From Hobart: Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour

From Hobart: Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour

If you’re looking to experience the untamed beauty of Tasmania, this guided day trip offers a compelling blend of towering dams, vibrant lakes, lush rainforests, and mountain vistas. Starting at 8:00 am from Hobart, you’ll spend about 9.5 hours exploring some of the island’s most iconic and lesser-known natural treasures. For $176.56 per person, this is a well-curated way to learn about wilderness that feels both grand and intimate, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers ensuring personalized attention.

What we love most are the breathtaking views from Gordon Dam, Australia’s highest arch dam, and the chance to walk through ancient rainforest with a knowledgeable guide explaining the flora and fauna along the way. Plus, the stop at Lake Pedder offers striking scenery with its tannin-stained waters and white sandy shores, perfect for photography or just soaking in the serenity.

A potential consideration is the weather, as the tour takes place in a region known for its moisture and changeable conditions—be prepared for rain or cooler temperatures, especially in the rainforest and mountain areas. The tour’s flexibility for cancellations due to weather is a plus, but packing appropriately remains key.

This excursion suits travelers who enjoy nature, scenic views, and outdoor adventures but also appreciate comfort and expert guidance. Whether you’re a keen photographer, a nature lover, or someone wanting a meaningful day away from city life, this trip offers genuine, memorable experiences.

Key Points

• Stunning viewpoints including Lake Pedder and Gordon Dam provide excellent photo opportunities.
• Expert guides like David enhance the experience with insightful commentary about Tasmania’s wilderness.
• Variety of stops from rainforest walks to mountain vistas keep the day engaging.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey relaxed.
• Small group setting of up to 10 travelers allows for more personalized attention.
• Weather considerations are important, so be prepared for rain and cool conditions.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Overview of the Day

This tour is designed as a comprehensive showcase of Tasmania’s rugged wilderness, starting from Hobart and heading west into the southwestern rainforests and mountains. It’s perfect if you want a full, immersive day with plenty of opportunities to see and photograph iconic scenery, all while learning about the area’s natural features from a guide who knows the terrain well.

The total duration clocks in at approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including several stops that each reveal a different facet of this wild landscape. Throughout the day, expect a mix of comfortable transport, short walks, and spectacular views—ideal for active travelers who don’t mind walking a bit but also want to relax and take in the scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: New Norfolk

We begin in the historic town of New Norfolk, established as early as 1807. Here, the small stop is primarily for picking up lunch and hot drinks at a local bakery—a practical touch that allows you to enjoy a pleasant meal while soaking up some local charm. It’s a quick 50-minute pause, so don’t expect much sightseeing here, but it’s a good way to get fueled for the day ahead.

Stop 2: Creepy Crawly Trail

Next, we drive through towering eucalyptus forests on the Gordon River Road, arriving at the Creepy Crawly Walk. This short, 40-minute loop takes you through a temperate rainforest, featuring tall trees and lush undergrowth. Our guide, David, shared that this walk is relatively easy but may require some bending and careful footing, especially if weather conditions are wet—something that was noted in reviews. As one traveler said, “you might find the pathway requires bending up and down,” so comfortable shoes are recommended.

This walk is especially valuable for nature enthusiasts who love learning about local flora and the secret lives of Tasmanian trees. It’s a gentle, informative experience amidst ancient giants.

Stop 3: Teds Beach Campground & Lake Pedder

The highlight of the day is the stop at Teds Beach on Lake Pedder. As we arrive, you’ll see a pristine lake fringed by white sand and stained by the tannins from surrounding bush. The lake’s vibrant colors and calm waters make it a perfect spot for reflection and photos. One reviewer remarked, “the views of Lake Pedder are stunning,” and it’s easy to agree.

Here, a short lake shore walk allows you to connect with nature directly. The guide shares insights into Lake Pedder’s fascinating story—once a much larger impoundment, now a preserved part of Tasmania’s wilderness with a complex history of environmental debate.

Stop 4: Lake Pedder Lookout

A quick drive brings us to the lookout over Lake Pedder. From this vantage point, you’ll see rugged, glaciated mountain ranges that frame the lake—a view that truly captures the wild, remote character of this part of Tasmania. It’s a moment to breathe deeply and appreciate the scale of the landscape.

Stop 5: Gordon Dam

The pièce de résistance is crossing Gordon Dam, Australia’s highest arch dam at 140 meters. The experience of walking across this structure is exhilarating—standing on the dam gives you a literal perspective of how enormous and engineering marvel-like it is. From here, you can look down into the gorge 35 stories below or take countless photos of the dam’s impressive architecture.

