Strathgordon

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Strathgordon is situated 366 m above sea level and a few hours drive north west of Hobart. Located on the border of the stunning South West National Park, Strathgordon was originally settled in 1969 as a construction town for workers on the damming projects. These were infamous hydro schemes that drowned both Lake Pedder (a natural wonder of Tasmania's south west) and Lake Gordon. Between these two lakes the water covers more than 500 sq. km and holds 27 times the volume of Sydney Harbour.

Presently, the village of Strathgordon is a tiny settlement, now only a reminder of the flourishing town that was occupied in the 1970s by construction workers. Today, the region of Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon has been redeveloped by Hydro Tasmania as a suitable place for trout fishing (a current fishing licence is essential), picnics, barbecues, camping and bushwalking.

To get to this untouched area of the Derwent Valley, take the sealed road 150 km west from Mt Field National Park to reach the hydro storages of Lakes Gordon and Pedder, the Southwest wilderness region that you will travel through is ringed with rugged mountain ranges and untouched forests. Both lakes are excellent wild trout fisheries and have good boat launching facilities. Weather forecasts are important in this area as the lake conditions change fast. Strathgordon provides refreshments, accommodation, local information and petrol for visitors and the Tourist Centre is situated at the mighty Gordon Dam, the site of Australia’s longest vertical abseil.