The Gordon River flows primarily to the south and west of the Gordon Range before emptying into Lake Gordon, a reservoir created by damming the Gordon at the Gordon Dam. The reservoir's primary use is for the Gordon Power Station's hydroelectric power generation, together with water supplied by Lake Pedder. The Gordon River flows east to west through Lake Gordon before turning west and passing through a series of gorges known as the Gordon Splits.

Only in 1958 were these gorges considered impassable until Olegas Truchanas, a conservationist and nature photographer, became the first person to travel the Gordon River in a kayak. When the river reaches its mouth at Wrights Bay, where it empties into Macquarie Harbour, it runs north by west, directly north, and finally due west. A cold-climate rainforest and unique trees can be found in the Gordon River's lower reaches, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The water is clean and drinkable, as with many rivers in western Tasmania. However, it appears weak tea because the button grass grows in the catchment region absorbing tannin.

For the river's lower reaches, several dams were suggested. These plans, however, were altered due to intense criticism and public sentiment. A large portion of both rivers would have been drowned by the Franklin Dam, which was explicitly proposed close downstream of the connection with the Franklin River. In the 1980s, it was a significant political and environmental issue. Strahan visitors enjoy boat excursions to the lower Gordon River from Macquarie Harbour. During the warmer months, seaplane flights leave Strahan and feature an out landing on the Gordon River (usually one hour).

Gordon River

Strahan & West Coast -gordon River

Experience the Gordon River in Tasmania, known for its pristine waters, lush rainforest, and stunning river cruises. A serene destination for nature lovers.

A lovely waterfall, Hogarth Falls, is accessible by foot from Strahan Village. It is possible to reach the waterfall from 'People's Park,' and it is a lovely short stroll from there. The walking path meanders next to Botanical Creek, where several platypus lives and are occasionally spotted as evening approaches. The area also has many birds, wallabies, possums, and quolls.

Hogarth Falls is a lovely waterfall all year long, with more water flowing through the falls in the winter and spring. This route, one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, begins at the top of People's Park in Strahan and meanders gently through the fragrant bush to a lovely waterfall. Local school children describe their ties to the location on interpretative signs along the route. Leave the car in the town centre and use the seafront walking track to travel to and from the park for a lovely, long walk.

The People's Park is between the Strahan Wharf and the community's Regatta Point, where the trailhead is located. There are no facilities at the trailhead or in People's Park, although Strahan town is only 1.5 kilometres away and is accessible via The Esplanade. On the Foreshore Walking Track, you can also take a stroll into town. Devonport, the closest large city, is three hours from the falls, and Hobart is the farthest, with approximately four hours' travel time, followed by Launceston.

Hogarth Falls

Strahan & West Coast -hogarth Falls

Discover Hogarth Falls in Tasmania, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. Enjoy serene walks and the natural beauty of this tranquil spot.

You may take a peek at Tasmania's turbulent mining past from the Iron Blow Lookout. At a location known as the Iron Blow, gold was first found in the hills of the Linda Valley on Tasmania's west coast in 1883. Miners flocked to the area in search of copper deposits since they were far more lucrative. After destroying the land and stripping it bare, they left the surrounding mining ghost towns of Gormanston and Linda. The open-cut mine with mineral deposits striping the pit sides can be seen above at the Iron Blow Lookout. It is a hauntingly beautiful sight, but you must arrive on a sunny day to fully appreciate the intensity of the artificial colours.

The devastated-yet-beautiful landscape that envelops Queenstown on the west coast is partly composed by The Iron Blow. A disturbing moonscape that serves as a stark reminder of human avarice has been created due to over-mining and copper smelting, which have left the terrain naked and scarred with mineral deposits. As you travel west on the Lyell Highway from Hobart, the Iron Blow Lookout is a fantastic place to start getting a feel for this strange environment. The route goes through the Linda Valley before descending steep switchbacks to Queenstown's base of the lunar landscape. A geological laceration known as The Iron Blow marked the start of the mining boom in the Queenstown area.

