The Central Highlands, Tasmania, is the state’s quiet heartland. Many believe it’s a place where the world feels a little wider and the days a little slower. Misty mountains lean over glacial lakes. Rivers thread through open plains, and big skies stretch on forever. There are plenty of things to do in the Central Highlands Tasmania, whether you’re needing calm or wanting a bit of adventure.
Great Lake, Tasmania, beautifully mirrors the clouds. It’s so vast and still, and really stunning when you stand on its shore and take it all in. Close by, Arthurs Lake Tasmania draws kayakers, photographers, and anyone who loves the rhythm of a good paddle cutting through cold, clear water. Wonderful really. It’s also one of the best spots for fly fishing in the Central Highlands, where trout slip through shadows and early mornings feel crisp and quiet.
Wander slowly through the historic towns of Bothwell and Tarraleah with heritage buildings, colonial cafés, local makers, and small surprising details to discover. Follow the Highlands Power Trail Tasmania for scenic lookouts and stories of hydro history, or stand before the Wall in the Wilderness Tasmania, where the region’s past is carved into towering panels of timber, a very popular spot always intriguing to visitors.
Over at Ratho Farm Tasmania, they capture the spirit of highland life. Meet the animals, cast a line, wander the riverbank, or just settle into the kind of quiet you only find in remote places.
From lakes and mountains to historic towns, trails, and farm escapes, the Central Highlands Tasmania invites you to explore, unwind, and discover the little moments that make travelling here feel so special. Take your time.
Wellness & Pampering in the Central Highlands, Tasmania
Wellness in the Central Highlands Tasmania isn’t about crowded spas or busy salons, it’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and indulging in the simple pleasures of the Highlands.
- Ratho Farm – Convict heritage farm‑stay with hearty meals, walking trails, fishing in the Clyde River, or swing to your heart’s content on Tasmania’s oldest golf course.
- A Thousand Place Lodge – go beautifully off grid in one of the most amazing Tasmania wilderness escapes in Australia. This place offers an adults-only, peaceful retreat with shared lounge areas and an open access bar. Go trout fishing with a professional guide, explore the area on an e-bike, or take self-guided walking trails. It’s also a perfect spot for photographers chasing that highland light.
Explore and Discover the Central Highlands Tasmania
Historic and Cultural Attractions
- Don’t miss the annual Kempton Festival Big Day Out, Kempton Recreation Ground, Kempton, Tasmania. Plenty of family fun, held every January, with ducks and dogs, flying paws, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheaf and gumboot tossing competitions, barrel rolling, ferret racing, barrel racing, live music, line dancing (which you can join in with), side shows, kids activities (including Tas Laser Skirmish), markets, food vans and lots more. Don’t forget to place your bet at the crowd-favourite sheep races. It’s all run by local volunteers, entry by gold coin donation and all profits go back into the Kempton community. A great day!
- Visit Old Kempton Distillery, inside an 1842 coach house. Open daily from 10 am – 4 pm, enjoy whisky tastings alongside house-made whisky pies, antipasto platters, Devonshire teas, (even whisky fruit scones), and other treats of local Tasmanian ingredients. Wander the historic stables, browse the cellar door providore stocked with local goodies from peanut butter to lavender candles, and have a bespoke hamper made for any occasion. A relaxed, flavour-filled slice of Tasmanian history.
- Walk the streets of heritage listed buildings in Bothwell and spot the tartan street signage, the Scottish influence in the area.
- See the Steppes Sculptures by Stephen Walker (about 35 km outside Bothwell). It’s a historic site with original Homestead another 600m away from these.
- Visit the Bothwell Visitor Centre. It’s good for maps, local history, and friendly tips from the volunteers running it.
- Old Pelion Hut: A historic alpine hut in the highlands, which gives you a glimpse of pioneer life and remote walking trails.
- Golf lovers will enjoy the Australasian Golf Museum
- Waddamana Power Station is the first hydro electric power station in Tasmania, and you’ll see original turbine machinery and the historic station village.
- Tarraleah Power Station Lookout overlooks historic penstocks and hydro infrastructure.
- John Beaumont’s Memorial at Highland Lakes Road, Miena Dam, Miena. He was the first Sheriff of Tasmania.
