Together with water fed from Lake Pedder, the principal purpose of the reservoir is for generation of hydro-electricity at the Gordon Power Station.

From source to mouth, the river is joined by 25 tributaries including the Gell, Boyes, Pokana, Holley, Adams, Serpentine, Albert, Orange, Smith, Denison, Olga, Sprent, Franklin, and the Spence rivers.

As with many rivers in western Tasmania, the water is fresh and drinkable, yet has the colour of weak tea due to the absorption of tannin from button grass growing in the catchment area.

[3] Boat excursions to the lower Gordon River from Macquarie Harbour are popular with tourists in Strahan.

Seaplane flights depart Strahan during the warmer months and include an out landing on the Gordon River (usually a duration of one hour).