From Hobart: Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour

Tasmania’s wild side comes with stairs. This full-day trip from Hobart reaches two remarkable engineering and natural sights: the 140-metre Gordon Dam and the pale quartz shores of Lake Pedder. You travel in a small group with local guide David, whose background in botany, geology, lakes, rivers, and Hydro Tasmania gives the day more substance than a simple scenic drive.

I like the way the tour mixes easy rainforest walks with major viewpoints, rather than asking you to spend the entire day in a minibus. I also like the personal scale: the group is limited to 10 people, and the tour has gone ahead with only two participants. The main drawback is the long road time. You spend about 9.5 hours away from Hobart, and much of that is driving, though the views and commentary make the journey part of the experience.

Key points before you book

• The Gordon Dam crossing is the day’s boldest moment: Walk across Australia’s highest arch dam, then climb stairs back to the road.
• Lake Pedder has several different faces: See its white quartz beach, unusual colors, glaciated mountains, and broad lookout views.
• Creepy Crawly Walk keeps the wilderness accessible: Expect a short guided rainforest walk with stairs over logs.
• David adds useful local context: His first-hand Hydro Tasmania experience brings the Gordon Dam and Lake Gordon to life.
• This is a scenic road trip as much as a walking tour: You cover long distances through farmland, eucalyptus forest, and Southwest Tasmania.
• Bring your own lunch money and weather gear: Food and drinks are not included, and conditions can change quickly.

Leaving Hobart for Tasmania’s Southwest

Meet at 8am at the Tasmania Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street. The meeting point is on the side facing Elizabeth Street, so check that detail carefully before you set out. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The opening drive gives you wide views over the Derwent Estuary, Hobart’s northern suburbs, and the mountains beyond. This is a good start because you see the city fall away gradually rather than being dropped straight into a distant forest.

The vehicle is an air-conditioned minibus with a sound system. With no more than 10 people, the ride should feel more personal than a large coach tour. That matters on a day with plenty of driving. You can hear David’s commentary, ask questions, and keep the group moving without the delays that come with a big crowd.

The first proper stop is historic New Norfolk, about 35 minutes into the journey. You have roughly 20 minutes to visit a local bakery and pick up lunch and a hot drink. Since food is not included, this is your practical chance to buy what you need for the day.

From farmland to the Creepy Crawly rainforest

After New Norfolk, the route moves through farmland and tall eucalyptus forest. The scenery changes slowly, which is part of the pleasure. You are not simply being transported to a single attraction. You watch settled country give way to a much wilder part of Tasmania.

There are scenic pauses along the way, including a short viewpoint stop. The exact appeal depends on the weather, but the tour is designed to let you stretch your legs and take in the changing country rather than remain seated for hours at a time.

The Creepy Crawly Walk is the first main nature stop. Allow about 40 minutes for a guided walk and photographs. This is not presented as a strenuous hike. Instead, you follow an easy route through temperate rainforest, including stairs that cross over fallen logs.

I like this stop because it gives you a close look at the forest floor and the damp, tangled character of the Southwest wilderness. David’s university-level training in botany and geology adds useful detail to what you are seeing. You can expect explanation rather than a quick photo stop, though the short time means this is only an introduction to the forest.

Wear proper walking shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed, and the forest walk can be damp underfoot. Bring rain gear even if Hobart begins the day under clear skies.

Lake Pedder at Ted’s Beach

The road continues through increasingly remote country, with steep mountains covered in native button grass. Eventually you reach Lake Pedder, one of the day’s central sights.

At Ted’s Beach, you get about 55 minutes for lunch, a guided walk, photographs, and free time. The beach is made from white quartzite, giving the shore a striking pale appearance. The lake is also known for its changing colors, so this is a place where light and weather can make a noticeable difference.

You may have time to walk barefoot along the edge or take a brief dip in the lake. That depends on your comfort, the conditions, and the time available. I would treat it as an optional pleasure, not a promised swimming stop.

Lake Pedder is valuable not just because it is pretty. It also has an intriguing story tied to Tasmania’s changing ideas about conservation, water storage, and the use of remote country. David’s background in lakes, rivers, geology, and botany helps connect those subjects to the ground beneath your feet.

The stop is short enough that you will need to manage your time. Eat first, then walk. If you spend the entire break taking photographs, you may miss the chance to hear the guided explanation or enjoy the beach without rushing.

The Lake Pedder Lookout and glaciated peaks

A short drive takes you to the Lake Pedder Lookout. You have about 10 minutes here, so think of it as a concentrated viewpoint rather than a long walking stop.

From above, the lake opens out beneath rugged, glaciated mountain ranges. This is one of the tour’s best chances to understand the scale of the Southwest wilderness. At Ted’s Beach, you are beside the water. At the lookout, you can see how the lake sits among the mountains.

The time is enough for photographs and a quiet pause, but not enough for a lengthy exploration. Have your camera ready before you leave the minibus. Weather can also affect the view, so keep expectations flexible.

Walking across the Gordon Dam

The Gordon Dam is the tour’s main thrill. At 140 metres high, it is Australia’s highest arch dam, and the walk across the top gives you a direct sense of its size.

You have about an hour at the dam for the guided visit, photographs, and free time. The experience is not just about looking at concrete. You can look down toward the gorge far below, with untouched temperate rainforest on one side. Turn around, and Lake Gordon, Australia’s largest water storage dam, comes into view.

