Great Lake
Great Lake, which is 22km long, has the distinction of being the highest lake in Australia and, until the HEC drowned Lake Pedder, it was also the largest freshwater lake in the country. It is a mecca for anglers, the trout fishing in Great Lake itself is excellent (as it is in most of the waters in this central highlands region) it is renowned for its summer 'hatches' of Highland Dun mayflies and the fat, speckled brown trout that dine greedily upon them.
Miena, the region s major town, which stands on its shores, is often covered in a blanket of snow in winter. Nearby towns Liaweenee and Miena are popular holiday shack destinations for local tourists, despite the area s reputation as being one of the coldest in the generally mild-weathered state.
During the winter months when the weather is hardly conducive to camping, the population of these two small towns drops to two or three hundred. The Lake Highway runs along the west side of the lake. The Lake s original size was much smaller; it has been dammed at its southern outflow for hydro-electricity production. It is Australia s second largest freshwater lake (Lake Pedder is considered to be the largest), 1,030 metres above sea level. The lake has an area of 114 km2.
Arthurs Lake is on the edge of the Central Plateau, east of Great Lake. It is a popular angling location and has good facilities for boat launching and camping. Weather in the highlands can change fast, making boating conditions dangerous. Please carry all required safety equipment and check local weather forecasts before you launch.
Bronte and Dee Lagoons, Bradys Lake and Lake Echo are members of a group of lakes on the southern rim of the plateau offering fine trout fishing opportunities and boat launching facilities. Accommodation is available nearby at Bronte Park and Tarraleah.
The small village of Miena (57 km north of Bothwell), on Highland Lakes Road beside the shores of Great Lake, is the main centre of Tasmania's Lakes District. The town's surrounding landscape consists of mountain peaks and alpine lakes. During winter, snow settles on the shores of the lakes and clear crisp days satisfy those who enjoy feeling close to the environment.
The great appeal of Miena is the fishing for which the lakes are famous. Over the years such personalities as George Harrison and former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser have been drawn to the area for its fishing. There is accommodation and a camping area at Miena. Other basic facilities including boat ramps are sited at Tods Corner and Breona on Great Lake.
Steppes Homestead is a 19th century building with bake house and othjer outbuildings. It is a pleasant place for a bush picnic. Drinking water and toilet facilities are available. Nearby are Steppes Reserve Sculptures, a ring of stone-mounted bronze sculptures by renowned Tasmanian artist Stephen Walker. They capture the beauty and diversity of wildlife and settlement in the Highlands.
Beyond Miena when travelling north, Highland Lakes Road is unsealed for around 20 km but is usually easy to negotate for both 2 and 4WD vehicles except after heavy snowfalls. It is a good idea to check the road conditions if you intend using the road in winter.
Pine Lake
Close to the settlement of Breona, Pine Lake Walk provides an excellent introduction to the alpine wilderness. Pencil pine trees, wedge tail eagles and rare alpine insects and wildflowers are there for the viewing. Beyond Breona, Highland Lakes Road reaches its highest point (1210 metres above sea level) before making its descent to the coastal plain, passing Liffey and Quamby Bluff Forest Reserves on its way.
Liawenee, to the north of Miena, is known for its great fishing at nearby Great Lake and hosts several fishing events bringing people from all over Tasmania. It was founded in June 1920 as a camp for the workers at the nearby hydro-electric undertaking as well as some other towns such as Miena. The mountains surrounding Liawenee include Split rock, Willow Run Hill, Headlam Hill, McDowall Hill with the latter being the tallest. Liawenee is believed to be the coldest town in Tamania.
Liawenee Trout Weekend