🐟 Central Highlands Tasmania: Fresh Trout, Farm Produce & Fireside Feasts

While the Central Highlands of Tasmania are best known for their lakes, snow-dusted forests, and rugged trails, this inland region also offers a surprising array of local flavours—especially if you’re a fan of wild-caught trout, country cooking, and hearty meals shared by the fire.

🎣 Catch and Cook: Trout Central

With thousands of lakes, the Central Highlands is the undisputed trout fishing capital of Australia. Anglers come from far and wide to fish Great Lake, Arthurs Lake, and the Western Lakes, many of them enjoying the simple joy of cooking their own catch.

Some local accommodation providers even offer fish-cleaning stations, BBQ facilities, or fireside dinners where your freshly caught trout can be grilled, smoked, or pan-fried in classic Tasmanian style.

🥔 Honest Country Fare

While the Highlands isn’t dotted with wine bars and cheese boutiques like some other parts of the state, it offers something just as satisfying: warm, generous country hospitality.

Stop into places like:

• The Great Lake Hotel (Miena) – known for its roaring fire, filling meals, and cold beers.

• Central Highlands Lodge (Liawenee) – offering breakfast, lunch, and dinners with homemade pies, roasts, and good coffee.

• Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site – while not a food stop, it’s worth visiting nearby for a picnic with a thermos and a view.

Seasonal stalls and roadside honesty boxes occasionally pop up with eggs, preserves, or firewood—and you’ll always find locals willing to share cooking tips, recipes, or even a slab of freshly caught fish.

🍂 Foragers Welcome

Depending on the season, the Central Highlands is also a quiet haven for foraging. Wild mushrooms, native berries, and even mountain pepper can be found with some local knowledge (and caution). The high altitude and cool climate create ideal growing conditions for hardy herbs and root vegetables too.

🏠 Living in the Highlands

While sparsely populated, communities like Miena, Bronte Park, and Wilburville offer a peaceful, off-grid lifestyle with a real sense of self-sufficiency. Many residents grow their own food, preserve fruits, smoke fish, and swap produce with neighbours. If you’re looking for fresh air, fewer crowds, and an honest connection to land and table, the Highlands might be exactly what you're after.

Looking for a quieter slice of Tasmania?
Find more lifestyle and food-focused regional guides at www.movingtotasmania.com.au