The Derwent Valley and Highlands of Tasmania provides visitors with a wide range of experiences, with multiple gateways to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (at Strathgordon and Derwent Bridge), one of Tasmania’s most popular National Parks (Mount Field), Tasmania’s premier flyfishing river (the Tyenna), Australia’s second-largest freshwater lake, yingina/Great Lake, and Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair.

Mount Field National Park is one of the oldest protected wilderness areas in Australia. The park is known for its high-altitude lakes, snow-capped mountain peaks in the colder months, and stunning waterfalls including Lady Barron Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Russell Falls.

There is a rich and diverse range of other tourism attractions including mountain biking, guided wilderness experiences, fishing and golfing in the Highlands, forestry and hydro-electric heritage experiences, events celebrating the Highlands culture, and a wide range of agri-tourism experiences such as distilleries, wineries, farm gate sales, farm stays and farm tours. 

The Derwent and Highlands represents one-fifth of the land area of Tasmania and half of the land area of southern Tasmania. It is dominated by the Derwent River and its main tributaries (the Ouse, Clyde, Shannon, Styx, Tyenna, Plenty, Broad and Lachlan Rivers), which connect many of the townships of the region.

Source: Derwent Catchment Project publication