Central Highlands Tasmania

Under-rated. Untouched. Rugged. Snow covered. These are the first words that come to mind when people ask me about the Central Highlands Tasmania.

The Central Plateau. The Great Lakes. While it may go by several names, the Central Highlands is as unique an environment and landscape as you can imagine.

And there’s barely anyone up there.

Most people visit for the snow. It’s true, the white powdery stuff is spectacular in winter. But the Central Highlands is more than that. It’s the Walls of Jerusalem. Liffey Falls. Lake St Clair. The Great Lakes. The Wall in the Wilderness. The islands hydro history.

So many hidden gems, ripe for the exploring.

Our adventurer's guide to the Central Highlands Tasmania 🏔️

At 1000 meters above sea level, Tasmania’s Central Highlands is where the snow falls first in winter. So deep sometimes you need a 4WD to get in and out.  It’s remoteness and its altitude make it unique and captivating, and yet it’s also surprisingly under-explored.

So what will you find on the Central Plateau?  Vast highland plains, glacial lakes, and alpine vegetation. Pristine waters running through the landscape, connecting with mist-covered tarns teeming with trout. Button grass plains and towering dolomite peaks.

The effects of glaciation make the Central Plateau an incredible adventure destination best tackled in a beanie, padded jacket and waterproof hiking boots.  Above all, the Central Highlands is a tranquil place. A place that promises solitude, stunning landscapes, and a profound connection with nature. So here’s our guide for adventurers, on what to do, where to stay, eat and play ‘up at the Lakes’.

 

Things to do in the Central Highlands Tasmania

The Wall in the wilderness

If you ever seen photos inside the Wall you know they’re fake. There’s no cameras allowed. And that ups the anti on actually getting there. Because it’s an inspiring story of one man’s incredible legacy. A sculpture so impressive that it’s reminiscent of the greats. Michelangelo, Davinci, Leonardo. Not in the talent, but in the grandeur. And in the commitment to an entire’s life’s work, in a single piece of art.

The Wall in the Wilderness is a 1h drive from the Great Lakes area of the Central Highlands. Over gravel roads. But if you’re headed to Lake St Clair for a day trip, it’s in the neighbourhood.

The best way to see it is on a road trip to the West Coast from Hobart or back, via the Lyell Highway.

 

walks & hikes

Hiking boots are a must in the Central Highlands. Inevitably, you’ll end up along one of it’s epic walking trails.

There’s super easy strolls – like the floating boardwalk of the Pine Lake Trail, to vertical scrambles with crazy views like Projection Bluff.

There’s also multi-day walks around the Walls of Jerusalem, or the overland track from Lake St Clair 👇🏽.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife has good information about getting to The Walls of Jerusalem National Park and what to expect when you arrive.

Unless you’re an experienced hiker, you way want to tackle these with a knowledgable guide out front. It can be merciless overnight on the Plateau for the unprepared.

Tall Tree Hunting

Coming across one of Tasmania’s tall trees on a walk or hike is a special kind of awe inspiring.  Some folks even roam the wilderness here in search of them.

It’s called Tall Tree Hunting. We do it. And once you meet a Tasmanian tall tree or two, you probably will too.

These tall trees, especially the towering eucalyptus, are nature’s skyscrapers. Some are over 90 meters tall and have been alive for centuries.  It’s the job of these living giants to anchor the vibrant, biodiverse ecosystems around them. And of course they’re also the ancient shepherds of the forests, and allies of the free peoples of Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings fans, meet the real life Ents.)

The awesome news is, you can see them in 3 spots on the Central Plateau Tasmania.

Tall Tree at The Steppes

Giant Ferns at Liffey Falls lower track

Tall tree at the Liffey Falls Upper Track

The Steppes

Situated close to The Great Lakes Tasmania, the Steppes is a much under-rated spot to explore.

The Steppes Central Plateau
The Steppes Sculptures
The Steppes Historic Homestead

What is The Steppes?  There are 2 locations – and a walking trail that joins them – to check out as part of this destination. It’s on this trail you’ll find the tallest, most gobsmacking tall tree in the area.

1. The Steppes Historic Homestead

The Steppes Historic Homestead, dating back to the 1830s, was owned and operated by the pioneering Wilson family from Scotland for over 100 years.

This historic building once functioned as a police station, a post office, and later a telephone exchange, playing a vital role in the region’s settlement. Today, you can explore the outside of the preserved homestead, and the interesting outbuildings around it. Head to the back of the homestead to find the start of the trail to site number 2. There, you’ll also find the written history of the site and a rich glimpse into Tasmania’s pioneering heritage.

2. The Steppes Sculptures

The second site is as contemporary as it is cool. Created by renowned artist Stephen Walker in the 1990s, The Steppes Sculptures is an outdoor gallery with evocative carvings of local wildlife and Aboriginal figures, crafted from native timber and stone. The sculptures tell the story of Tasmania’s cultural heritage, set against the dramatic backdrop of Tje Steppes alpine landscape.

Liffey Falls in Tasmania

đź‘€ Insiders Tip: The road in takes you to the Upper Falls Track – the easier, shorter walk. If you want the Lower Falls Track take the turn to the Liffey Falls Campground.

Liffey Falls

🏅 top 3 waterfall in Tassie

You’ll find Liffey Falls in the Great Western Tiers. It’s on the way up to the Central Plateau Tasmania if you’re driving from Meander in the north west. Or on the way down if you’ve come from from Hobart in the south and you’re heading north.

