The Best of Central Tasmania: What is Central Tasmania Best known for?

It might be the Australian smallest state, but there are a lot of places to visit in Tasmania with spectacular views showing off this gorgeous island.

This place is well known for its natural beauty, and almost half of the Tasmania landmass lies in the World Heritage areas and national parks, with wild rivers, sparkling alpine lakes, and mist cloaked peaks. Central Tasmania is commonly referred to as Central Plateau or Midlands.

Central Tasmania can be reached from all major regions of Tasmania. The weather is cool but is compensated by perfect scenery. The best way to enjoy this region as a Tasmania tourist is by using a caravan or a light aircraft.

So, what are some of the best discovery of Tasmania, especially in the central region?

Best Things to do in Central Tasmania- Travelling to Tasmania

• Waddamana Power Station Museum

Established in 1900, Waddamana is a tiny town well known for accommodating Tasmania hydroelectric system. It is located at the halfway point of the Highland Power Trail and Miena.

This hydroelectric power plant was the first ever to be operated by the Tasmania hydro-Electric Department. Once you get into the Waddamana museum, you’ll notice that most equipments from the old Shannon power scheme have been replaced with new ones.

Start your tour by going through the turbine hall, with your hands exposed to the mighty Pelton wheels that first began generating electricity.

You will also enjoy the view of the steep pipes that transported the water downhill and into the station.

• Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Situated in a mountainous region in the Central Tasmania plateau, The Wall of Jerusalem retains its wilderness character dominated by alpine vegetation, dolerite peaks, highland tarns, and lakes. The park is spread over a distance of 518sq km and is an area of exceptional geological features.

The National Park of the Walls of Jerusalem provides skilled bushwalkers and cross-country skiers the opportunity to pursue and test their abilities against the elements. People entering this region have to be prepared for extreme weather conditions.

Hiking is the main activity in the park during summer, and since its snows in winter, people go snowshoeing or even cross-country skiing.

• Miena

Miena is a small village located on Highland Lakes Road beside the shores of Great Lake. This town is well known for its stunning sceneries and excellent fishing space. Fishers love to visit this place due to the city’s main attraction, which is the Great Lake; one of the second largest freshwater lake.

The town is surrounded by a fascinating landscape consisting of alpine lakes and mountain peaks. It’s also one of the coldest places in Tasmania, growing in population in the warmer month and provides a snow-covered landscape.

Activities in Miena include bird watching, bushwalking, trout fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

• Dove Lake

Complete the Dove Lake trip by enjoying the breathtaking sceneries with your loved ones. This lake is located in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain area.

At the foot of Cradle Mountain, there is a track that offers the best walk around this lake. Most of the walks involve seeing the unexpected beaches, occasional Platypus, Tasmania’s horizontal scrub, the ancient Ballroom Forest, and incredible views of Cradle Mountain.

It is possible for people to drive motor vehicles to the lake; however, parking may be limited. Wander around this lake as you breathe in the alpine air on your adventure.

• Arthurs Lake

Are you planning to become a Tasmanian tourist? Then make a point of visiting Arthurs Lake. This lake is located on the edge of the central plateau, east of Great Lake.

The Arthurs Lake is found approximately 102kms from the capital Hobart offering a great place for boat launching and camping. It is situated directly next to the lake, which is hydro-power and irrigation operational, meaning water levels can often change.

At this lake, there is a pump house, making it a great camping spot. You can also find a boat ramp to feed the Poatina power station, which is a working hydro-power with water being pumped into Great Lake.

There are three different road accesses into the Arthurs Lake, with two formal camping areas available for boat-based fishers. The place is also safe for campers who want to spend their nights in camper van or motorhomes.

Final Thoughts

From the above, we can confirm that Central Tasmania is an area of extreme beauty. It is a place filled with incredible landscapes and sceneries, yet most people don’t visit.

Tasmania’s spectacular scenery is not limited to the coastline; in fact, you will enjoy the charming towns, incredible beaches, rugged mountains, large fields laced with tall forest, highland lakes, and much more.

Touring Tasmania features viewing an endless amount of attractions that will definitely give you an unforgettable experience.

[Photo credit Tim Guard]