08 April 2022
In fact, research shows that walking in nature reduces the activity of your prefrontal cortex. This region of the brain is associated with negative thoughts and emotions. What’s more, just listening to the still sounds of nature can lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. That means birdsong and bubbling creeks are officially therapeutic! Why not make nature part of your weekly routine?
Use our interactive recreation map to find a local escape that suits you best; you can search by your preferred activity (walking, fishing, kayaking etc.) or facility (boat ramp, toilets, picnic area).
Here are a few of our favourites:
Bradys Lake, Central Highlands
Bradys Lake is home to an internationally recognised white-water slalom course. It’s also a very popular fishing destination. Trolling, spin fishing, and boat fishing are big here, as the waters are teeming with brown and rainbow trout. The lake lies at the head of the Bradys Chain of Lakes, with canals flowing into Lake Binney and Tungatinah Lagoon
Penstock Lagoon, Shannon
Penstock Lagoon was constructed in 1917 as water storage for the now decommissioned Waddamana Power Station. Today, the lagoon is a premier trout fly fishing waterway, regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout. But you don’t have to be an angler to enjoy this beautiful destination. A day-use area, four campgrounds, and a boat ramp offer something for everything.
Trevallyn Dam, Launceston
Lake Trevallyn and the Trevallyn Dam are just five minutes’ drive from Launceston CBD. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a walk and a picnic. There’s a short walking track open from sunrise to sunset, which overlooks the dam for an especially glorious vista. You can also bring your pooch, as certain areas of the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area are designated for dog walking.
Gordon Dam, Strathgordon
Tasmania’s wild and beautiful southwest is home to our largest power station and Australia’s largest body of stored water. The Gordon Power Scheme is set in a striking landscape, surrounded by the Southwest National Park, which forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Enjoy its raw beauty while fishing, hiking or even abseiling the dam wall if you dare!
Lake Burbury, West Coast
According to serious anglers, Lake Burbury is one of the top fishing destinations in the state. Both brown and rainbow trout are on offer. Most fishing is done by boat rather than on the shoreline, with three public boat ramps providing easy access. Even if fishing isn’t your thing, Lake Burbury is a paddler’s paradise. Grab your kayak and start exploring.
Lake Margaret, West Coast Range
Lake Margaret Hydro Village may be long abandoned, but its streets are still humming with history. Sitting on the banks of the Yolande River, this heritage-listed village offers a unique opportunity to connect with some of Tasmania’s earliest industrial history. Take a tour with RoamWild Tasmania to explore this incredible one-of-a-kind place. Bookings are essential.
We want you to have a wonderful time immersing yourself in nature. Please help us look after these special places by leaving no trace of your visit.
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The Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site has re-opened to the public, having survived Tasmania's relentless summer fires. It is Hydro Tasmania’s first power station and the centrepiece of the Great Lake Power Scheme, which is entered on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
To coincide with the opening of the angling season, we asked our Senior Aquatic Scientist David Ikedife for some tips on where to head to make the most of Tasmania's waterways
If you’re packing the camping gear into the boot of the car this holiday season there’s a good chance you’ll come across some of our camping and recreation sites. If you’re not sure where they are or which one would be best for you, take a look at our ‘find-a-site’ interactive map.