The Gordon Dam

Abseiling at the Gordon Dam has been included in the Top 10 Adrenaline activities in the world today, along with rafting the Zambesi River, bungy jumping in South Africa,and the X Roller Coaster at Six Flags, California. Standing 140 metres high, the Gordon Dam is the world's highest commercial abseil.

The day starts with a two and a half hour drive through Tasmania's magnificent south-west wilderness to reach Strathgordon, between lakes Gordon and Peddar. Together these lakes form The Gordon River Power Development Hydro Electric Scheme which occupies a vast area of over 500 square kms.

Lake Gordon was created from the Gordon River by constructing a 140 m high dam across the river above its intersection with the Serpentine River. Water from the lakes is used in the underground Hydroelectric Gordon Power Station, located near the Gordon Dam.

The Dam is several metres higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge (134m), and holds back thirty times the amount of water in the Harbour itself. Have you ever felt nervous standing on top of the 10 metre diving platform at a swimming pool?

We have three abseil points at the top of the Dam. Abseilers can try the 30 metre or 50 metre descents before attempting the 140 metre drop. The Dam itself is concave, which means that abseilers will not be touching the wall for most of the journey down the face when making the 140 metre descent.

Duration:

This trip usually requires a full day. The drive to the Gordon Dam takes around 2 ½ hours from Hobart, and if the road is wet please take extra care, as it can be very slippery.
The last place to purchase fuel is at Maydeena, so please make sure that you are full of fuel before you leave Hobart and check your tyres and oil.
If time is short, we are able to charter a helicopter to deliver you to the Dam and back in around 45 minutes each way.

Price:
$210 per person, with a 50% deposit payable at least five working days before departure, and full payment prior to departure.

Group Size:
1-30 people - we need a minimum of 2 people to book a day, but individuals are welcome to join existing trips.

Package Includes:
Guides (one guide per 4 abseilers), all ropes, equipment and safety gear including helmets, $20M APRA approved public liability insurance, a CD of digital photographs and a Certificate of Achievement upon completing the 140 metre abseil.

Optional Extras:
Helicopter charters are available between the Dam and Hobart. The Lake Pedder Chalet offers food and accommodation if you are staying in the area.

Timetable:
This is available all year around, but we are unable to abseil during high winds or when Hydro Tasmania is maintaining the site.

Recent Quote:
"I wasn't nervous with the Scuba or Sky Diving, but standing on the pedestrian walkway on top of the dam and looking all the way down to the bottom, I found my heart rate starting to quicken slightly(!)"

Eoin Clayton, Ireland

See who's abseiled the Dam and earned a place in the Extreme Abseilers Club

Find the Gordon Dam on Google Maps, or contact us to learn more!