Gordon Dam — Attraction in Southwest

Taking onboard some of the advice here, we packed food for the drive to Gordon Dam. But I'd severely underestimated the fuel we'd need. By the time I started to worry that we wouldn't have enough fuel for the return drive, it was too late to turn back.

So besides food, make sure to gas up your vehicle even if you have 3/4 tank full. However if you made the same mistake as I did, you have a last chance at Pedder Wilderness Lodge. I was so relieved to discover that they had unleaded (diesel too). Prices would be higher of course. But you shouldn't count on them if you can be better prepared.

It really was a rather taxing drive with all the bends and hilly terrain. So make sure the driver is mentally alert enough, or better yet have 2 drivers.

We made the trip in late May 2025 from Hobart. I think it was the start of winter but with wind it was very chilly. The steps down (and up again) can be tiring for the average person. For those who can't climb or have some mobility issues, I think it'll be near impossible. But it's possible to admire the dam and it's surroundings without climbing.

I'd long wanted to walk on a dam wall hence I took the family here. Was it worth the drive? I'm not sure it is.. But, that's just my opinion. You'll have to do it to find out what's yours. Nevertheless, this is a marvel of men's...

The drive to this monolithic structure is worth the two hour (one way) journey. With the ever changing landscapes your journey will certainly take much longer as you won’t be able to resist stopping & taking photos.

Be sure to fill your vehicle with fuel before you leave and pack any food or drink for the road as there are no shops or service stations along the way. There is a wilderness lodge 5 minutes before the dam, it has a small sign advertising coffee and petrol, but we didn’t stop in there to see what amenities they had and couldn’t see if they were open from the road.

Once at the dam there is a large car park with a toilet block. We went on a Thursday and pretty much had the entire facility to ourselves. Very surreal & fascinating place.

If you are travelling in a camper van, caravan or an old vehicle be warned there are some moderately steep incline/descents. We drove in a 1999 custom High Roof Ford transit camper. 3.3 tons & found some of the hills were very tough. If driving in winter I can see the road could be hazardous. If you’re riding a...

You saw the protests in the mid 1970's. It helped launch the career of the environmental crusader Dr. Bob Brown. It has a dam wall 140 meters high. The water it retains forms Australia's largest lake. So drive the 100 kilometers along Gordon River Road, the only road through the vast Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in remote south-west Tasmania to the dam wall of Hydro Electric Corporation's (Tasmania) Gordon Dam. A truly spectacular engineering marvel, spanning a gorge several hundred meters deep this double curvature dam wall rewards the traveler ten fold. Descend the 198 steel steps to the walkway atop the wall and you will be well rewarded by the unique experience. The next paragraph could easily be filled with facts, figures and claims that would hardly convey the memorable experience of going there yourself. Give yourself and your fellow travelers an unforgettable experience....