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A PRISTINE WILDERNESS
CENTRAL MOUNTAINS Region of Tasmania is really three distinct regions, which are only tenuously connected by roads, as you can see in the above map.
Driving times between these areas is difficult and long, so you will need to make an early decision about what you are going to see. The three towns and hamlets that dominate access are: MOLE CREEK, SHEFFIELD and DERWENT BRIDGE.
From MOLE CREEK you are 30 minutes from SHEFFIELD, DEVILS GULLET, Mt JERUSALEM and DELORAINE.
You are one hour from LAUNCESTON and DEVONPORT. You are 90 minutes from CRADLE MOUNTAIN and 3 hours from HOBART.
From SHEFFIELD you are only 20 minutes from DEVONPORT. You only 30 minutes from MOLE CREEK, DELORAINE, ULVERSTONE and WESTBURY. You are 60 minutes from LAUNCESTON, CRADLE MOUNTAIN, Mt JERUSALEM. and BURNIE. You are a very long 4 hours from HOBART from Sheffield.
From DERWENT BRIDGE you are 30 minutes from FRENCHMANS CAP and TARRALEAH. You are one hour from WADDAMANA and the GREAT LAKE. You are 90 minutes from QUEENSTOWN and NEW NORFOLK. You are 2 hours from HOBART and 3 hours from DEVONPORT.
View Region Central Mountains of Tasmania in a larger map
SIGHTS: The Central Mountains region covers central Tasmania. It includes the World Heritage listed areas of CRADLE MOUNTAIN, Mt BARN BLUFF, LAKE St CLAIR, the LABYRINTH and the WALLS of JERUSALEM national parks. These areas draws tourists from around the world. Some of the sights include:
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LAKE DOVE which stands before Cradle Mountain. It is rated as one of the most beautiful lakes in the World. It is easy to do the Dove Lake circuit. There are a number of other easy and moderate walks in this area.
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OVERLAND Track is between CRADLE MOUNTAIN and LAKE St CLAIR. It is for experienced walkers only, who are prepared to walk for 5 days. However, you can also do flights over this area. There is also a pack carrying service for both the Overland and WALLS of JERUSALEM Tracks.
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BARN BLUFF is a spectacular cone shaped mountain south of Cradle Mountain. It is 1560 metres high and is the first major landmark seen by those walking the Overland Track. From its summit you can see many of the peaks of the Central Highlands of Tasmania. However, it requires a 2 day bush walk to reach it.
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FRENCHMANS CAP: An easy day walk can get you to within sight of the famous Cap, but it is a difficult 3 day return walk to the famous Frenchmans Cap mountain. However, there are other easy walks in this area.
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LAKE St CLAIR: There are a number of picturesque, moderately difficulty bush walks in this area, as well as some picturesque, very difficult walks. The trails are accessed from the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre and from DERWENT BRIDGE. For the less fit there is a great ferry trip on LAKE St CLAIR.
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WALLS of JERUSALEM national park has many spectacular sights. However, you need to be an experienced bush walker prepared to do a multi day visit to see them.
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LAKE ROWALLAN has a number of spectacular sights, which can be accessed on single day bush walks. Alternative you can also visit some of the sights seen on the Overland Track from Lake Rowallan.
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LIFFEY FALLS and DEVILS GULLET are very picturesque sights that are easy to access.
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The LABYRINTH is a spectacular area of lakes and mountains north of Lake St CLAIR. Unfortunately, it can only be accessed by experienced bush walkers on multi day tours.
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TUMBLE TOR is a small mountain south of Billop Bluff in the Central Highlands. This area requires climbing the Great Western Tiers and can only be accessed by experienced bush walkers.
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MEANDER FALLS and QUAMBY BLUFF are spectacular sights. However, these sights can only be accessed by experienced bush walkers.
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CRADLE MOUNTAIN GALLERY of landscape art is easy to access at Waldheim.
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CRADLE MOUNTAIN wildlife park has a display of Tasmanian devils.
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The WALL is unique and spectacular 100 metre long wooden carving at Derwent Bridge.
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WADDAMANA has a historic power station museum.
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TARRALEAH Power station is located south east of DERWENT BRIDGE. It has some very impressive hydro stations for those interested in dams, lakes and geometric photography.
ACCOMMODATION: The Central Mountains area is not a single area in terms of roads. If you are located in the north, then you won't be easily able to access the South and vice versa. Note that WADDAMANA, TARRALEAH and DERWENT BRIDGE are in the South, while the other accommodation places: CRADLE MOUNTAIN, DELORAINE, GREAT LAKE, MOLE CREEK and SHEFFIELD are in the North.
ROUTES: The Central Mountains area is really three separate regions which are accessed from different directions, as you can see on my green map above. Do not expect to see different attractions in the north, south and east on the same day.
