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In 1977, moves by the Hydro Electric Commission to build a dam across
the lower Gordon River led to a national confrontation between
politicians, conservationists and the general public that lead to a
polarisation in the community rarely seen in Australia and the fall of
governments. The summer of 1982-83 became the focal point for the
biggest conservation battle in Australian history. After six years of
confrontation, many hundreds of arrests, huge international media
attention, and a battle in the Supreme Court of Australia, the winner
was the pristine temperate wilderness region and the Franklin River, was
granted World Heritage Status. The death of the project led to the end
of dam building in Tasmania. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National
Park links the great Southwest National Park to the Cradle Mountain Lake
St. Clair National Parks forming a huge wilderness area that just about
covers the south western area of Tasmania. It is home to the Franklin,
Gordon and Olga Rivers. A region that contains wonders yet discovered, the last stands of
Huon Pine, regarded as one of the worlds great timbers for its
incredible durability, and scenery that existed before mankinds
arrival.
A trip to Tasmania is not complete until you have been to the
Gordon River, with its broad expanse reflecting the dense
rainforests from its shores and providing access into the
park via Heritage Landing. The Lyell Highway runs through the
spectacular rainforest of the park, and there are several bushwalks that
you can take as you drive through, including Donaghys Hill and Nelson
Falls. Just 20 kms from the Lyell Highway
is Frenchmans Cap offering some great bushwalks. Also check out the
Kutikina Cave,
an Aboriginal site situated south of Frenchmans Cap.
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