Safe Travel and Tour Services Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour From Hobart

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A full day from Hobart into Tasmania's south-west wilderness: walk across the top of the 140 metre Gordon Dam, have lunch on the white sand of Teds Beach at Lake Pedder, and take a short guided walk through temperate rainforest.

Days

About 10 hours

Group size

Guided group tour

Start / finish

Hobart / Lake Pedder / Gordon Dam / Hobart

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Air-conditioned vehicle with Hobart CBD hotel pick-up

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Safe Travel and Tour Services Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour From Hobart

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Included experiences

Gordon Dam — walk across the top of the 140 metre arch
Teds Beach, Lake Pedder — lunch and a shoreline walk
Creepy Crawly Nature Trail — guided rainforest walk
Lake Pedder lookout — views over the lake and mountains
New Norfolk — bakery stop for lunch supplies

Safe Travel and Tour Services Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder Wilderness Day Tour From Hobart

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: HOBART TO NEW NORFOLK AND THE SOUTH-WEST

Pick-up is early from your Hobart CBD hotel or Brooke Street Pier, and the road follows the Derwent River upstream to New Norfolk. The town takes its name from the settlers moved here from Norfolk Island in 1807 and 1808, when that colony was closed. A bakery stop lets you buy lunch and a hot drink for later, because there are no shops where you're going. Past the timber town of Maydena the farms give way to forest, and you cross into Southwest National Park, Tasmania's largest, which covers about 6,000 square kilometres and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

THE CREEPY CRAWLY NATURE TRAIL

The first walk is the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail, about 40 minutes on a boardwalk through cool temperate rainforest, with your guide explaining what grows here. This is the forest of myrtle beech, sassafras and leatherwood, the tree behind Tasmania's famous honey, with tree ferns crowding the creek and moss on every log. The trail has steps and fallen trunks, so watch your feet as well as the canopy. Rain falls here on most days of the year, which is exactly why it looks the way it does. Breathe in: the smell of wet earth and moss is half the point.

MIDDAY: LUNCH AT LAKE PEDDER

At Lake Pedder you stop at Teds Beach, with white quartzite sand and water stained the colour of tea by tannins from the button grass plains. Walk the shore, paddle barefoot if you're brave, and eat your lunch looking across at the ranges. Your guide tells the lake's story. The original Lake Pedder, with its famous pink beach, was flooded in 1972 for a hydro-electric scheme, and the fight to save it gave the world its first green political party, the United Tasmania Group. A lookout higher up shows how far the new lake now spreads between the mountains.

AFTERNOON: ACROSS THE GORDON DAM AND HOME

The high point of the day is the Gordon Dam, finished in 1974. At 140 metres it is the tallest arch dam in Australia, a thin curve of concrete wedged into a gorge of the Gordon River. You walk out across the top: on one side Lake Gordon stretches away into the wilderness, on the other the wall drops straight down into the gorge. Then come the 185 steps back up to the road, the hardest part of the day. After a last look from the dam lookout it's the long, winding drive back to Hobart, about 10 hours after you set out.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from Hobart CBD hotels, or meet at Brooke Street Pier. Be ready 10 minutes before departure; your pick-up is confirmed by email the day before.
Departure time: Around 7am from Hobart; the exact time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 10 hours, much of it on the road into the south-west.
Fitness: The walks are short, but there are steps and fallen logs on the rainforest trail and 185 steps up from the dam. A moderate level of fitness is recommended; not suited to people with spinal injuries, poor heart health, or during pregnancy.
Please note: Runs daily.

What to bring

Your own lunch, or money to buy it in New Norfolk

What is included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Hobart CBD)
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
Guided rainforest walk
National park entry fees
Bottled water

Not included

Lunch (buy it at the New Norfolk bakery stop or bring your own)
Breakfast, coffee and tea
Additional drinks
Personal purchases

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.