Sunrise over a  frozen lake on the Central Plateau
A frozen lake on the Central Plateau (photograph: Dan Broun)
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Central Plateau Conservation Area

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About

​The Central Plateau Conservation Area is a wild place of sub-alpine moorlands and a myriad of ​tarns on the northern edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is in the isolated heart of Tasmania and is un-serviced by the State’s major road network other than the A5 which forms the eastern boundary. Flanked on the east by Great Lake and the west by the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, it is also referred to as the 'land of a thousand lakes'.​

​​​Anglers and bushwalkers are frequent visitors to the Central Plateau Conservation Area and, luckily for them, they have the interior of this vast tract of watery wilderness to themselves. Generally, travellers in Tasmania stay on the main traffic routes.

Those who take the 'Lake Highway' (Highland Lakes Road), into the heart of the State rarely deviate from it.  It's a scenic route following the shore of Great Lake and offers spectacular views. Only the curious or those equipped with fly fishing or bushwalking gear turn west at Liawenee and head for Lake Augusta (a hydro-electricity storage dam), Lake Ada or a myriad of other lakes and tarns (known as Nineteen Lagoons) dotting the remarkable landscape of the Central Plateau Conservation Area. On a clear day most of the well-known peaks of the Overland Track​ can be seen from here.

​World-class wild trout fisheries are a feature of the conservation area. The wily nature of the trout, the diversity of the waters and the variability of the weather has led to a reputation of demanding trout fishing. 

Some small lakes in the Nineteen Lagoons area, around Lake Augusta, are stocked with trout by the Inland Fisheries Service.

Horse riding​ is permitted for experienced riders with mounts used to travelling in rough country. Horse riders must register with the Greater Western Tiers field centre. Some areas require permits and have number limits. ​

Experiences in Central Plateau Conservation Area

Fishing on the rocks at Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park

Statewide

Fishing

Tasmania has a wealth of excellent inland and ocean fishing locations where you can cast your line.

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Horse riding, Bakers beach Narawntapu

Hobart and South, Launceston and North, North West

Horse riding

Explore sites around Tasmania where you can experience our wilderness on horseback.

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Mount Roland Regional Reserve

Mount Vandyke

Mount Vandyke offers a challenging walk to the summit. Immerse yourself amongst the geology and fascinating natural values of this area.

3-4 hours, return same track, 11km return on same track, Grade 4
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Mount Roland Regional Reserve

Mount-Claude-Lookout

Mount-Claude-Lookout

2 hours, return on the same track, 5km return, Grade 4
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Mount Roland Regional Reserve

O'Neills Creek Nature Trail

A meandering trail that follows O’Neills Creek and winds through the xxx eucalypt forest.

20 mins one way, 1 km one way, Grade 3
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