time may take up to 20min due to the large file size (2.8Mb).
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