Tarraleah, Tasmania



Tarraleah Power Station, located on the Upper Derwent River, was opened in 1938. The nearby township of Tarraleah was originally built in the 1930s by the Hydro Electric Commission to house Tasmania's pioneering hydro electricity officers and management.

After a multi-million dollar redevelopment, the former Hydro construction village has become a 120 ha estate that comprises Tarraleah Lodge with accommodation, dining options. Fresh water trout fishing, boating, bushwalking, mountain biking and kayaking are all popular activities in and around the township. Tarraleah is also home to one of the highest altitude golf courses in Australia.



The area is noted for its alpine lakes and mountains, and many hydro-electric dams, canals and giant steel pipeways. Tarraleah is located along the Lyell Highway, and is only a short distance from both Lake King William and Bronte Lagoon. Lake Lipootah and Bradys Lake are also close by.



Where is it?: Tarraleah is in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, 126 kilometres north-west of the state capital Hobart, and slightly closer to Queenstown.

The township was originally built in the 1930s by the Hydro Electric Commission to house Tasmania's pioneering hydro electricity officers and management. Nive Road Post Office opened on 11 October 1934 and was renamed Tarraleah in 1935. Tarraleah no longer has residents living in the Art Deco houses along the main road.

Fishing and Highland Lakes Tour

Tarraleah offers a range of guided fishing tours during the fishing season which runs from September to April.



Bradys Lake Cruise

You can experience the highland lakes exploring the canals and river banks on Captain Kims Bradys and Binneys Boat Cruise. Board the pontoon boat at Bradys lake and join the Captain for a fascinating 2 hour boat cruise on the Bradys Binney chain of lakes. Hear about the history of the area and listen to the Captains  tales. Explore the fascinating wildlife surrounding Tarraleah on this relaxing lake cruise with Captain Kim. Sit back, sip mulled wine, and find out about the history of Tarraleah, the development of hydroelectricity and the engineering feats of the 1930's. The Lake Cruise runs 3 times a day at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm. Duration : 2 hours. Maximum 5 people.

Butlers Run Bike Ride Tour

This is an all dirt road ride through bush that commands beautiful views, dense bush a waterfall, and the biggest syphon you will ever see! Your trip begins by bus and after 5 mins you are dropped off at the start of your ride. Your guide will lead you through the wilderness alongside one of the canals that feeds the power station. Great views across the bush before you stop for afternoon tea.



Hidden Highlands 4WD Adventure Tour

A day in the highlands visiting national parks, farms, heritage sites, waterfalls and scenic lookouts from the comfort of our own 4WD vehicle. Meet the locals and discover only they know about. This tour can be tailor-made to your interests including a visit to an animal orphanage, a leisurely walk in the Tasmania wilderness, pancakes by the ponds, or an exhilarating jet boat ride. Lunch and morning tea included but not all entry costs. Chat to our friendly staff to create your own itinenary.



Derwent Hydro Electric Scheme

Tarraleah power Station is part of the Derwent Hydro Electric Scheme. Construction of the scheme began in 1934 and the last power station was commissioned in 1968.

There are two sections in the Derwent hydropower scheme – the upper and lower. This is because of the difference in how the water is stored in the sections. Visually the scheme resembles a Y shape.


Tarraleah Power Station

The upper section of the scheme uses larger, deeper lakes for water storage than the lower section. The four main power stations in the upper section release water when it is needed to generate electricity. The upper section is formed from the Nive River system in the east and the Derwent River system in the west, making up the top of the Y.

The lower section is called run-of-river, which means water flows to power stations directly from a river, and cascades through a series of power stations. This means the same water is used to generate energy multiple times. There are six power stations in the lower section and they use water from the Derwent River multiple times. The lower section forms the ‘tail’ of the Y.


Tarraleah Power Station

Tarraleah Power Station, located on the Upper Derwent River, was opened in 1938. It has six Pelton class turbines, with a generating capacity of 90 MW of electricity. Water flows from Butlers Gorge Power Station via a series of tunnels, canals and pipes to Tarraleah. The water drops 290 metres through penstocks (steel pipes) to the power station. The water from the station meets with water from Tungatinah Power Station and flows to Lake Liapootah.