Central Highlands

Rugged, remote and utterly captivating, Tasmania's Central Highlands is a land of wild rivers, ancient lakes and jagged dolerite peaks. This is the island's mountainous spine, where World Heritage-listed wilderness meets working hydro lakes and trout-fishing hamlets. The air smells of eucalypt and peat; the silence is broken only by the cry of a wedge-tailed eagle or the splash of a rising brown trout. For self-drivers, the Highlands loop from Hobart or Launceston delivers epic vistas, historic huts and a profound sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Great Lake – Australia's largest natural lake, a moody expanse of water perfect for trout fishing and kayaking; don't miss the historic Great Lake Hotel at Miena.
• Walls of Jerusalem National Park – A walker's paradise of alpine meadows, pencil pines and dolerite cliffs; the circuit from Lake Adelaide is a classic overnight trek.
• Lake St Clair – The deepest lake in Australia, at the southern end of the Overland Track; take a cruise or paddle a kayak across its glassy waters.
• Frenchmans Cap – The iconic quartzite peak visible from many points; experienced bushwalkers can tackle the challenging multi-day track to its summit.
• Central Plateau Conservation Area – A lunar-like landscape of tarns, cushion plants and ancient pandani groves; the walk to the Labyrinth is otherworldly.
• Derwent Bridge & the Walls of Jerusalem – A tiny settlement with a legendary pub (the Derwent Bridge Hotel) and gateway to the park; grab a coffee and a pie before heading out.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do the Central Highlands justice, allow at least three days – ideally four or five if you want to hike. A classic self-drive loop from Hobart goes via the Lyell Highway to Derwent Bridge, then north to Miena and back via the Highland Lakes Road (or vice versa). Spend one day exploring Lake St Clair and the walk to Shadow Lake, a second day on the Central Plateau or at Great Lake, and a third tackling a section of the Walls of Jerusalem. If you're short on time, a two-day dash from Hobart to Lake St Clair and back is still worthwhile, but you'll only scratch the surface.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Freycinet National Park – About two hours east of the Highlands; combine the mountains with the coast for a classic Tasmanian road trip.
• Mount Field National Park – Just south of the Highlands, with towering swamp gums, Russell Falls and the Tarn Shelf walk – an easy add-on from Hobart.
• Strahan & the West Coast – A scenic drive from Queenstown to Strahan via the famous West Coast Wilderness Railway; the wild beaches and Gordon River cruise are unforgettable.
• Hobart – The obvious southern base; spend a day exploring Salamanca Market and MONA before heading north.
• Launceston & the Tamar Valley – The northern gateway to the Highlands; combine with wine tasting in the Tamar Valley and a visit to Cataract Gorge.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – The northern half of the same national park; the drive from Derwent Bridge to Cradle Valley is spectacular, with Dove Lake and the Overland Track access.

Please check official sources for current details.