The Gordon River flows through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park on Tasmania's west coast, emptying into Macquarie Harbour near the town of Strahan. The harbour itself is Australia's second largest natural harbour, roughly six times the size of Sydney Harbour and approximately 9 kilometres across, providing a significant body of open water that paddlers must cross to reach the river mouth. The notorious Hell's Gates marks the harbour entrance, and headwinds and heavy following seas can make harbour crossings demanding — historical accounts note paddlers waiting until nightfall for conditions to ease.

The river's waters are tannin-stained, coloured dark by surrounding vegetation, and flow through ancient temperate rainforest beneath rugged mountain ranges. The lower Gordon is predominantly flatwater, with calm, reflective conditions typical of the navigable reaches. The upper sections, known as the Gordon Splits, involve a very different character — boulder fields, whitewater, and terrain requiring abseiling to access, making that stretch a serious technical undertaking suited only to experienced expedition paddlers.

Commercial operators run guided kayaking expeditions on the lower Gordon and Macquarie Harbour, with multi-day tent-based trips typically operating from November through January. Heritage Landing, located approximately 22 kilometres upstream from the harbour, serves as a key waypoint and is accessible by both paddlers and commercial cruise vessels. Sir John Falls is another notable destination further upstream, where a short nature walk passes through Huon pine forest thousands of years old.

The Lower Gordon River Recreation Zone Plan imposes speed restrictions on vessels within designated zones. Zone 3, the uppermost regulated section, limits vessel access to 3.0 knots and restricts travel to collecting rafters or management purposes with written permission from the Parks and Wildlife Service. Seaplane operations on the river are also regulated, with pilots required to minimise wake. Paddlers completing the Franklin River expedition typically exit via the Gordon, with West Coast Charters offering pickup at Sir John Falls and Gordon River Cruises operating from Heritage Landing.

A parks pass is required for travel through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Strahan, the main access town, has public shower facilities near the boat ramp.