An adventurers paradise
The western part of Tasmania is a wild, rugged landscape that’s a paradise for the adventurous and for fishing enthusiasts. While distances between towns aren’t as vast as in many other parts of Australia, exploring this part of Van Diemen’s Land requires at least a weekend to give you time for all the activities you’ll want to try.
Start your adventure in Burnie on Tassie’s north-western coast. Sample the whisky and cheese made here and go looking for penguins or platypuses. Just west of Burnie, turn southwards on the Murchison Highway, a winding road with some steep inclines not for the faint-hearted. Go bushwalking in the Hellyer Gorge State Reserve before heading further south towards Rosebery.
Just before you reach Rosebery, you’ll find Lake Mackintosh to your left and Lake Rosebery to your right. They are just two of the many lakes in this mountainous area that are perfect for trout fishing. Pick up a permit in Rosebery. Tassie’s highest waterfall, the Montezuma Falls, is located near Rosebery too and it’s an easy 3 hour round trip hike.
Many anglers make Zeehan, the next town along the road, their base. To the north of Zeehan is Lake Pieman, another trout-fishing hotspot. Granville Harbour in the north-west is an excellent side trip for some crayfishing from Zeehan.
Next, take the road south-westwards and follow the coastline to Strahan. This town along the northern end of Macquarie Harbour is the perfect place for casting your line, with a variety of fishing options. For instance, try hooking some trout or salmon in the rivers that flow into Macquarie Harbour. If you prefer ocean fish, Ocean Beach to the west of Strahan is the place to be, with skate, Australian salmon and sharks waiting for you to reel them in. Channel your inner Hemingway by chartering a boat that will take you through Hell’s Gates, the heads that form the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, and out to the open ocean. Also be sure to explore Macquarie Harbour itself, once home to a notorious penal colony.
From Strahan, head to Queenstown and then down the Lyell Highway to Hobart in the south-east. Along the way there are many national parks and conservation areas to explore. While our medium range cars are suitable for the journey, it’s a better idea to hire a 4WD vehicle from our Thrifty fleet so that you’ll have space for your fishing tackle and, of course, those big ones that didn’t get away.