One reviewer wrote, “feeling like mice in comparison,” which sums up the humbling experience of standing atop such a feat of engineering. The dam is free to view, and the short stop offers plenty of time for photos and soaking in the spectacular scenery.

Stop 6: Nob Hill Lookout & Gordon Dam Viewpoint

A brief drive elevates you even further to the Nob Hill and Gordon Dam lookouts. The views from these heights are breathtaking, with one traveler exclaiming, “I believe I can fly,” capturing the feeling of standing on the edge of Tasmania’s rugged terrain. These vantage points offer a panoramic view of the dam and surrounding mountains, perfect for panoramic shots or just soaking in the wild landscape.

Stop 7: Maydena and the Southwest National Park

The day concludes with a drive through the Southwest National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness. Expect steep quartzite mountains, button grass plains, and tall eucalypt forests, all of which emphasize the scale and diversity of Tasmania’s wilderness. A brief stop at Maydena introduces you to a small town with historic timber houses and mountain biking trails, adding a touch of local rural charm.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This journey isn’t just about ticking off iconic sights; it’s about feeling connected to Tasmania’s landscape. The stops are thoughtfully chosen to show both the grandeur and intimacy of the environment, from towering dams to tranquil lakes and ancient rainforests.

The small group size enhances the experience, allowing guides like David to offer personalized insights that make the scenery come alive. Travelers from reviews appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the way they explained the area’s features, even in wet weather conditions.

Practical Considerations

The price of $176.56 is quite reasonable considering the extensive itinerary, expert guiding, and included stops. The tour does not include lunch, so bringing snacks or enjoying the bakery stop in New Norfolk is recommended.

The air-conditioned vehicle keeps you comfortable during the driving portions, and the 9.5-hour duration means you’ll get a full day of exploration without feeling rushed. Because the weather can be unpredictable—especially in Tasmania’s mountains and rainforest—you should pack rain gear and layers.

This tour is perfect for active travelers who don’t mind short walks and want a well-rounded view of Tasmania’s wilderness. It’s especially suited for those who value authentic scenery and knowledgeable guides to help interpret what you see.

The Sum Up

This day tour from Hobart offers a rewarding adventure into Tasmania’s wild heart. It combines spectacular viewpoints, engaging guides, and diverse landscapes—from the towering Gordon Dam to the tranquil waters of Lake Pedder and dense rainforest. The small group setting ensures a personalized experience that makes the journey feel more like exploring with friends than being part of a crowd.

If you enjoy nature, stunning vistas, and learning about Tasmania’s environment from experienced guides, this tour delivers on all fronts. While weather can be unpredictable, proper planning and packing can turn any wet day into a memorable adventure. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to escape the city and enjoy the island’s rugged, natural beauty.

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, scenic, and educational day trip that balances breathtaking views with insightful commentary, this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly suited for those who love outdoor exploration but appreciate comfort and small group intimacy. The experience will leave you with a sense of Tasmania’s wild grandeur and a camera full of unforgettable images.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Most stops involve short walks or viewing from lookouts, so it’s suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with some standing and light walking. The rainforest walk might require bending or careful footing, especially in wet weather.

What should I bring with me?
Bring layered clothing for variable weather, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Since lunch isn’t included, you might want to pack snacks or enjoy the bakery stop in New Norfolk.

How many people will be on this tour?
The small group size is limited to 10 travelers, which promotes a more personal experience and easier access to the guide’s attention.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If the weather is poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the highlight of the day?
Many travelers cite crossing Gordon Dam and the view from Nob Hill as the most memorable parts, thanks to their impressive scale and breathtaking vistas.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, making the long drives comfortable and relaxing.

How much time is spent at each stop?
Stops vary from about 20 minutes at Lake Pedder Lookout to over an hour at Gordon Dam, with additional time for photos and brief walks.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are stops where you can purchase food or enjoy your own packed meal.

What type of scenery will I see?
Expect rugged mountains, glacial lakes, rainforests, and engineered dams, showcasing Tasmania’s natural and human-made marvels.

Who would enjoy this tour most?
Nature enthusiasts, photographers, outdoor lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Tasmania’s wilderness will find this tour especially rewarding.

This guided day trip from Hobart promises a full immersion into Tasmania’s stunning landscapes. With expert guides, diverse scenery, and a focus on genuine experiences, it offers an authentic taste of the island’s wild beauty—ideal for travelers eager to see the best of Tasmania in a single day.