Recreation Guidelines for Activities on Hydro Tasmania Land and Lakes
Access
The public are welcome to visit the lakes and dams that make up Tasmania’s Hydro Electric Network. The guidelines below give information relating to different activities on Hydro Tasmania land and lakes.
Some areas may be closed to the public, signs or road barriers indicate these.
Group activities that may be considered commercial in nature must enter formal negotiations with Hydro Tasmania.
Fires
Tasmanian Fire Service requirements must be observed at all times.
Open fires are prohibited across all Hydro Tasmania land.
Fuel Stoves are permitted except in times of high fire danger or total fire bans.
Felling of trees for firewood or any other purpose is not permitted.
Walking
It is recommended that standard safety precautions be taken:
- Always check the weather before setting out.
- Tell family or friends what track you are taking and when you will return.
- Take adequate clothing for adverse conditions even if they aren’t forecast.
- Take an EPIRB if going on extended walks.
When you have completed your walk, ensure your family or friends know that you have returned safely.
Camping
Camping is permitted on select sites though must not be for more than 28 days.
For areas without installed toilet or disposal facilities, the following instructions apply:
Waste disposal (toilets and sanitation)
- Bush toilets must be more than 100 metres from any lake foreshore
- Human waste to be buried at least 150 mm underground
- Sanitary items or litter to be removed from the area
- Disposal of soapy water to be scattered 50 metres from foreshore
- Rubbish disposal
Rubbish disposal
All rubbish must be carried out of the area and disposed of appropriately (ie at waste treatment stations, etc.).
Campsites should be left in a neat and tidy condition.
Caravans
- Caravans are subject to similar conditions as campers
- Caravans must keep to existing roads and tracks
- Caravans must be parked in cleared areas without disturbing the surrounding vegetation
Boatramps
There is currently a review of boatramps on Hydro Tasmania lakes. Selected ramps are to be upgraded to increase safety and uninterrupted access through a wider range of conditions. Except for those in restricted zones, ramps will be available to all users of the lakes. Ramps that are considered dangerous, environmentally damaging or in inappropriate locations are programmed to be closed.
This program is being undertaken with the cooperation of other organisations including MAST, Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Commission, Tasmanian Fire Service and community groups.
The program will be conducted over a number of years with the first upgrades focusing on the Central Plateau region.
Fishing
The lakes are open for fishing under the rules and regulations of the Inland Fisheries Service (03) 6233 4140.
Firearms and Hunting
There are restrictions relating to the transport and use of firearms on Hydro Tasmania land. This differs from other departmental land.
Association Permits: There are no individual rights to hunt on Hydro Tasmania Land. The only hunting allowed is via the issuing of Association Permits. These may be granted to Shooting and Hunting Clubs as a result of detailed submissions. The only hunting allowed is by the members of these Clubs that have been issued with a permit via their club or association. There are no exemptions to this rule.
To find out more about Association Permits, contact David Thomas (6230 5660) or Michael Bidwell (6230 5160).
Transportation of Firearm Permits: People that cross Hydro Tasmania land with firearms to access other areas are required to hold a Hydro Tasmania Firearm Permit. These are available on application to Michael Bidwell (03) 6230 5160 of Land and Facilities Branch.
Pets
No pets (excluding dogs) are to be taken onto Hydro Tasmania land. Dogs are permitted, except within World Heritage areas, and are subject to the following conditions:
- Must be kept under strict control and supervision at all times.
- Must be licensed and have had all inoculations to the standard acceptable to registered kennel keepers.
Four Wheel Drive Tracks
Guidelines for the use of recreational vehicles on Hydro Tasmania land are in line with the Policy for the Use of Recreational Vehicles on State Owned Lands in Tasmania and Cruisin' without Bruisin'. Both publications are available from Forestry Tasmania and the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Shacks
Hydro Tasmania has no areas that are available for shacks. Shack sites near Hydro Tasmania lakes are usually administered by the DPIWE or local councils.
Commercial Filming and Photo Shoots
These activities need to be approved before accessing any land or lakes. Enquiries regarding such should be directed to the Public Relations Unit (03) 6230 5746.
Recreational Directory
Hydro Tasmania 1300 360 441
Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment 1300 368 550
Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage & The Arts (03) 6233 5732
Fire Service Tasmania 1800 000 699
Forestry Tasmania (03) 6233 8203
Inland Fisheries Service (03) 6233 4140
Marine And Safety Tasmania (03) 6233 8801