- Check out Greg Duncan’s amazing Wall in the Wilderness Tasmania. It’s a stunning work of art: over 3 m high and more than 100 m long, the timber panels carved from Huon Pine tell the rich story of the region in incredible detail.
Nature, Walks and Adventure, Central Highlands Tasmania
- Tasmania Trout Fishing Spots with the best trout guides for all fly or lure fishing in the Central Highlands during the spring and summer.
- Go boating at Bronte Lagoon. This reservoir is great for photo stops or walking by the water.
- Arthurs Lake, Tasmania: It’s a trout hotspot with four boat ramps (Jonah Bay, Pumphouse Bay, Arthurs Dam, Morass Bay), making it accessible for small boats and kayaks. Take care when kayaking, as strong winds can whip across the lake quickly. There are public camping areas at Jonah Bay and Pumphouse Bay and remember, if you are fishing, catch-and-release are strongly encouraged for native fish like saddled galaxias and Arthurs paragalaxias. The fishing season typically runs from the first Saturday in August to Sunday nearest 30 April.
- Hit the Pine Lake easy walk along a boardwalk that is suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
- Bushwalk: Lakeside trails at Bronte Lagoon, or climb Barn Bluff if you’re up for a big hike. The 1,559 m peak ensures spectacular panoramic views of the highlands. Bushwalking through this part of the Great Western Tiers offers stunning views, or wander the historic hydro tracks near Tarraleah.
- Great Lake Adventure Trail (coming soon) is a 95–105 km walking and cycling route around yingina / Great Lake, opening up remote lakeshores, highland corners, and panoramic viewpoints for adventurers. It’s being developed with strong respect for the landscape: community consultation, environmental sensitivity, and Aboriginal heritage protection are all at the heart of the plan. Check the website for opening dates.
Good Eats and Casual Dining
- Wall in The Wilderness Cafe, Lyell Hwy, Derwent Bridge. Serving pub‑style bistro meals.
- Highlander Arms, Oldina Dr, Tarraleah: offers casual pub style meals using locally procured ingredients where possible.
- Hungry Wombat Café, Lyell Hwy, Derwent Bridge. Serves scallop pies, pizza, pasta, milkshakes, fish and chips, sandwiches and breakfast bacon and egg rolls and more.
- Wayatinah Tavern, Second St, Wayatinah. It’s an unassuming roadside cafe next to the petrol station serves good coffee, hamburgers of all kinds- bushfire burgers, chicken, fish and veggie), hot chips, toasties, pizzas and pastas.
- 1826 Bar & Bistro at 10 Tarleton Street, Hamilton. Expect a solid beer offering and good pub style food. Try the Burrata & Ham and pepper Calamari.
- Aunty V’s Cafe at the Hamilton Inn, Tarleton St, Hamilton. Run by Doug Kings, son Riley and their friendly staff, named Aunty V’s, after a favourite relative who got Doug into cooking. Open from 8am-3pm at the weekend and 6.30am-3pm on weekdays. Serves baked goods and tempting treats, sourdough and homemade “Aunty V” Cornish pasties.
Gourmet Foods and Providores
- Great Lake Hotel, Miena. Awarded 2022 & 2023 Gold Award for Hotel/ Pub Tavern Of the Year serving hearty, modern pub meals by chef Paul Foreman who has a focus on fresh, local produce.
- Clyde Mill Kitchen and Providore: They often stock local produce, homemade jams, pastries, and Tasmanian pantry goods, making it a great stop for gourmet lovers.
Retail Escapes around Central Highlands Tasmania
- Old Kempton Distillery – cellar door providore stocked with whisky and local goodies from peanut butter to lavender candles, plus bespoke hampers made for any occasion.
- Jackson’s Emporium, 13 Franklin Place, Hamilton
- Tarraleah Estate gift shop with locally made chocolates, leather goods and handicrafts.
- Weavers Craft Studio and shop with ever changing exhibitions.
- Glen Clyde House at 2 Grace St, Hamilton: This gallery-gardens-café offers the work of more than 100 Tasmanian artisans: pottery, leatherwork, woodcraft, and original artworks.
Need Roadtrip Inspiration?
Take a look at our scenic roadtrip to the area.
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