Highlands people dared to take on the impossible, powering a mighty hydro scheme that ultimately created today’s Tasmania.
Tour the Highlands Power Trail for a unique experience in the rugged Central Highlands of Tasmania, where a bold vision became a reality and changed the shape of Tasmania. This self-guided driving trail provides an insight into the history of hydro power within Tasmania. Stop at points of interest on the journey to see key sites and learn about the extraordinary challenges faced by the workers.
In this unforgiving landscape a hardy community came together in the early 1900s to create the Great Lake Power Scheme. Waddamana Power Station, commissioned in 1916, was the centrepiece of the scheme which paved the way for eight decades of hydro-electricity developments in Tasmania.
Take the circular trail north from Bothwell, heading through the picturesque valley of Hermitage towards Waddamana Village and the power station. Continue along to Penstock Lagoon, Waddamana Canal and the final stop at Shannon, before re-joining the Highland Lakes Road for the return journey to Bothwell.
If you are travelling south from yingina / Great Lake, follow the trail in the opposite direction to Waddamana and then continue on to Bothwell and enjoy a stop at this historic township.
To make the most of your journey along the Highlands Power Trail, ensure you allow plenty of time to tour through Waddamana Power Station heritage site – we recommend at least an hour.
You may wish to break for lunch. There is an electric barbecue and picnic seating located onsite at Waddamana for visitors. No food is available, so pick up your supplies on the way at Bothwell, Miena, Hamilton or Ouse. For visitor information and alerts - click here.
The development of the Highlands Power Trail has been supported by Hydro Tasmania, the Central Highlands Council and the Australian Government.
The developments in the Central Highlands were founded on a dream and a vision, and put in place by people who worked to deliver something the impact of which they could barely imagine.
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 - but expect the unexpected while driving.