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Strathgordon is literally the place at the end of the road, nestled deep within Tasmania’s rugged southwest on the edge of World Heritage Wilderness Area. Adventure awaits, with hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming—not to mention the world’s highest commercial abseil to conquer! We’ve put together some tips to help you plan a wild time.
The scenic drive winds through part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area, with the Southwest National Park to the south and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to the north.
From Hobart, it’s around a 2-hour 15 minute drive west to Strathgordon. We recommend taking your time and exploring the many attractions of the Derwent Valley on the way. The drive itself is spectacular and forms part of the epic Western Wilds journey (fill up the petrol tank at Westerway Roadhouse). Be aware that there are steep, windy sections of road that are subject to ice and snow, so please drive to conditions and watch out for wildlife.
The scenery is particularly impressive along Gordon River Road, which starts near the Mount Field National Park. The scenic drive winds through part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, with the Southwest National Park to the south and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to the north. The unsealed Scotts Peak Road, off Gordon River Road, is also super scenic (several walks also begin off this road). Sections were burnt in the early-2019 bushfires, but it is fascinating to see the new green shoots emerging.
Along both roads, take the time to stop at the lookouts and viewing bays (they should be well signed). The Lake Pedder Lookout is a must—don’t forget the camera!
The town of Strathgordon was built for hydroelectric workers to live in during construction of the dam. Today, visitors can wander around the old town and discover the area’s engineering history. Learn about the incredible challenges overcome by resilient people in this remote location. Additionally, learn about the natural history lost to these grand feats of engineering, including the original Lake Pedder with its stunning pink quartz sand beach.
Lake Pedder is Australia’s largest freshwater lake and water catchment system. The lake is accessible for trout fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming, while the surrounding wilderness offers a range of walks. The Teds Beach Boardwalk offers ideal entry points into the lake. If you’d like a guide to enrich your experience, join the Lake Pedder Kayak Tour with Tassie Bound Adventure Tours to admire Lake Pedder from the water.
There are a range of walking trails around Strathgordon exploring the region’s forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains. Before you go, read Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service’s Essential Bushwalking Guide and watch the informative short video. Some walks remain closed following the early-2019 bushfires, so please check track opening and closures for updates. We’ve listed some of the open walks below.
We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.
Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre
16-20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000
(03) 6238 4222
bookings@hobarttravelcentre.com.au
hobarttravelcentre.com.au