Derwent Valley, Central Highlands and Heritage Highway
"When the ice finally melted away countless sparkling lakes remained, many
of them doubtless playing a role in Aboriginal legend. One of
these -- their 'Sleeping Water' -- plunges to over 200 metres,
and is the deepest lake in Australia. This is Australia's lake
country, as well as its mountain country. "
Chris Bell, "Beyond the Reach".
A place for all seasons
In autumn, the Fagus (deciduous beech) begins to turn and the Derwent Valley is ablaze in reds and gold, from the native forests of the highlands to the settled valley's English trees, planted by the hop fields. When the hop drying kilns were built, so too were the grand homes, inns and churches -- some of the oldest in the nation. Shop for antiques in New Norfolk's early buildings or take a guided wilderness walk. For an adrenalin rush, take a jet boat ride on the River Derwent. Visit the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere at Plenty, where trout for Tasmania's renowned fishing waters have been raised since 1864 in the salmon ponds. Feed the giant trout or wander through the fishing museum to view exhibits of the life cycle of the trout and immerse yourself in Tasmania's angling history.
The lakes and streams which flow into the glaciated valleys of Mount Field National Park have created the spectacular waterfalls and lush fern valleys of this undisturbed habitat, proclaimed Tasmania's first national park in 1916. Follow the trail to Russell Falls, the best known and most beautiful in the park or the myriad of trails in the area. In winter, cross-country and downhill ski on the slopes of Mount Mawson. Drive on to Lake Pedder and tour the Gordon Power Station or wind your way through the grazing lands and villages of the beautiful Derwent Valley, barely changed since early settlement and dotted with country homes and quaint Georgian cottages restored as colonial accommodation. Stroll through the historic village of Hamilton, then travel on to Meadowbank Lake to ski, fish or barbecue. Buy a local wine from the cellar door.
Tee off on Australia's oldest golf course
Home of Australia's first golf course -- legacy of its Scottish forefathers -- the historic village of Bothwell has drawn weavers, wood turners and other fine crafts people to its idyllic setting on the banks of the Clyde River. Many of the 53 historic buildings in and near the village are open as accommodation or cottage galleries. Take an historic tour through the flour mill and bootmaker's shop. From Bothwell, drive to the Waddamanna Power Station Museum and on to the shores of Great Lake, dominating the central highlands and famous for freshwater fishing.
Wild fish and wild places
This is trout country -- a watershed of three thousand lakes that stock Tasmania's famous wild brown and rainbow trout. Buy a licence then talk to the locals or link up with a guide to take you to where the fish are biting. Fish by the roadside in tea-coloured streams or take a tour into the labyrinth of lakes and tarns and experience the world's best wild trout fishing. Follow the Derwent River to its source, high on the central plateau, to the awesome beauty of Lake St Clair and to the edge of wilderness.
Lake St Clair dominates the southern
end of Tasmania's most famous national park and World Heritage
Area, filling a deep
glacial
valley which rises at its west to the peaks of Mount Olympus
and the Traveller Range at its east. Take a cruise across
the lake or follow the tracks through ancient forests. Feed the
tame wallabies and find out more about this magnificent region
at
the interpretation centre.
Wander through 'English' villages
Turn back towards civilisation and Tasmania's colonial past via the Heritage Highway which links Hobart and Launceston. Amble through the historic villages along the way; stop by cottage stores selling Tasmanian crafts and country fare. Originally a military post on the George Town to Hobart route, the historic town of Oatlands was settled in the 1820s on the shores of Lake Dulverton, now a wildlife sanctuary. Stroll along High Street past 87 colonial sandstone buildings to the Callington Mill and agricultural museum; browse through the antique stores or take a guided fishing trip. Stay on through the evening to see one of Tasmania's most original 19th century towns under floodlights.