Tasmania’s southwest feels like another planet. This Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder day trip takes you across the 140m Gordon Dam and then out to the Lake Pedder area, with guided walks in temperate rainforest plus viewpoint time that actually helps you understand what you’re seeing. I love how the day mixes big engineering moments with quiet nature time, and I love that the guide turns the scenery into something you can name, not just photograph.

There is one trade-off to plan for: lunch isn’t included, and the walking is short but not always flat. The rainforest track can involve bending and ups and downs, and based on the weather in this region, you’ll want gear for cold, wet conditions.

Key highlights at a glance

• Walk across Australia’s highest arch dam and look far down into the gorge
• Lake Pedder shore time near Teds Beach and time at scenic lookouts
• Temperate rainforest walk with a guide who explains what you’re seeing
• Small group size (max 10) for a more personal pace and better questions
• All the major viewpoints are built into the schedule instead of being random photo stops

Entering the Southwest: how the day flows from Hobart

This is a full-day outing with a clear rhythm. You start from 20 Davey St, Hobart at 8:00am, then head west along the Lyell Highway. Your tour runs for about 9 hours 30 minutes, with drive time included, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

One reason I like this format is that it gives you a steady progression: you leave town, swap to wilderness roads, then you layer in the stops in the order that makes sense. The southwest of Tasmania is a world of steep mountains, button grass plains, tall eucalyptus forest, and rainforest. You don’t just get dropped at one site and rushed out.

New Norfolk stop: a practical breather and your lunch choice

Early in the day you pause in New Norfolk, a historic town dating back to 1807. It’s scheduled for about 50 minutes, and it’s there for a reason: stretch your legs, warm up, and sort out your food. There’s time to pick up lunch and hot drinks from a local bakery.

Because lunch isn’t included, this stop becomes your simplest option to handle food for the rest of the day. If you prefer a specific kind of lunch, grab it here so you’re not making choices while cold wind is doing its best impression of Tasmanian weather.

Creepy Crawly Trail: temperate rainforest that makes sense

Next comes a drive through the eucalyptus forest along Gordon River Road, and then you step into temperate rainforest at the Creepy Crawly Walk. This part is guided and scheduled for about 40 minutes of walking within an overall 1 hour 30 minute block.

This is where the tour earns its keep. You’re not just wandering under trees; the guide uses the walk to point out what makes temperate rainforest different from drier forests. You’ll learn about the trees and how they fit into the local ecosystem, and that turns the whole area from scenery into something you can actually recognize later.

A quick heads-up: the path can require bending and changing posture. If you’ve got knee issues or you hate crouching, wear shoes with good grip and take it slow.

Teds Beach Campground and Lake Pedder: shore time with real character

From the rainforest, you shift into Lake Pedder country. You arrive at Teds Beach Campground with about 1 hour 40 minutes on the schedule. Here you get a nature-focused shoreline walk—time to slow down, look at the water close up, and feel the contrast between forest and open lake.

Lake Pedder is famous for its colors, and on this tour you get time to see it from the shore and then again from above later. The water can look like it has a tinted glow, and part of the appeal is that you’re not only taking in the view—you’re learning why the lake looks the way it does, and what its story means in Tasmania.

If it’s raining, you’ll still be able to enjoy it, but you’ll want a rain layer and something warm. One of the best practical bits from the experience is that the guide comes prepared for wet conditions, including windbreakers, so you’re not left improvising.

Lake Pedder Lookout: the view that ties the day together

After the shoreline stop, you get a shorter swing to the Lake Pedder Lookout. This is scheduled for about 20 minutes, which is just enough time to take in the scale without turning the whole day into one long waiting game.

This viewpoint matters because you can connect what you saw at Teds Beach to what the surrounding mountains are doing. The southwest of Tasmania is full of glaciated ranges and rugged features, and looking down from above helps your brain build the big picture.

Photo tip: take a minute, then come back to your framing. Light changes quickly here, and a second look often gives you a calmer shot than the first burst.

Crossing Gordon Dam: walking on a 140m arch

Then you get to the headline: the Gordon Dam, about 140m high. Your time here is around 1 hour 10 minutes, and you’ll cross the dam on foot—enough time for photos, quiet looking, and getting the nerve-shake out of your system.

This is described as Australia’s highest arch dam, and you feel that height the moment you start moving. The design makes it feel narrow and focused, so your attention snaps to the drop below. There’s also a chance to look down to the base of the gorge from above—about 35 stories below—which is the kind of fact that’s hard to grasp until you’re standing there.

