Thursday 16 April 2015

The Gordon Dam in Tasmania's Wilderness

Gordon Dam
Strathgordon is set deep within the Tasmanian wilderness on the banks of Lake Pedder, surrounded by a spectacular landscape packed with adventure activities, and with a secret history to share.

Located on the edge of Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness Area, Strathgordon is literally the place at the end of the road. From here, civilisation ends and there is only amazing nature to explore.
It also sits on the edge of Lake Pedder, Australia's largest freshwater lake and water catchment system. A key piece of Tasmania's hydroelectric scheme, this massive lake is also accessible for trout fishing, kayaking and swimming.

These are spectacular surrounds – with vast expanses of water, forested islands, distant snowy peaks and a peaceful quiet.

Numerous walking trails explore the lake's edge and surrounding wilderness, as well as the Gordon Dam wall - an engineering marvel that now offers thrill seekers the highest abseiling experience in the world.

Walk across the 140m high Gordon Dam, parking and toilets are available.

Information about the construction of the dam is available in the foyer of the Lake Pedder Chalet.

If you are interested in abseiling the dam you can arrange to do the world's highest commercial abseil through Aardvark Adventures 

A wander around the old town reveals the area's engineering history – and the natural history lost to it including the original Lake Pedder, with its spectacular beach of pink quartz sand.

The surrounding Southwest National Park is Tasmania's largest national park and contains some of the most remote wilderness found anywhere, including stands of rare Huon pine and a world of endemic plant and animal species.

While much of the park is remote and hard to reach, it offers spectacular scenery that can be easily enjoyed on four wheels.

Accommodation is available at a full-service chalet and in self-contained units.

Strathgordon is a two hours and 15 minutes drive (156 km) from Hobart.

No comments:

Post a Comment