The overlook is located in the abandoned village of Gormanston, on the northern side of the Lyell Highway. Take the asphalt road up the hill to the lookout after leaving the exit onto Iron Blow Road. Plenty of parking is available. You will travel 256 kilometres in around 3.5 hours from Hobart, and the 249-kilometre trip from Launceston requires the same amount of time. At 201 km, Devonport is closer, and it will take 2.5 hours to drive there.

Iron Blow Lookout

Strahan & West Coast -iron Blow Lookout

Visit Iron Blow Lookout in Tasmania for breathtaking views of the historic mining site and surrounding landscapes. A unique vantage point showcasing the region’s industrial heritage and natural beauty.

Australia's Tasmania has a tiny fjord called Macquarie Harbour on its West Coast. It measures over 315 square kilometres (122 square miles), with an average depth of 15 metres (49 feet), with deeper areas reaching 50 metres (160 ft). Ships with shallow draughts can navigate it. A rock wall surrounding the canal's curvature helps free the main channel. Instead of allowing the channel to become comprehensive and shallow, this artificial wall stops erosion and preserves deep and narrow. The harbour is known by the Aboriginal name Parralaongatek.

The first settlement at Macquarie Harbor was established on Sarah Island, a small island in the harbour with the name of Thomas William Birch's wife. Due to its severe isolation and harsh climate, this island served as a prison for recalcitrant inmates from other communities in Tasmania. James Kelly described how he sailed from Hobart in a small open five-oared whaleboat to discover Macquarie Harbour on December 28, 1815, in his book First Discovery of Port Davey and Macquarie Harbour. However, the techniques and dates of the finding have been reported in various travel narratives.

According to T.W. Birch's testimony to the commission of inquiry into the colony's status in 1820, the editor of the commentary to the Historical Records of Australia recalls that Kelly discovered Macquarie Harbour after sailing from Port Davey, where they had arrived in the schooner Henrietta Packet. Kelly testified before the commission but did not mention any discoveries. Later, to support the adjacent mining communities, primarily Queenstown, the little port of Strahan was established on the beaches of Macquarie Harbour. Along with the Pillinger townsite, another port was created on the southernmost portion of Kelly Basin's harbour.

Macquarie Harbour

Discover Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania—stunning waterways, rich maritime history, and scenic views. Perfect for boating, wildlife spotting, and relaxation.

Strahan & West Coast -Macquarie Harbour

Montezuma Falls, Tasmania's highest waterfall, is located close to Rosebery on the island state's west coast. It stands to reason that a waterfall named for a strong Aztec emperor would be magnificent. The trail to the falls begins two kilometres south of Rosebery, near Williamsford. This hike follows an old tramway over rainy, heavily forested west coast terrain. This short, three-hour round-trip journey takes you through a gorgeous park-like rainforest with leatherwood, myrtle, sassafras, and enormous tree ferns to the base of the 104-meter fall.

You will get close to various species along the route, including the White's thrush, a medium-sized, speckled brown and white ground dweller. It silently forages on the jungle ground, and when startled, it flies only a short distance before landing again so you may get a closer look. The Murchison Highway connects Strahan and Queenstown with Montezuma Falls in roughly an hour and fifteen minutes of driving time.

While taking a stroll, you might see local wildlife, including various bird species. The track follows the ancient route of the defunct North East Dundas Tramway down to the base of Montezuma Falls. Initially, a 160-foot-long, 50-foot-tall wooden trestle bridge was used to cross the rill close to the falls. These days, all left of the bridge are rusted bolts, moss-covered concrete piers, and wood scraps left behind. Nearby Rosebery offers bathrooms, shops, and picnic spaces. It takes 90 minutes to get to Rosebery, south of Burnie.

Montezuma Falls

Strahan & West Coast - Montezuma Falls

Discover Montezuma Falls, Tasmania: a spectacular waterfall in lush rainforest, with a scenic hike to witness this impressive natural wonder and its tranquil surroundings.

Top 5 Natural Wonders in Strahan And West Coast

Gordon River

Hogarth Falls

Iron Blow Lookout

Macquarie Harbour

Montezuma Falls

Top 5 Natural Wonders in
Strahan And West Coast