description Gordon River Overview
The Gordon River is a major perennial river located in the western wilderness of Tasmania, Australia. It flows through rugged, temperate rainforest terrain before emptying into Macquarie Harbour on the island's west coast. The river gained international attention in the early 1980s as the proposed site for the Franklin Dam, a controversial hydroelectric project that was ultimately blocked by the Australian federal government in 1983. Today, the waterway and its surrounding basin are protected within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
help Gordon River FAQ
Where is the Gordon River?
The Gordon River is in the western wilderness of Tasmania, Australia. It runs through rugged temperate rainforest country before emptying into Macquarie Harbour.
Why is the Gordon River associated with environmental history?
The river became a major focus of Australia's 1980s Franklin Dam campaign. Proposals to dam the Gordon and nearby Franklin River triggered a national conservation movement and a major political dispute.
Can visitors travel on the Gordon River?
Boat tours operate from the Macquarie Harbour area and take visitors into the river's wilderness landscape. Conditions, schedules, and access depend on current operators and weather.
What makes the Gordon River landscape distinctive?
The river is surrounded by old temperate rainforest, dark tannin-stained water, and remote wilderness. Its setting forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
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