Derwent Valley

North-west of Hobart is the Derwent Valley, home to hop fields, orchards, lovely villages and old oast-houses. The Lyell Highway is known as ‘The Wild Way’ and follows the course of the Derwent River past poplars and willows, towards Tasmania’s mountains and wilderness. It’s a rugged part of the island and you have to admire the explorers, bushmen and farmers who decided to settle and make a living from the land. Most of the attractions are 30 to 40 minutes drive from Hobart.

Historic New Norfolk has rewarding riverside walks (particularly from the Esplanade to Tynwald Park Wetlands Conservation Area), a fine collection of heritage buildings, a quaint toll bridge and Australia’s oldest Anglican church, St Matthews.

From here, go jet boating, rafting, canoeing or fishing on the Derwent. Nearby Salmon Ponds has the Museum of Trout Fishing and is a nice spot for a picnic.

Explore Mt Field National Park for good walks, waterfalls and cross-country skiing in late winter/early spring. On the way to Strathgordon, near the Scotts Peak Road turn-off, you can walk the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail, an excellent introduction to a temperate rainforest environment.

Strathgordon is home to the mighty Gordon Dam and you can take an underground power-station tour.

Back on the Lyell Highway, the historic village of Hamilton has loads of local art, craft and antique galleries and a fine museum. Nearby Meadowbank Lake is popular for boating, picnics and trout fishing.

The scenery around Lake St Clair is spectacular. You can take a ferry ride to the head of the lake, a short walk into the National Park or try your luck with a lure or fly to catch a trout.

More Information

For more information about Tasmania:

• Events And Festivals
• Accommodation
• To See And Do
• Hobart
• Southeast
• Midlands and North
• East Coast
• North-West
• South-West Wilderness
• The island's Other islands

Tasmania Tours With Tours To Go