The planned trip for today was
Lake Pedder/
Lake Gordon and return, with whatever we found on the way.
The first stop was at the Salmon Ponds just outside
New Norfolk. This is a beautiful area that has been running as a Trout and Salmon
farm since 1861.
The gardens and the layout are
well worth a visit. The plan at the start was to breed Salmon but when they were released they didn't return after they went out to sea. The Trout although not the prime aim initially became the main work. As
well as feeding the different fish, during the walk along the river we saw a platypus foraging in the rocks for food. The bonus was that the Café served great pancakes and coffee
Platypus in the river behind the Salmon Ponds
Feeding the Fish in the ponds
Waiting for morning tea in the Cafe
The next stop was the Mt Field National Park after passing through a number of small towns, some with shops and eateries. The park was
well set up with a large day
picnic area and a
camp ground with both powered and unpowered sites. We had originally thought about staying here, but due to the fact that it is a long weekend and you can't book (First come first served) On the walk we saw 2 Paddy melon Wallabies and numerous fish in the creek. We stopped at the
Russell Falls and then took
the loop track back to the car park.
Paddy Melon Wallaby next to walking path
Russell Fals
Russell Falls
We then drove to the
Lake Gordon Power Station and
dam stopping at the numerous lookouts and
places of interest. The town of Maydena was particularly
well preserved and had a number of buildings that were from a past era. The road raises over a range and then drops down to
Lake Pedder on the left and
Lake Gordon on the right. The high pass is marked with an interesting
sign that gives the height and the average annual rainfall.
Sign on the Highest Point on the road
The township of
Strathgordon is
the settlement built for the construction of the
dam and power station and has now been established as a tourist centre with accommodation and meals etc.
Only the first 1.8 metres of water is used from
Lake Pedder to add to the water in
Lake Gordon via a channel to supply water for Hydro Power. The power station is under ground and fed with water direct from
Lake Gordon down the intake tower which is visible in the water in front of the switchyard. The water then returns to the
Gordon River about 1.5 km downstream.
Lake Pedder from lookout near Strathgordon
Gordon Dam Wall
Gordon Switchyard and Inlet tower at the rear. Turbines are in a cavern cut into the rock 130 Mtres below the building.