Discover Tasmania’s Hydro History: Highlands Power Trail  

Quietly beautiful and rich in history, the Highlands Power Trail offers a unique journey through Tasmania’s rugged central highlands. This captivating road trip tells the story of how a bold hydro electric vision became reality—forever changing the shape of Tasmania. 

Starting from the historic Scottish settlement of Bothwell, the trail traces the remarkable challenges faced by workers in the early 1900s as they came together to create the Great Lake Power Scheme. The Waddamana Power Station, the heart of the project, paved the way for more than eight decades of hydro electric development across the island. 

As you follow the route, you’ll pass snow-topped peaks, pristine lakes and charming heritage towns—travelling back a century in time. 

To embark on this fascinating adventure, take the circular drive north from Bothwell through the rolling green hills of Hermitage, then on to Waddamana Village and Power Station. Allow plenty of time to explore this distinctive piece of Tasmanian history before continuing on to Penstock Lagoon—once a water storage and intake for the station—and Shannon, which hosted another hydro power plant until its decommissioning in 1964. 

Your journey concludes at Miena Dam, where water from Great Lake was once regulated to power the Waddamana facility downstream. From here, travellers can continue north toward Launceston or loop back south to Bothwell and Hobart. Alternatively, stay a few days in Miena, a charming alpine town famed for its excellent trout fishing, crisp air and breathtaking highland scenery. 

Just beyond Miena lies the Central Plateau Conservation Area, often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes. This vast wilderness—part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area—is a haven for nature lovers, photographers and adventurers alike. 

For cosy cabins, luxe glamping spots and comfortable camping options along your hydro heritage adventure, check out Caravanning Tasmania parks. 

What are you waiting for? Discover Tasmania’s powerful past and its timeless beauty on the Highlands Hydro Power Trail. 

Did you know that if you take a camping holiday between October 1st and February 28th, you could win a shot at one million dollars? The further you travel, the more entries you can get! Find out more!