The practical reality: when you’re on the dam, weather matters. Wind can cut, and the surface can be slick if it’s been wet. Wear grippy shoes and take advantage of the scheduled time instead of rushing your photos in one frantic sweep.

Nob Hill and Gordon Dam Lookout: get higher before you leave

After crossing, you drive to a higher viewpoint at Gordon Dam Lookout, sometimes associated with the Nob Hill perspective. This stop is shorter, around 15 minutes, but it’s smart: you get an even higher view after being on top of the structure already.

The payoff is a more dramatic read of the dam and lake area together. It’s also a great moment to compare angles from earlier in the day, because your mind will remember the “on-dam” view and then you’ll suddenly understand how the water sits against the mountain walls.

Even if you’re not a hardcore photographer, this is worth your attention because it clarifies distance, scale, and how the rugged terrain channels the region’s character.

Maydena stop and the drive through Southwest National Park

After your dam and lookout time, the day turns back into driving. You spend time traveling through Southwest National Park, which sits inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This is one of those places where the roads feel like part of the attraction: steep country, big sky, and forest types shifting as you move.

Then you stop in Maydena. You’re scheduled for about 2 hours 45 minutes across this stretch and stop, giving you time to walk around a little and get your bearings. Maydena is known for historic timber houses, forest plantations, and eucalyptus forest, and it’s also linked to mountain bike trails.

This is a good place to stretch, use the facilities if needed, and grab any extra snacks you might want for the ride back. It’s not the same kind of stop as the wilderness walks, but it breaks up the day nicely.

Why the small-group setup matters

This tour runs with a maximum of 10 travelers, and that changes how it feels. You’re not fighting for attention at the front of the bus. You can ask questions about what you’re seeing—how trees grow in temperate rainforest, why the lake looks tinted, and what the dam represents in Tasmania’s story.

A big plus is the guide. The tour uses a university-trained local guide, and the name you’ll hear most is David. People remember David because his explanations feel grounded, not just scripted. There’s also a clear example of care in bad weather—when rain and cold set in, he’s ready with extra windbreakers, which makes a big difference when you’re standing still at lookouts or moving slowly through damp sections of the walk.

Price and value: is $186.48 a fair deal?

At $186.48 per person, this is not a budget day trip. But when you look at what’s included, it starts to make more sense.

You get:

• an air-conditioned vehicle
• a university-trained local guide
• entry ticket access to Southwest National Park and the World Heritage Area
• guided nature walks plus the Gordon Dam walk
• lookouts built into the schedule for photography
• a sound system on the bus to keep explanations clear

The one missing piece is lunch, so you’ll need to buy it—often easiest at New Norfolk. If you’re comparing it to DIY transport, keep in mind you’re paying for the guidance, the time planning, and the fact that you’re getting to multiple key stops in one day.

In plain terms: you’re paying to save effort. If you like learning while you look, and you want a route that keeps moving without feeling rushed, this price can feel fair.

What to wear and how to handle wet weather

Tasmania’s southwest can be colder and wetter than you expect, and this tour is exposed. Even if the forecast looks okay, bring layers and plan for damp conditions.

My practical checklist:

• a warm layer you can keep on during a lookout stop
• a rain shell or waterproof outer layer
• grippy shoes for paths that can involve bending and changing footing
• a light hat or cap for wind (if you run cold)

If it’s raining, the tour doesn’t fall apart. The key is being comfortable enough to keep moving and look around during short stops.

Who this day tour suits best

This is a strong choice if you:

• want a single-day overview of Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder
• like learning from a real local guide, especially on nature and rainforest walks
• prefer a small group rather than a big bus crowd
• can handle short walks that might involve uneven footing and bending

It might be less ideal if you need a fully flat, minimal-walking schedule. The walking is described as easy, but there are still moments where posture changes.

Should you book the Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder tour?

I’d book this if you’re aiming to see Tasmania’s southwest without spending your entire day on driving, map work, and figuring out timing between distant stops. The mix of temperate rainforest, Lake Pedder viewpoints, and a literal walk across a 140m arch dam makes the day feel varied in the best way.

I wouldn’t book it if you hate wet weather planning or if you want lunch included. Your easiest workaround is simple: get your lunch at New Norfolk, then focus on enjoying the stops and the guide’s explanations.

If you want a day in Tasmania that feels educational, scenic, and still practical, this is a good fit.

FAQ

What time does the Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder day tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00am in Hobart.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is 20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 9 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan for food during the day.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are the air-conditioned vehicle, a university trained local guide, guided nature walks and the Gordon Dam walk, entry tickets to the Southwest National Park and World Heritage Area, lookouts for photography, and a sound system on the bus.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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