Scotts Peak Dam, Embankment dam in Southwest National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Scotts Peak Dam is an embankment dam in Tasmania's Southwest National Park that spans across the Huon River with a distinctive rockfill structure faced in bituminous concrete. The structure forms a barrier within the mountainous landscape of the conservation area.
The dam was constructed in 1973 as part of a hydroelectric power development scheme for the Gordon River. This infrastructure project was later recognized for its engineering significance in the region's energy production history.
The dam received recognition as an Historic Engineering Marker in 2001 from Engineers Australia for its technical achievements in infrastructure development.
Access is provided via Scotts Peak Dam Road, which connects to camping facilities and walking trails in the surrounding area. Visitors should prepare for the remote location and expect rugged terrain with changeable mountain weather.
Notably, the dam operates without a traditional spillway, instead directing water through an underground canal system to a neighboring water body. This unusual design allows it to manage large water storage while avoiding conventional overflow structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
