At Tarraleah Overlooking Tungatinah.
The Nive River at Tungatinah.
From the west, at Lake Burbury you enter the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers World Heritage Area, a diverse natural wonder of mountains, lakes, rainforests and rivers. On the left is the short walk to Nelson Falls, a worthwhile stop for a photograph. There is a nice picnic spot a little further on the right at the Franklin River Nature Trail. Several lookouts are in this area including Donaghy's Hill Lookout, Mt King William Lookout with views of the King William Range and then the road climbs to the small service town of Derwent Bridge.
While small, Derwent Bridge is a popular service point for Lake St Clair, one of the island's most visited attractions. The spill from the lake marks the beginning of the River Derwent which passes through the Derwent Valley and ultimately becomes the beautiful shoreline and harbour for which Hobart is noted. The view across the lake to the backdrop of ranges is one of the most photographed in Tasmania. An Interpretive and Information Centre is located a few kilometres north of Derwent Bridge along a bitumen road through highland forest. At the lake there are several walks one from Cradle Valley to the north.
Derwent Bridge has a hotel-motel, holiday units, and some B&Bs. There is a roadhouse with excellent takeaway food, and scattered around are a few houses. In winter snowfalls turn the town into a picture postcard scene and fewer visitors will be seen.
Leaving Derwent Bridge you instantly cross the head of the Derwent River which mostly follows the path from here to Hobart. You are now deep into Hydro country. From now until Ouse, at the bottom of the ranges we will see hydro generating stations, lakes and large channels and pipes signifying the extent of the system which harnesses the abundant water of the highlands.
Probably the most spectacular view along the road will be seen at Tarraleah. A disused hydro town high in the mountains, it has recently been converted into a resort with upgraded accommodation, lush furnishings and an excellent restaurant. The main complex overlooks the several large pipes which channel water from the lakes and feeder channels to the power station below. The view from the vantage point is breath-taking and I never cease to be amazed at the engineering which created such a symmetric and functional construction. You must take a photo here. Tarraleah also has other facilities.
From Tarraleah a steep decline leads to the Tungatinah Power Station on the Nive River, a close-up association with power generators and with a comfortable and picturesque picnic spot beside the river. A steep climb takes us over another range and the descent leads us to the turn-off to Wayatinah and another power station. This town, still high in the mountains is a depot for workers associated with the hydro and has a small shopping and community centre which is worth a look, but has little accommodation outside of cabins and van sites below the town at the caravan park.
Continuing on we descend to the plains and reach the first of the towns there, the unusually named Ouse. We are now entering the Derwent Valley region.
