Tarraleah was once the bustling home to workers on one of the first hydro-electric schemes in Australia. Today, the town has been restored as a unique and idyllic village. It’s a scenic 2-hour drive (114km) north-west of Hobart (pack warm clothes – it gets chilly in the Central Highlands). Here are three reasons to visit stunning and spirited Tarraleah.
Old meets new… and it’s delightful!
The town has been beautifully restored (complete with original cottages hand-built in the 1930s) and reimagined as modern holiday accommodation. The jewel in Tarraleah’s crown is The Lodge, which has been restored to the Art Deco grandeur of the town’s early days. The massive steel water pipes running down the mountain side (check out the lookout!) are an impressive visual reminder of Tarraleah’s industrial beginnings.
(Hot tip: If the history of the power scheme gets you buzzing and you’ve got some time for a side trip, check out the newly opened Highlands Power Trail. This self-guided driving loop journeys through the Heritage-listed Great Lake Power Scheme and offers visitors a humbling insight into the remarkable power of the human spirit.)
For more info: Tarraleah Lodge | Highlands Power Trail
Wilderness and walks (everything’s big!)
This unique resort is perfectly nestled on the edge of Tasmania’s stunning wilderness. Enjoy the short walk through forest to Tarraleah Falls (you’ll be impressed!), and become one with nature on the Big Tree Walk. Keep an eye out for wildlife (in the language of the local Aboriginal people, Tarraleah means Forester kangaroo), with wombats, Tasmanian devils, quolls, wallabies and even the elusive platypus out and about. Speaking of animals, you can’t miss the cheeky Highland cows!
For more info: Walks from Tarraleah
There’s so much room for (outdoor) activities
There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby to keep guests of this Highland village occupied! Fisherman, try your hand at fly fishing and trout fishing. Or perhaps you’d prefer to hit a round of high-altitude golf at the village course? You can also go kayaking, cycling, or embark upon a four-wheel-drive adventure! (We think making friends with a Highland cow also counts as an outdoor activity. They are very, very good-looking.)
For more info: Things to Do at Tarraleah
Header image:
www.instagram.com/ringhole
Words:
Isabel Galloway
