Derwent Valley Day Drive

New Norfolk is an historic village, claiming Tasmania’s oldest Anglican Church (St. Matthews) and also the Bush Inn Hotel, The hotel claims to be Australia’s oldest hotel serving in the same building.

The Bush Inn first opened in 1815 and has been continuously using the same license to serve liquor since 1825.

At New Norfolk, do not cross the river, but instead take the B62 road as it winds along the west bank of the Derwent.

Situated about midway between New Norfolk and Bushy Park on the B62 road, the Salmon Ponds is the site of the first introduction of trout into Australia in 1864.

It is well worth a visit with the trout fishing museum being of great interest. It is open every day.

When the road T-joins the B61 at Bushy Park, turn left and follow the Gordon River Road (B61) as the scenery changes from farmland to bush between Glenora and Westerway.

At Westerway, the B61 takes a left hand turn through the village. Stay on the B61 as it winds its way along the banks of the Tyenna River, through the gorge and out onto the flatland at National Park.

Watch for the turnoff to the right onto the Lake Dobson Rd. and drive over the bridge over the Tyenna River and enter Mt. Field National Park.

Along with Freycinet National Park, Mt. Field is the oldest declared National Park in Australia (1916). Russell Falls was set aside as Tasmania’s first nature reserve in 1885.

The Visitor Centre at the gates of the park is excellent, and there are barbecue and picnic facilities for public use.

Take the walks in to Russell Falls (handicap access), and if you really want to make a hike of it, go on to Lady Barron and Horsehoe Falls.

You can walk as little as half an hour, or as long as 3 or 4 hours on the well maintained tracks. This is a wonderful rainforest experience just 90 minutes from Hobart, and arguably the best forest walk in Tasmania. The Russell Falls track is handicap access.

For some excellent alpine walking, drive up the Lake Dobson Road. There are wonderful walks in the area at the end of the road, from the Lake Dobson circuit walk to the longer trek to Tarn Shelf.

Leaving National Park, retrace your route to Westerway, turning left onto the Ellendale Road.

Stay on the Ellendale Road as it winds through farmland and forest and cross Meadowbank Lake before joining the A10 Lyell Highway.

Turn right onto the A10 and drive into Hamilton. Watch out for sheep on the road.

A great place for lunch, morning or afternoon tea is the Glen Clyde House in Hamilton. Their gift shop and craft gallery has some excellent, individually crafted unique items.

From Hamilton, stay on the A10 through Gretna and Rosegarland.

The road runs beside the Derwent River into New Norfolk and is very picturesque. Stay on the east side of the river and take the B10 road back to Bridgewater.

Make a stop at Pulpit Rock Lookout for great views – watch for the turnoff to the left about 1 Km from the Bridge, just as you head out of New Norfolk.

At Bridgewater take a right turn, cross the causeway and follow the A1 into Hobart.