Strathgordon on Lake Pedder: Nature and hydropower history

Strathgordon lies on the shore of Lake Pedder. The destination connects the lake with the history of hydropower development and with links to the Tasmanian Wilderness. These offer different ways to plan your trip: you can consider and weigh the landscape, settlement history and water-based activities separately. If you are looking for a hotel in Strathgordon, this thematic framework provides a basis for assessing the destination according to your interests.

Lake Pedder, World Heritage and hydropower

The Gordon Power Scheme in Strathgordon is surrounded by Southwest National Park, which is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Pedder Wilderness Lodge is located within the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. These protected-area connections have different points of reference: for the Power Scheme, it is the surrounding national park; for the lodge, it is its location within the World Heritage Area. The Gordon Dam is also nearby; it is 140 m high. This height gives a sense of the scale of the structure and adds a concrete connection to hydropower alongside the nature and protected-area perspective.

You should also distinguish between the different locations: Lake Pedder is the immediate point of reference for the town; the campground and the dam are nearby. This keeps information about the destination and nearby points clearly attributed.

Local history and accommodation

Strathgordon was built to house workers constructing hydropower dams. The former Hydro workers’ village was converted into the remote Pedder Wilderness Lodge. This sequence links the settlement’s origins to its later history as accommodation, offering travellers a historical perspective alongside the natural surroundings.

Activities on the lake

The Lake Pedder Kayak Tour explores the amber-coloured waters of Lake Pedder. Anglers may bring their boats and fish for trout in the lake year-round. The two options differ in activity and timing: you should check the tour details before your trip, while fishing is expressly available year-round. The difference in timing is helpful when planning your trip around a particular activity.

Teds Beach Campground nearby

Teds Beach Campground is located near Strathgordon. The campground has a boat ramp, toilets, untreated water, picnic facilities, free electric barbecues and shelters; it is suitable for tents and caravans. In the evening, visitors may see possums, pademelons or Tasmanian devils at the campground; sightings are possible but not guaranteed. The campground therefore combines practical camping facilities with the possibility of evening wildlife viewing.

As of 1 July 2026, access to the boat ramp was open; access conditions may change. Check current access and park alerts for Teds Beach before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Winkleigh, Sisters Beach, Cradle Mountain, Lewisham, Queens Domain, Thirlstane, Bothwell, Kettering.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.