In 1963 the Federal Government provided a grant of $5 million to build a road west of Maydena into the Gordon River area Following detailed investigations the Gordon River Power Development, Stage I, was approved by State Parliament in 1967 and construction of the scheme began.

The development created the largest water storage in Australia. The two interconnected lakes, Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder; are nearly eight times larger than Great Lake .and three times larger than Lake Eucembene, the largest lake in the Snowy Mountains scheme.

Lake Pedder was formed by constructing three rockflll dams, Serpentine, Scotts Peak and Edgar: The water from Lake Pedder flows into Lake Gordon through the McPartlan Pass canal.

Lake Gordon was created by building a 140 metre high concrete arch dam across a narrow gorge in the Gordon River. Water from the two lakes is used in the Gordon Power Station, 183 metres underground.

Lake Pedder provides about 44% of all the water which passes through the turbines in the Gordon Power Station.

The Gordon Power Station is the largest in Tasmania. The first two 144 MW turbo-generators came on line in 1977 and 1978. The power station is automatically controlled from Hobart, 160 km away, and generates about 13% of the State's electricity. The third machine was commissioned in 1988. When the development was designed space was allowed for five machines.

Lake Gordon was created by building a 140 metre high concrete arch dam , across a narrow gorge in the Gordon I River: Water from the two lakes is used in the Gordon Power Station, 183 metres underground. Lake Pedder provides about 44% of all the water which passes through the turbines in the Gordon Power Station. The Gordon Power Station IS the I largest in Tasmania.The first two 1144 MW turbo-generators came on line in 1977 and 1978The power station is automatically controlled from Hobart, I 60 km away, and generates about I 3% of the State's electricity. The third machine was commissioned in 1988. When the development was designed space was allowed for five machines.

Environmental Controversies

The building of the Gordon River Power Development Stage I involve the flooding of the original Lake Pedder a small lake with a spectacular white beach during the summer months. Conservationists loudly opposed the development but were unsuccessful in halting the development.

By 1979 the conservation lobby had grown in strength and there was vigorous opposition to any further developments in the Gordon catchment area.

The Gordon River Power Development Stage 2, which was also known as the Gordon-below-Franklin, was presented to Parliament in 1979, This scheme proposed a second dam on the Gordon River; just below its junction with the Franklin River; and the single power station would have re-used the water from the Stage I development.

In 1982 State Parliament approved construction of this scheme and work began on building access roads into the site. In 1983 Federal Parliament passed the World Heritage Properties Conservation Act which banned construction in the area.The State Government challenged the validity of the Act before the High Court. It was not successful and work on the Gordon-below-Franklin ceased.

Information for Tourists

Fishing

All Hydro Tasmania lakes are stocked with trout and current licences are essential. Full details are available in a brochure called "Fishing Code for Anglers" which is published by the Inland Fisheries Service. The brochure is free and can be obtained from Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres, licence selling agents, Service Tasmania and the Inland Fisheries Service.

Camping

All rubbish must be carried out of the area and disposed of appropriately .(ie at waste treatment stations etc). Campsites must be left in a neat and tidy condition.

Fires

• Tasmania Fire Service requirements must be observed at all times.
• Open fires are prohibited across all Hydro Tasmania land.
• Fuel stoves are permitted except in times of high fire danger or total fire bans.
• Felling of trees for firewood or any other purpose is not permitted.

Gordon Area

Gordon River Road

The road begins just west of Maydena and is about 85 km in length. Passes for entry to the South West National Park can be purchased from the Mt Field National Park phone (03) 6288 1283. During winter the Gordon Road may be closed to traffic. There are several viewing points along the road and two picnic areas provide the traveller with convenient stopping places. The road to Scotts Peak turns off at Frodsham Pass.Two kilometres from the turn-off, Parks & Wildlife Service has constructed a short forest walk which takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Accommodation

The visitors centre at the Chalet along with provision of meals and accommodation to the public will cease from 30 June 2009.

Camping Grounds

Camping is permitted on select sites though must not be for more than 28 days. There are excellent camping grounds near the Edgar and Scotts Peak dams. These facilities are maintained by Parks & Wildlife Service and include toilets, barbecue and picnic areas. Camping grounds and boat ramps are shown on the map.

Fishing and Boat Hire

The lakes are open for fishing under the rules and regulations of the Inland Fisheries Service (03) 6233 4140. Both Lakes Gordon and Pedder provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. Fishing licences are essential. Picnic and Barbecue Area Apart from the two sites on the Gordon Road there are a number of sites in the Strathgordon area. These are marked on the map.

Visitor Walks

Just west of Strathgordon is a short forest walk called Jack's Track. The round trip takes about 30 minutes.