Derwent Valley and Beyond

GoTasmania5 years ago

Starting in Hobart, this scenic drive through the Derwent Valley and on to the heart of Tasmania takes you through a variety of landscapes - from tranquil rivers, rolling hills to giant forests and rugged mountain wilderness to Lake St Clair and the source of the River Derwent.

River facts: River Derwent flows more than 200 kilometers and drops more than 700 meters from its origin in the national park. It is formed by the collision of the Narcissus and Cuvier Rivers at Lake St. Clair and flows with the power of 50 to 140 m³ per second. It pours into a large estuary at the city of Hobart where you can find the deepest sheltered harbour in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dams of the Derwent have caused 7 lakes to be formed -- Meadowbank, Cluny, Repulse, Catagunya, Wayatinah, Liapootah and King William. The river is important for hydroelectric power as well as for agriculture, forestry and fish hatcheries.

Credits: Tourism Tasmania, Glenn Gibson, Stuart Gibson, Michael Walters Photography, Geoffrey Lea, Jason Charles Hill, Rob Burnett, Graham Freeman, Nick Osborne, and Alan Long

River Derwent

The road to New Norfolk follows the beautiful River Derwent. On the way, look out for the unusual architecture of the old 'oast' houses, once used for the storage and processing of hops, a staple ingredient in beer and a major export of the area.

River Derwent

River Derwent, Tasmania 7140, Australia

Salmon Ponds

Nearby at Plenty, don't miss the Salmon Ponds, where the first brown trout in Australia were hatched after surviving the journey from Great Britain in 1864. The hatchery still contains trout and salmon in six large display ponds set in beautiful grounds among century-old trees. There's also an interesting Museum of Trout Fishing.

Salmon Ponds

20-70 Salmon Ponds Rd, Plenty TAS 7140, Australia

New Norfolk

Explore New Norfolk, a small town with historic buildings picturesquely situated on the banks of the River Derwent. Wander along the river's banks and around the town's historic centre, Arthur Square, on a self-guided walking tour of some of Australia's oldest hotels and churches. Stock up here with petrol and food supplies before heading further into the more remote regions.

New Norfolk

New Norfolk TAS 7140, Australia

Hobart

Hobart TAS, Australia

Pulpit Rock Lookout

At New Norfolk you can climb Pulpit Rock for a breathtaking panorama of this bustling town.

Pulpit Rock Lookout

Pulpit Rock Rd, New Norfolk TAS 7140, Australia

New Norfolk

From New Norfolk, continue through the tiny hamlets of Bushy Park, Plenty and Westerway up into the mountains to Mt Field National Park and beyond to rugged Maydena and the Styx Valley of Tasmania's south-west. Decide how far west you want to go, according to your interests and time.

New Norfolk

New Norfolk TAS 7140, Australia

Lake Dobson

Drive up the mountain to Lake Dobson and the striking Pandani Grove Walk with its exotic, prehistoric-looking vegetation. There's also downhill skiing near Lake Dobson in winter and in autumn you'll see the stunning red and gold foliage of Australia's only deciduous tree, the endemic Fagus (Nothofagus gunnii).

Lake Dobson

Lake Dobson, Mount Field TAS 7140, Australia

Lake Pedder

Take in the unforgettable scenery of Lake Pedder and the South-West National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Lake Pedder

Lake Pedder, Southwest TAS 7139, Australia

Tall Trees Walk

Take the Tall Trees Walk and be awed by the forest giants.

Tall Trees Walk

Tall Trees Walk, Mount Field TAS 7140, Australia

Mount Field National Park

Mt Field National Park is one of Tasmania's oldest and most accessible national parks. Just a one-hour drive north-west of Hobart, the park stretches across a diverse landscape with many great walks and several beautiful waterfalls to discover.

Mount Field National Park

66 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park TAS 7140, Australia

Big Tree Forest Reserve

Head past Mt Field to Maydena and the Styx Valley and marvel at the tallest hardwood trees in the world, found in a tiny reserve – the Big Tree Reserve – in the Styx Valley nearby.

Big Tree Forest Reserve

Styx TAS 7140, Australia

Russell Falls

In the national park, take a short walk through the ferns and rainforest to the much-photographed spectacular Russell Falls and Lady Barron Falls or take the Tall Trees Walk and be awed by the forest giants.