Gordon River

The 'Last Wild Swim' is a 23.3km swim down the Gordon River, winding through the heart of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The river's dark, tannin-stained waters flow beneath ancient cool-temperate rainforest and steep, rugged hills. The 'Last Wild Swim' is as much an immersion in wilderness as it is a swim.

DISTANCE

23.3km

WATER TYPE

River

EXPERIENCE

Advanced

LOCATION

Strahan

REGION

West

Swim Stats

First completed: February 2024 (Val Kalmikovs, Latvia)

Successful swims: 3 (not officially ratified)

Fastest male: 6:56:22 (Val Kalmikovs, February 2024)

Fastest female: 6:36:15 (Amy Gubser, March 2026)

See the Honour Roll below

Overview

The 'Last Wild Swim' is the first swim in the newly formed Tasmanian Wild West Series (alongside Lake Pedder and Tasman to Iron Pot). The swim can also be tackled as a standalone endeavour.

While the route has the advantage of the downstream river flow, don't be deceived: the forbidding waters of the Gordon River provide a stern challenge to the swimmer. With water temperatures of only 12-14C in the middle of summer and cool, overcast conditions likely, swimmers must be well prepared.

But it's these conditions that make the swim so special. The waters are frequently still and glassy, with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding cool-temperate rainforest. As the only ripple on the water, you'll get to enjoy a sense of quiet and isolation that is difficult to find elsewhere.

This is wild swimming in its truest sense: cold, dark water, ancient forest and a landscape that feels far removed from the modern world.

Route Description

The swim starts at the jetty at the start of the Sir John Falls track, approximately six kilometres downstream of the confluence with the Franklin River.

The route then winds a little over 23 kilometres down the narrow river to the jetty at Heritage Landing.

See map below or click here to view in Maps.

What you should know

The water temperature in summer will be around 12-14C so swimmers must be well acclimated to cold water.
Tasmania's west coast receives almost 200 rain days each year so prepare for cool and overcast conditions (and the crew should prepare to get wet on the boat!)

Before you go

The start and finish can only be accessed via boat and only then with an accredited pilot.
The boats leave from Strahan, a little under 4 hours' drive from Launceston and a 4.5 hour drive from Hobart.
Strahan has a good range of accommodation and eating options.

Honour Roll

Swim #	Name	Date	Time	Country	Route	Category	Type	Notes	Ratified By
1	Val Kalmikovs	23/02/2024	6:56:22	Latvia	Sir John Falls- Heritage Landing	Unassisted	Solo	First recorded swim	MSA
2	Amy Gubser	11/03/2026	6:36:15	United States	Sir John Falls- Heritage Landing	Unassisted	Solo	First recorded female. As part of Tasmanian Wild West Series	Event