Central Plateau

To reach the Central Plateau from the south, take the Midland Highway (A1) to Melton Mowbray, then turn left on the Lake Highway (A5) through Bothwell. Alternatively, take the Lyell Highway (The Wild Way, A10) to Bronte Park, then turn right on the Marlborough Highway (B11). Both routes reach the Great Lake at Miena. From the north, the Lake Highway leaves Deloraine and climbs the Great Western Tiers, meeting the northern end of Great Lake. Alternatively, turn off the A1 at Perth and follow the B51 through Longford, Cressy and Poatina. Leaping Trout, Pulsing Turbines

Much of Tasmania’s hydro-electric power is generated from the lakes and rivers of the Central Plateau – and most lakes and streams are home to Tasmania’s wild brown trout! From Hobart, the Lyell Highway follows the Derwent Valley to the mountains, passing a number of Hydro lakes that offer good fishing and boating – try Lake Meadowbank (access just north of Hamilton) or Wayatinah Lagoon, 20 km beyond Ouse.

Now the highway begins its climb to the Plateau, following the route pioneered by Hydro engineers, passing operating power stations at Tarraleah and Tungatinah, then reaching Bradys Lake, site of a challenging white water kayak course and a popular trout fishing location. From here you can access other excellent fishing spots such as Bronte Lagoon, Dee Lagoon and Lake Echo.

Turn off the Lyell Highway to Bronte Park, where an old Hydro construction village now offers a range of accommodation, and continue through wild country to Miena on Great Lake, an angler’s paradise. It’s worth making the 27 km detour south of Great Lake to the Waddamana Power Station Museum. Fed by the waters of Penstock Lagoon (more excellent fishing), this is the site of the Central Plateau’s first hydro power station, and the original buildings and machinery create a fascinating industrial time-capsule. (From Waddamana you can continue southward on gravel roads, or retrace your route to Great Lake.)

From Miena, the Lake Highway follows the western shore of Great Lake, descending the dramatic northern rim of the plateau to the rich farmlands of Golden Valley and Deloraine. An interesting option is to take the B51 on the eastern side of Great Lake, passing Arthurs Lake, another popular fishing spot, and enjoying superb views over the northern midlands, reaching the A1 via Cressy and Longford.