That sudden change in direction is one of the most effective parts of the stop. The gorge feels steep and enclosed. Lake Gordon feels broad and controlled. In one short walk, you see both the raw shape of the country and the scale of the hydroelectric project built within it.

David’s first-hand connection to Hydro Tasmania adds useful detail here. He has worked on determining the volume of Lake Gordon, so his explanation comes from direct experience rather than a few memorized facts. That personal link is a major reason this tour feels more informed than a basic sightseeing transfer.

The dam walk does require confidence with heights. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but you should be comfortable crossing a high structure and looking over a deep gorge. A recent participant described the stair section as 196 steps down to the dam wall, while the tour details describe climbing 185 stairs back to the road. Either way, plan for a substantial stair climb.

Take your time and use the available free period for photographs. The tour does not require you to hurry across and immediately return to the bus, but the stop has a set schedule.

Nob Hill for the highest view

After the dam, the minibus travels only a few minutes to Nob Hill Lookout. The stop lasts about 10 minutes and gives you a higher view over the Gordon Dam.

This is a useful follow-up because the dam looks different from above. At the wall, you feel its height and construction. From Nob Hill, you see its place within the surrounding country. It is also a good final photo stop before the long return drive.

The timing is brief, so do not expect a walk or extended quiet period. You get a viewpoint, a few photographs, and a last look at the gorge before heading back toward Hobart.

The return drive is part of the day

The return journey takes roughly two and a half hours, with scenic driving and a break at a viewpoint. You should be back at 20 Davey Street at about 5:30pm, in time to find dinner in Hobart.

This timing makes the tour a full day, not a half-day outing. I would not book a demanding evening activity immediately afterward. You may be ready for a meal and a slower pace after the road time, the forest walk, and the dam stairs.

The long drive is the main trade-off for reaching Lake Pedder and Gordon Dam in one day. There is no quick route to this part of Southwest Tasmania. If you want these places without arranging a multi-day wilderness trip, the driving is a fair price in time.

The road sections also give David room to explain the region. Views appear from the minibus windows, and the journey through farmland, eucalyptus forest, button grass, and mountain country helps you understand how far the wilderness extends beyond each stop.

How much value do you get for $184?

At $184 per person, the price is reasonable for a small-group day that includes transport from central Hobart, a university-trained local guide, entry to the Southwest National Park and World Heritage Area, guided nature walks, and the Gordon Dam visit.

The strongest value comes from access and interpretation. You would need to cover a great deal of ground yourself to visit the Creepy Crawly Walk, Lake Pedder, the lookout, Gordon Dam, and Nob Hill in one day. You would also be responsible for navigating a remote area and finding the correct viewpoints.

The price does not include lunch or drinks, so budget extra at New Norfolk. That is a minor cost, but it is worth knowing before you arrive. The bakery stop makes the arrangement simple, as long as you remember to buy enough food and water for the whole day.

The group size also helps justify the fare. A 10-person maximum means the experience is less anonymous, and the tour can operate even with a very small number of participants. One recent booking went ahead with only two people, which shows that the operator may keep the trip running when the group is tiny.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this tour if you want to see a remote part of Tasmania but have only one free day from Hobart. It suits people who enjoy scenery, short walks, engineering, local stories, and unusual places that are not reached by a quick city excursion.

It is especially good for you if you appreciate interpretation. David’s experience with Hydro Tasmania and his training in botany and geology can turn the sights into a connected story about forests, water, mountains, and human construction.

You should think twice if you dislike long drives, have a strong fear of heights, or want a full day of walking. The walks are described as easy, but the Gordon Dam stairs add real physical effort. Children under 8 are not accepted, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and rain gear. Large bags, luggage, bikes, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Unaccompanied minors cannot join.

The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful if your Hobart plans are still shifting.

My verdict on the Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder day

I like this tour because it gives you more than a scenic bus ride. You walk through temperate rainforest, stand beside a white quartz beach, see Lake Pedder from above, and cross a major dam with a guide who has a direct connection to Tasmania’s hydroelectric story.

The strongest parts are the small group, David’s personal knowledge, and the contrast between natural wilderness and large-scale engineering. The main weakness is the amount of time spent on the road, along with the fact that food is not included and the dam stairs may test your legs.

Book it if your priority is reaching Lake Pedder and Gordon Dam without organizing a remote self-drive day. Skip it if you want a relaxed outing close to Hobart or prefer a tour with very little time in a vehicle. For the right visitor, the $184 fare buys access to a striking and hard-to-reach part of Tasmania, with enough explanation to make the views stick.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the Tasmania Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart. Meet on the side facing Elizabeth Street.

How long does the tour last?

The listed duration is 570 minutes, or about 9.5 hours. The stated schedule runs from 8am until about 5:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself.

Is lunch included?

No. The tour stops at a local bakery in New Norfolk so you can buy lunch and hot drinks. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

How large is the tour group?

The tour is limited to 10 participants, making it a small-group experience.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The live tour guide provides commentary in English.

How difficult are the walks?

The nature walks are described as easy, but the Gordon Dam visit includes a substantial stair section. The tour details describe 185 stairs back to the road, while one participant described 196 steps down to the dam wall.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 8 years old cannot join. Unaccompanied minors are also not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and rain gear. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.