Gordon Dam, Concrete arch dam in Southwest National Park, Australia.
Gordon Dam is a double-curved concrete arch dam on the Gordon River in Southwest National Park, Tasmania, spanning one hundred ninety-eight meters and rising one hundred forty meters above the riverbed. The wall curves smoothly between steep rock faces, holding back a deep reservoir that stretches far upstream into the wilderness.
In 1963 the federal government granted A$5 million to Tasmania's Hydro-Electric Commission to build the 80-kilometre Gordon River Road from Maydena into the South West Wilderness. Construction of the dam began in 1964 and was completed in 1974; the Gordon Power Station opened in 1978. Premier Eric Reece approved the scheme and the flooding of Lake Pedder despite environmental protests.
Engineers Australia recognizes the Gordon Dam as a National Engineering Landmark through their Heritage Recognition Program for its technical achievements.
The approach follows a narrow mountain road through dense forest that can become slippery in rain and sometimes closes during winter months. Visitors should bring warm clothing, as wind near the dam edge can be strong and temperatures at this elevation often remain cool throughout the day.
Part of the dam wall is used for abseiling, with adventurers lowering themselves down the smooth concrete face while suspended above the water far below. The turbines deep beneath the ground are invisible from outside, yet they sit further below the surface than the dam wall rises above it.
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