From Hobart: Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour

Planning a trip to Tasmania and looking for a day full of striking scenery, invigorating walks, and local stories? This Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour promises all that and more. Run by Island of Tasmania Tours, it takes you into the Southwest National Park, a UNESCO-listed wilderness area that’s as remote as it is breathtaking.

While most travelers love the opportunity to see Tasmania’s rugged landscapes in one day, it’s worth noting that this tour is quite full, with a mix of bus rides, walks, and awe-inspiring viewpoints. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate a well-rounded, informative experience and are comfortable with a long day on the move.

If you’re eager to learn about the area’s geology, flora, and history from a knowledgeable guide, this trip will hit the mark.

One thing to consider is the physical aspect — some stops involve stairs and walking paths that might challenge those with mobility issues. But for most active travelers, it offers an engaging blend of nature and storytelling at a relaxed pace. This tour is perfect for those who want an authentic taste of Tasmania’s wild heart in just one day, especially if you’re eager for scenic views and local insights.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery including Lake Pedder, Gordon Dam, and glaciated mountains.
• Expert guides who share in-depth knowledge of geology, botany, and local history.
• Long but varied day with scenic drives, walks, and photo stops.
• Authentic experiences like walking across Australia’s highest arch dam and dipping toes in Lake Pedder.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Practical considerations include dressing for weather and being prepared for stairs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day in Tasmania’s Wilderness

This 9.5-hour tour heads straight into some of Tasmania’s most striking landscapes, starting from Hobart’s Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre. Right away, you’re treated to views over the Derwent Estuary and the city’s northern suburbs, setting the tone for a scenic day.

Scenic Drive and First Stop: Historic New Norfolk

After a quick bus ride through lush farmland and Eucalyptus forests, the journey takes you to New Norfolk, a charming town perfect for a short break and picking up fresh local baked goods and hot drinks. This stop is a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy some local flavor before heading deeper into wilderness.

Creepy Crawly Walk: A Forest Adventure

Back on the bus, the next highlight is the Creepy Crawly Walk — a forest trail through a part of temperate rainforest. Your guide, David, will take you on an educational walk, climbing stairs over logs and pointing out native plants and fungi. It’s a lively way to connect with Tasmania’s lush greenery and understand its ecology. As one reviewer noted, David’s knowledge of flora and geology adds richness to the experience, making it more than just a walk.

Lake Pedder: A Pristine Aquatic Paradise

The tour then moves to the spectacular Lake Pedder, famous for its white quartzite sands and vivid colors. Here, you’ll take a lakeshore walk, with some guests possibly dipping their toes into its chilly waters — a simple but memorable way to feel part of the landscape. The Teds Beach area provides a peaceful spot for lunch, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

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Lake Pedder Lookout: Bird’s Eye Views

Next is the Lake Pedder Lookout, where panoramic views reveal the lake’s shimmering waters against rugged, glaciated peaks. The scenery here is jaw-dropping, and your guide will share insights into the lake’s formation and ecological significance.

The Highlight: Gordon Dam

No visit to Tasmania’s wilderness would be complete without experiencing Gordon Dam, Australia’s highest arch dam at 140 meters. You’ll walk across the dam wall, feeling small beneath its impressive height. Visitors often comment on the breathtaking views — looking down into the gorge or across the dam to Lake Gordon, Australia’s largest water storage dam.

David, your guide, will share personal stories, including his involvement in calculating Lake Gordon’s volume during his time at Hydro Tasmania. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos or simply soak in the views. For the more adventurous, a stroll down 185 stairs leads you closer to the base of the dam, revealing its immense scale and rugged construction.

Nob Hill Lookout and Further Scenic Views

Continuing the ascent, you’ll visit Nob Hill Lookout, offering another commanding perspective over the dam and surrounding mountains. One guest famously exclaimed, “I believe I can fly,” as they took in the sweeping vistas.

Return Journey: Scenic Drives to Hobart

After a full day of exploration, the return trip offers additional scenic views through the Tasmanian landscape, closing out around 5:30 pm back at the starting point. It’s a long day, but the variety of stops keeps it engaging.

The Experience in Detail

This tour is well-suited for those who love natural beauty combined with storytelling. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and your guide’s expertise enhances the experience, making complex topics like geology and botany accessible and interesting.

From reviews, we see many travelers appreciating David’s knowledge and friendly attitude. One noted, “David was so obliging and knowledgeable,” adding that his personal anecdotes made the day more meaningful. The fact that the tour runs even with just two participants shows its flexibility and the personal touch in guiding.

The scenic drives are a highlight on their own, passing farmland, eucalyptus forests, and mountain ranges that many find more impressive than they expected. The stops are timed to give you a good mix of sightseeing, walking, and relaxing, with enough free time to take photos or simply breathe in the wilderness.

Walking and Accessibility

While the walk at Creepy Crawly Trail involves climbing stairs over logs, it’s generally manageable for most physically active travelers. The dam walk includes a steep descent and ascent via stairs, which has earned praise but could be a challenge for those with mobility issues.

What to Bring and Wear

Given the varied outdoor activities, packing comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, water, and rain gear is recommended. The weather in Tasmania can change quickly, so being prepared will make your experience more enjoyable.

Price and Value

At a little over nine hours, this tour offers a comprehensive look at Tasmania’s wilderness. While the price reflects the guided nature, the inclusion of transportation, expert commentary, and exclusive access to spots like Gordon Dam makes it a good value for travelers eager for an authentic, educational adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, geology geeks, and those interested in learning about Tasmania’s environmental stories firsthand. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group settings and are comfortable with walking and stairs. If you’re after a high-quality, informative day that combines breathtaking scenery with local insights, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s less ideal for very young children or travelers with mobility challenges, but anyone with a curious mind and a bit of outdoor spirit will find plenty to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Day Tour offers a compelling snapshot of Tasmania’s wild heart. It balances stunning landscape views with educational commentary, making every mile and stop meaningful. The chance to walk across Australia’s highest arch dam or dip your toes in a pristine lake is a memorable highlight that stays with many travelers.

The guided aspect, led by someone as knowledgeable and personable as David, elevates the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a genuine learning opportunity. The scenery, combined with stories and detail, makes it a rich experience for those who want to connect with Tasmania’s natural environment.

In our view, it’s best suited for active, curious travelers who value authenticity and depth over just ticking off sights. If you’re seeking a day that combines adventure, education, and awe-inspiring landscapes — all in a manageable package — this tour is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 9.5 hours, including travel time, scenic stops, and walking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at 20 Davey Street in Hobart and returns there around 5:30 pm.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes bus transportation throughout the day, with scenic drives through farmland, forests, and mountain ranges.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants, ensuring a personal experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, and rain gear are recommended to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Not quite — it’s recommended for those over 8 years old and generally not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I take photos at Gordon Dam?
Absolutely. There’s plenty of time to photograph the dam, gorge, and mountain views — don’t forget your camera.

What makes this tour different from others?
The combination of expert local guides, access to iconic sites like Gordon Dam, and the chance to learn about Tasmania’s geology and ecology make it stand out.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it easy to connect with others, and solo travelers have found it an enriching experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, if your Tasmania trip includes a desire to see its rugged wilderness up close, learn about its natural geology, and enjoy some truly spectacular views, this day tour delivers. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances adventure and education, led by a guide passionate about sharing Tasmania’s stories. Perfect for those who want to get off the beaten track and really connect with the island’s wild side.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby