Rolling farmland, quirky hop fields, cascading waterfalls and on the doorstep of Tasmania’s vast, untouched South West wilderness – make sure you include a Derwent Valley road trip in your Tasmania itinerary! 

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Just an easy 30 minutes drive from Hobart, the Derwent Valley is a road trip dream.

Fondly known by locals as The Valley of Love, this magic destination is where you will find winding rivers, fascinating country towns, alpine snow, world-class dining and some of Australia’s best natural landscapes.

With waterfalls, forests, and rolling hills around every bend, this is Tasmania at its most authentic – raw, scenic, and ready for you to explore by road!

Things to See & Do

New Norfolk

Spanning the leafy banks of the Derwent River, New Norfolk is a bustling town rich in pioneer and convict history. 

Highlights include its eclectic collection of antiques, arts and crafts shops such as The Drill Hall Emporium, Flywheel, Black Swan Tasmania, and Miss Arthur, while history buffs will be rewarded with visits to Tasmania’s oldest Anglican church St Matthews (c1823), a tour of the fascinating Willow Court Asylum, or a cold pint at Australia’s longest continuously licenced pub, the Bush Inn (c1815).

The river will be central to your New Norfolk experience, and a great way to get out on the water is in a kayak with Tassie Bound Adventure Tours, or for the more adventurous a stand-up paddle board tour with Derwent Valley Stand Up Paddle.

Honestly, I could write pages and pages about this wonderful town… so don’t just whizz straight through on your way to Mt Field. Pull up, stretch your legs, and discover the hidden gems and friendly faces of New Norfolk town and surrounds for yourself!

Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens

No road trip up the Derwent Valley is complete without a pit stop at the Salmon Ponds.

Did you know that every single rainbow trout in the southern hemisphere can be traced back to these very ponds? Keep your eyes peeled as you picnic in the gardens – you may spot one of the resident platypuses frolicking in the ponds!

Mt Field National Park

Standing on soft, tannin-stained soil, surrounded by vibrant mosses, ferns and fungi – the sound of waterfalls and currawongs in your ears – exploring Mt Field National Park is like stepping back to prehistoric times.

Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls are two of Tasmania’s most iconic natural wonders, and Lake Dobson is your gateway to the spectacular Tarn Shelf and Pandani Grove walking trails. In autumn you can witness the spectacular colours of Australia’s only cold-climate deciduous tree, the fagus!

It isn’t only the natural wonders of Mt Field that you can look forward to. Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery is also one of the best places in Tasmania to browse locally made handicrafts, artworks, and stunning wilderness photography – while also enjoying a delicious post-bushwalk meal or mug of hot coffee!

Gretna, Hamilton and Ouse

As you follow the Derwent River north you’ll pass through the tiny towns of Gretna, Hamilton and Ouse. It’s a lovely part of the Derwent Valley – perfect for a lazy road trip with the windows down.

The barley fields, gardens, and award-winning whiskies of Lawrenny Estate in Ouse will catch your eye as you drive up to Derwent Bridge – their cellar door is open daily for tastings and to learn more about their ‘paddock to bottle’ whisky distilling philosophy.

Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair

Your Derwent Valley road trip ends at Derwent Bridge and the magnificent Lake St Clair. Carved from rock by ancient glaciers – it’s no wonder the palawa call the lake leeawuleena or ‘sleeping water’.

Lake St Clair hiking options are plentiful, or visit the nearby Wall in the Wilderness – a labour of love by local craftsman Greg Duncan revealing the spirit of Tasmania through hammer, chisel and precious Tasmanian timber.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Whether you’re looking for a luxury retreat with views to die for, a cosy bed and breakfast, or a quirky camp ground, the Derwent Valley has plenty of accommodation options to suit your style of Tasmanian road trip.

Fentonbury

Fentonbury is a tiny little hamlet located in the peaceful, upper reaches of the Derwent Valley, and hidden away in its sun-drenched fields is one of my favourite B&Bs in Tasmania – Hamlet Downs!

The lush, tranquil setting is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation, and there are plenty of opportunities for activities as well, including nearby Mt Field National Park. 

Hamlet Downs is one of the Derwent Valley’s best hidden gems for both couples and families, and you couldn’t ask for a better place to stay to explore this stunning region.

New Norfolk

For budget accommodation the Old Colony Inn ticks a lot of boxes.

Want to splash out? Have a closer look at The Woodbridge Tasmania and spend a night or two immersed in the history, comfort, and serenity of one of Tasmania’s most recognised luxury hotels.

Mt Field

As your road trip takes you up the Derwent Valley, you’ll appreciate a relaxing night right on the doorstep of Mt Field National Park at Mt Field Retreat – there’s a very good chance you’ll see a platypus in the Tyenna River, just metres from your pod! 

Derwent Bridge and Tarraleah

In the upper reaches of the Derwent Valley you’ll be wanting a soft bed and a warm fire. Tarraleah Estate is one of Tasmania’s finest hotels, and can you believe Pumphouse Point has rooms sitting above the lake?!

Or for a more budget-friendly option that is closer to the walking trails I recommend staying at Lake St Clair Lodge

Central Highlands

Too many visitors ignore this beautiful part of Tasmania – just a short deviation inland from the Derwent Valley – but on the upside it means you can enjoy the peace, solitude, and serenity of its broad lakes, alpine forests, and colonial history all to yourself!

There are many little towns and homesteads from which to explore the area, but in all my travels the one place that truly represents this unique part of the world is Ratho Farm, just outside Bothwell.

This stunning hosted B&B is a welcome oasis of comfort and warmth after a day of exploration!

Derwent Valley Caravan Parks

There are some fantastic camping options in the Derwent Valley. 

New Norfolk Caravan Park is positioned beautifully on the banks of the river and has everything you could possibly need. Left of Field Caravan Park is a quirky option right on the doorstep of Mt Field National Park and has been getting rave reviews from fellow campers – check out the open-air bathtub! While in Derwent Bridge you’ll love Lake St Clair Tourist Park for how close it is to the native flora and fauna.

Where to Eat & Drink

The Derwent Valley is blessed with sunshine and its tumbled hills are a paradise for farmers, growers, brewers and distillers.

The toughest choice you’ll face is whether to enjoy a lazy lunch at The Shed Restaurant at Derwent Estate winery in Granton or the globally acclaimed Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk – both are exceptional!

The terroir of the lower Derwent Valley is well suited to vineyards specialising in cool-climate Chardonnays and Pinots – Stefano Lubiana and Derwent Estate wineries both have inviting cellar doors. 

In recent years it has been very exciting to see new micro-breweries popping up all over the valley. If you prefer a pint then why not visit Two Metre Tall Brewery where they use spontaneous fermentation to create unique barrel aged brews, or Welcome Swallow for a cold beer or cider?

The Salmon Ponds north of New Norfolk are an excellent option for a picnic or delicious light lunch in beautiful surrounds, Glen Derwent Estate are renowned for their scrumptious Devonshire Teas, and you can pick your own raspberries at Westerway Raspberry Farm on your way to Mt Field. 

Waterfalls Cafe & Gallery at Mt Field is easily the best and most convenient food option for walkers planning on tackling Russell Falls and other nearby trails.

Cruising up to the Tasmanian highlands you’ll feel a refreshing edge to every breath. The peaty soil, pure rushing streams and brooding skies are the perfect match for a glass of smooth Tasmanian whisky from the Highlander Arms bar and restaurant in Tarraleah (check their opening days/times before you go though, as they vary with the seasons).

Festivals & Events

New Norfolk Market

The ‘friendliest market in Tasmania’, the New Norfolk Market is always a fun way to start your weekend.

Held every Saturday morning between 8am and 2pm on High Street, you will lose yourself in the delicious food, unique handmade arts and crafts (great as a Tassie souvenir!), and toe-tapping entertainment for the whole family.

• Where: New Norfolk
• When: Every Saturday
• Find out more: New Norfolk Market

Tasmanian Autumn Festival

Bringing together the rich history, culture and natural wonders of the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands in a month-long celebration that throws a spotlight on the beauty and bounty of the season.

• Where: Derwent Valley & Central Highlands
• When: April (Autumn)
• Find out more: Tasmanian Autumn Festival

Turning of the Fagus

Each autumn, the upper reaches of Mt Field glow as nothofagus gunnii – or more commonly called fagus – transforms from green to brilliant gold, orange, and red. This rare spectacle only lasts a few weeks, but it is well worth timing your holiday to ensure you can experience this unique event.

• Where: Mt Field NP (and Cradle Mountain and other alpine parks)
• When: Late April and early May
• Find out more: Turning of the Fagus

Maydena Bike Park

Numerous events are held year-round at this world-acclaimed mountain bike park – mostly during late spring and summer. Gravity Jam is the big one right now, but in the past they have held Red Bull Hardline events and more!

• Where: Maydena
• When: Summer
• Find out more: Maydena Bike Park Events

Derwent Valley Weather

“Four seasons in one day” – That’s Tasmania, and nowhere is this more evident the Derwent Valley, with significant variation in rainfall and temperatures between its diverse landscapes.

The Derwent Valley is generally the warmest Tasmanian region in summer, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C at night up to 25°C during the day. It doesn’t happen often, but temperatures can even exceed 40°C!

In winter you can expect average temperatures from 2°C up to 11°C.

However, the further west you go the more rain you are going to encounter. As you can see from the charts below, rainfall in the lower sections of Mt Field (which often falls as snow in winter) is a lot higher than for Ouse. Temperatures are fairly similar, but Mt Field doesn’t experience the same summer peaks as Ouse, and its minimum temperatures are cooler year-round.

Planning on heading into the upper reaches of Mt Field NP such as Lake Dobson or Tarn Shelf?

I don’t have a chart for this region, but it will always be around 10°C colder than in the lower parts of the park, and can experience occasional blizzards in cooler months.

Essential Information

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip in the Derwent Valley!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for planning your road trip adventures in the wonderful Derwent Valley!

For more handy info and tips from a local, you’ll love my other regional guides covering the length and breadth of Tasmania:

• Devonport & Cradle Coast
• Hobart
• Launceston & Tamar Valley
• East Coast
• Bruny Island
• Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula
• West Coast
• Huon Valley
• North East Tasmania
• Richmond & Coal River Valley

Happy travels!

Andrew.