Deep within Tasmania’s remote southwest lies one of Australia’s most remarkable engineering achievements.
Standing 140 metres high above the Gordon River Gorge, Gordon Dam is Australia’s tallest arch dam and one of the most dramatic man-made structures in the country.
Surrounded by rugged mountains, ancient wilderness, and the vast waters of Lake Gordon, this impressive structure combines human ingenuity with some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking scenery.
For visitors exploring Tasmania’s wild southwest, Gordon Dam is far more than just a piece of infrastructure — it is a destination that inspires awe, adventure, and curiosity.
Why Gordon Dam Is So Famous
Completed in 1974 as part of Tasmania’s ambitious hydroelectric development program, Gordon Dam was designed to harness the immense power of the Gordon River system.
Today, it remains one of the most significant hydroelectric structures in Australia.
The dam’s towering wall rises 140 metres above the gorge below, making it the tallest dam in Australia and one of the highest arch dams in the Southern Hemisphere.
Unlike traditional gravity dams that rely primarily on weight, Gordon Dam uses an elegant curved design that transfers water pressure into the surrounding rock walls.
This engineering solution allows the structure to withstand enormous forces while using less concrete than a conventional dam.
Lake Gordon: Australia’s Largest Water Storage
Behind the dam sits Lake Gordon, Australia’s largest freshwater storage reservoir by volume.
The lake covers a vast area within Tasmania’s southwest wilderness and stores approximately 12 cubic kilometres of water.
To appreciate its scale, Lake Gordon contains roughly 27 times more water than Sydney Harbour.
The reservoir stretches deep into the surrounding mountains and valleys, creating a spectacular inland water landscape rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.
From lookout points near the dam, visitors can witness the immense size of the lake disappearing into Tasmania’s wilderness horizon.
The Engineering Marvel Behind Gordon Dam
The true genius of Gordon Dam lies in its arch design.
Rather than simply resisting the water’s force through sheer mass, the curved concrete wall channels pressure sideways into the mountains surrounding the gorge.
This allows the dam to hold back an extraordinary volume of water while maintaining structural efficiency.
Construction of the dam required thousands of workers, extensive tunnelling, and years of challenging work in one of Australia’s most remote environments.
More than half a century later, the structure continues to perform exactly as intended.
Gordon Power Station: Hidden 183 Metres Underground
One of the most fascinating aspects of Gordon Dam remains largely invisible to visitors.
Located approximately 183 metres beneath the surface is the Gordon Power Station.
Water from Lake Gordon travels through enormous tunnels before descending toward turbines deep underground.
The station converts the energy of falling water into renewable hydroelectric power, supplying a significant portion of Tasmania’s electricity.
The underground location protects the facility while minimizing its impact on the surrounding wilderness landscape.
For many visitors, discovering that a major power station operates beneath their feet is one of the most surprising facts about Gordon Dam.
Walking Across Australia’s Tallest Dam
A visit to Gordon Dam offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Visitors descend nearly 200 steps before reaching the crest of the dam wall.
As you approach the structure, the scale becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend.
Looking one direction reveals the immense waters of Lake Gordon.
Looking the other reveals a near-vertical drop into the Gordon River Gorge below.
The contrast between calm water and dramatic cliff-like heights creates one of Tasmania’s most unforgettable viewpoints.
Photographers, nature lovers, and engineering enthusiasts alike are often left speechless by the sheer scale of the location.
Gordon Dam Abseiling Adventure
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Gordon Dam offers one of Tasmania’s most unique adventure experiences.
The dam is home to one of the world’s highest commercial abseiling experiences.
Participants descend the massive concrete wall while suspended hundreds of feet above the gorge below.
The experience combines breathtaking scenery with heart-pounding excitement, attracting adventure travellers from around Australia and overseas.
Few places allow visitors to literally descend the side of Australia’s tallest dam.
The World Record Basketball Shot
Gordon Dam gained international attention in 2015 thanks to Australian YouTube group How Ridiculous.
The group successfully landed a basketball shot from the top of the dam into a hoop positioned 126 metres below.
The incredible feat earned a Guinness World Record and introduced millions of people worldwide to this remote Tasmanian landmark.
The viral video transformed Gordon Dam from a relatively unknown engineering structure into a globally recognised attraction.
Even today, many visitors first discover Gordon Dam through that famous basketball shot.
How to Visit Gordon Dam
Gordon Dam is located approximately two and a half hours west of Hobart.
Most visitors travel via the scenic route through the Derwent Valley and the town of Maydena before continuing into Tasmania’s southwest wilderness.
The journey itself is part of the experience, passing forests, rivers, mountains, and hydroelectric infrastructure along the way.
The road is fully accessible to standard vehicles, making Gordon Dam one of Tasmania’s most impressive day-trip destinations.
Best Time to Visit Gordon Dam
Gordon Dam can be visited year-round.
Summer offers longer daylight hours and generally milder conditions.
Autumn provides stunning colours and crisp weather.
Winter often creates dramatic mist and cloud formations around the gorge, adding a mysterious atmosphere.
Spring brings fresh greenery and flowing waterways throughout the surrounding wilderness.
Weather conditions can change rapidly in Tasmania’s southwest, so visitors should always carry warm clothing regardless of the season.
Why Gordon Dam Should Be on Your Tasmania Bucket List
Tasmania is famous for its wilderness, but Gordon Dam demonstrates how human engineering can exist in harmony with nature.
The combination of towering concrete architecture, immense freshwater storage, underground renewable energy generation, and spectacular wilderness scenery creates an experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Whether you’re interested in engineering, photography, adventure, history, or simply discovering extraordinary places, Gordon Dam deserves a place on every Tasmania itinerary.
More than 50 years after its completion, it remains one of Australia’s most impressive engineering achievements and one of Tasmania’s most underrated attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Gordon Dam?
Gordon Dam stands 140 metres high, making it Australia’s tallest dam.
Where is Gordon Dam located?
Gordon Dam is located in Tasmania’s southwest wilderness, approximately 130 kilometres west of Hobart.
Can you walk across Gordon Dam?
Yes. Visitors can access and walk along the dam crest via a stairway leading down from the visitor area.
What is behind Gordon Dam?
Lake Gordon, Australia’s largest water storage reservoir by volume, sits behind the dam.
Can you abseil down Gordon Dam?
Yes. Gordon Dam offers one of the world’s highest commercial abseiling experiences.
Why is Gordon Dam famous?
The dam is famous for its size, engineering design, hydroelectric importance, and the Guinness World Record basketball shot achieved by How Ridiculous in 2015.
Explore More Tasmania Attractions
If you enjoyed Gordon Dam, you may also like:
- Lake Pedder
- Mount Field National Park
- The Wall in the Wilderness
- Strahan
- Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
- Tarkine Wilderness
- Cradle Mountain