Driving in the Central Highlands region requires your full attention.
You can expect to encounter wildlife, herds of cattle or flocks of sheep as they cross the road and move to greener pastures, as well as bracing weather, with snowfall possible throughout the year. You will be sharing the road with tourists and farm vehicles, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. Native wallabies and echidnas are frequently spotted along Waddamana Road, adding another highlight to your journey. Please keep watch, as they don’t follow the same road rules that we do!
Waddamana Road is unsealed gravel, but is suitable for all vehicles. If you are travelling in a hire car and have any questions, we encourage you to check with your hire car company.
Also, ensure you have sufficient fuel for the journey. Fuel is available at Bothwell and Miena, as well as slightly further afield at Hamilton, Ouse and Bronte Park.
Hobart to Bothwell – 78 kms
Hobart to Waddamana – 141 kms
Derwent Bridge to Bothwell – 119 kms
Derwent Bridge to Waddamana – 79 kms
Ouse to Bothwell – 49 kms
Ouse to Waddamana – 50 kms
Launceston to Bothwell – 145 kms
Launceston to Miena – 112 kms
Launceston to Waddamana – 117 kms We welcome coach tours on the Highlands Power Trail. Each interpretation node on the Trail has a lay-by area for vehicles. The largest of these is 65 metres long by 5 metres wide (Red Gate Tramway node at the start of Waddamana Road). The smallest lay-by area is 18 metres by 17 metres and this is the car park at Penstock Lagoon.
Tasmania’s Central Highlands offers a unique combination of heritage and natural beauty. It is a landscape of picturesque farmland fringed by snowcapped mountains, colonial homesteads and heritage villages. The area is renowned for its trout fishing, and anglers from around the world fly in for the experience. The highland lakes are also a popular location for shacks and weekend getaways for families.
Journeying along the Highlands Power Trail provides you with a detailed insight into the industrial heritage of Tasmania’s hydro-electric schemes. While in the area, ensure you allow plenty of time to enjoy the many other attractions in the region.
Bothwell is home to the Australasian Golf Museum and Ratho Farm with Australia’s oldest public golf course set in the traditions of Old Scotland. The Highlands Bushfest is held in Bothwell over a November weekend annually, and provides an enjoyable two days of activities for tourists and locals.
The historic township of Hamilton offers an array of antique and gift stores, cafes, the historic Hamilton Inn and farming experiences.
If travelling towards the West Coast don’t miss the Wall in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair National Park.