The falls are outstanding; walking in to them like wandering into another time or dimension – a cross between a magical fairyland and Jurassic Park.

Before you go, make sure you choose the right trail.

The Liffey Falls Upper Track is an easier, family-friendly hike, where you’ll meander through fern glades and towering trees, with the gentle sound of water guiding your path.

It’s also where you’ll find another tall tree to gaze at in amazement.

For the adventurous, the longer Liffey Falls Lower Track (1.5hrs) is a more immersive experience, winding along the river through beautiful lush ancient rainforest.

Neither the upper nor the lower tracks into Liffey Falls are difficult. It’s a moderate walk anyone with basic mobility can do. Even the kids! Stairs are the toughest challenge you’ll face.

Both the Upper and the Lower trails culminate at the breathtaking cascade of Liffey Falls itself. And it really is a wonder if nature when you get in there. Including it in your Central Highlands adventure is a must.

 

Liffey Falls Upper Track
Liffey Falls Walk
Liffey Falls Tall Tree

Central Highlands Tasmania Accommodation

There are 3 accommodation options in the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands is a sparsely developed part of Tasmania. There’s not a lot of infrastructure. Few shops. A petrol station or two. And a bunch of long-held, much-loved shacks built when ‘the Highlands’ was a popular weekender for local Tasmanians.

But things are slowly changing.

Accommodation options are opening up as the locals transform these old shacks into holiday stays.

This leaves travellers with 3 main options for accommodation in the Central Highlands:

1. The Great Lakes Hotel in Miena.

2. The Central Highlands Lodge, in Miena too.

3. Restored old shacks & wilderness lodges.

If you want a hotel or motel then the Great Lakes Hotel is the better pick. The Central Highlands Lodge, around the corner, is a little dated in comparison.

Personally, we love the old shacks & wilderness lodges. But there’s a big difference between staying in an Airbnb, and one of the two local hotel/motels. Read on down below to find out why 👇🏽.

1. Central Highlands Self Contained Accommodation

Stay in a Highland Shack or Wilderness Lodge

We love a wood fire. A cosy couch. Views of the bush out the window, or maybe a lake. Peace and quiet. Marshmallows over the fire pit late at night. Cooking up a simple but hearty meal over a glass of red. Eggs n bacon in the morning.

This is exactly what you can expect from an Airbnb in the Central Highlands. Here’s what to look for, if you plan on book one:

1. Cooking facilities. Because there’s nowhere to eat out, except at the hotel/motels in Miena.

2. Location. Miena and Todd’s corner are most central and clustered around the Great Lakes. Breona also has lovely lake views.

3. Views. The best accommodation is positioned to take advantage of the beautiful Lakes in this district.

4. A wood fire. There’s nothing quiet as cosy on a snowy night.

Bring supplies, hunker down for the night. Slow down. Enjoy the wildness of it all.

Thousand Lakes Lodge is our favourite wilderness lodge on the Central Highlands.

It’s remote, serene with sensational views and real wilderness lodge vibes – enormous leather couches, towering raked ceilings, giant wood fire.

Airbnb Central Highlands

2. The Great Lakes Hotel Tasmania

The Great Lakes Hotel has undergone more recent upgrades to its bar and bistro. A good selection of local beers on tap, two fireplaces to warm your bones and a lively bistro bring to this place legit mountain lodge vibes.

We found it a welcoming spot to sit in front of the fire and enjoy views of the Great Lake with local wine or beer in hand.

It’s a classier, busier spot day and night because of this.

The accommodation is motel style with external access to the rooms. These have also been refurbished with modern kitchenettes & furniture. As far as hotel accommodation in the Central Highlands goes, The Great Lakes Hotel is the best on offer.

Great Lakes Hotel Miena
Great Lakes Accommodation
Great Lakes Hotel Tasmania
Central Highlands Lodge Miena
Central Highlands Lodge restaurant
Miena hotel Central Highlands Lodge

3. Central Highlands Lodge Tasmania

The Central Highlands Lodge gives off 1980s fishing lodge vibes. The yellowed wood paneling, RSL carpet and monikered glass is straight out of a time warp. Visitors were thin on the ground in the pub & bistro when we were there.

The pub fare was better than expected but with dreary decor and zero atmosphere, we’d give this place a miss if you’re thinking of eating out.

Lake views in the daytime are probably the only redeeming feature.

The accommodation, which is drive up motel style, needs some tender loving care also. The least drab and dated options are the Spa Rooms. Overall, inferior to the Great Lakes Hotel just around the corner.

Self contained accommodation vs Hotel in the Central Highlands

Which is better?

Pros

  • Cool & stylish updated shacks are fun
  • Your own space, peace & quiet
  • A kitchen to cook in
  • A wood fire in your accommodation
  • A fire pit, more amenities

Cons

  • Not as centrally located
  • There’s no grocery stores around
  • You have to self cater 
  • A distance away from the 2 hotel pubs / bistros
  • Probably more expensive

When to go to the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands is arguably prettiest in winter, if you’re just there to see the sites, commune with nature, decompress. You can expect sub zero temperatures at night and deep snow. Days are around 5 degrees C maximum. Some roads do close under snow in winter to all but 4WDs, so hiring a 4WD is recommended. 

If you’re keen to get out on the trails and do some multi-day hikes, we recommend Autumn. It’s not as windy as springm, or as exposed and tough going as winter out on the trails.  And there’s stunning colours in the vegetation & landscape. 

Second to Autumn would be summer. Spring you’ll find windy and wet up on the plateau.