Stop at the King William Saddle and the Surprise Valley Lookout.
Enjoy the superb short walks at the Franklin River, Donaghys Hill and Nelson Falls.
Fish for trout in Lake Burbury; cast from the shore in a number of sections near the highway.
Stop at the Iron Blow Lookout above Gormanston (near Queenstown) to see the original open cut mine for ore processed by the Mt. Lyell mine.
Take a surface or underground tour (at least 12 years of age) of the Mt Lyell mine.
Drive to South Queenstown, cross the King River and take the spectacular Mt. Jukes Road to the Newall Creek rainforest viewing platform to see Huon and King Billy Pine growing in temperate rainforest. Travel about 5 minutes further to the Mt. Jukes lookout for superb panoramic views across Lake Burbury into the central highlands of Tasmania.
Take a day trip to Queenstown to enjoy the 35-km ride on the rebuilt railway through wild rainforest, up the steep ABT rack section and down the rugged King River gorge to Strahan. Leave Derwent Bridge between 8:15AM and 8:30AM to drive for about one hour and fifteen minutes to Queenstown for the 10:00AM train to Strahan, which arrives there at about 2:15PM. After some free time in Strahan, a bus is provided to depart Strahan at 4:00PM for Queenstown, arriving there at about 4:45PM. Bookings are required for this very popular railway journey.
On the way back from Queenstown you can enjoy the short bush walks to Nelson Falls, Donaghys Hill Lookout or the Franklin River nature trail, if daylight permits.
Waddamana Power Station and return via Miena-Enjoy a touring day combining trout fishing, a BBQ, a museum visit and a scenic drive returning via Miena through the heart of the central highlands. The Waddamana Power Station was the first station built by the forerunner of the Hydro Electric Corporation. It is immaculately presented and open for inspection 7 days a week, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission is FREE!
Salmon Ponds, the Museum of Trout Fishing at Plenty, Russell Falls in the Mt. Field National Park.
The Salmon Ponds were established in 1861 to hatch and introduce trout to Tasmania, and from there, to mainland Australia and New Zealand. See the Museum of Trout Fishing and relax in the peaceful grounds with ponds containing magnificent display trout and salmon. Picnic and BBQ facilities available. Tea rooms/restaurant also available.
Snow can fall at Derwent Bridge in any month but is more likely to build up on the ground during the months of May-November. Sometimes the Lyell Highway can be affected during daylight or closed overnight by snow during July, August or September, but even overnight falls are usually cleared promptly by 9.00am to 10.00am. If snowfalls are forecast, we can usually advise you best about road conditions – media reports are often exaggerated or seriously out-of-date.
Russell Falls, at the entrance to the Mt. Field National Park at National Park, are a picture perfect set of falls in a superb forest setting and are easily accessible on wheelchair standard tracks. See the visitor centre and drive a short distance to walk among a stand of majestic tall eucalypt trees. Picnic shelters and electric BBQ’s are provided and there is a large grassy oval for ball games, frisbees etc.
