Discover boutique hotels in Central Highlands, Australia

Leave the verdant valleys, gorgeous orchards and roaring rivers of Tasmania’s coast behind and ascend to the heather-flecked moors and trout-filled lakes of this landlocked region high in the middle of the Apple Isle. Wrap up in winter woollies or escape the heat in summer and embrace your inner frontiersman – this is fishin’ and huntin’ territory, with wild bushwalking and the odd adventure sport thrown in for good measure. Vistas may be long and mountains bare but the welcome is warm and intimate; whisky distilleries replace vineyards and charmingly lonesome towns still offer cupcakes and cappucinos if you know where to look. You can even ruin a good walk on the oldest golf course in Australia and kit up in kilts at annual Highland balls that celebrate the area’s always on-show Scottish heritage.
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When to go

If you’re here to fly-fish, time your Central Highlands visit with the Tasmanian summer when the bugs are thick across the streams and the trout are biting. The fish get a breeding break from May to July, when the rods retreat. In fact, unless you’re here to write a brooding romance novel or enjoy shovelling snow, Highlands winters are best avoided (cold, dark and melancholy). Autumn here (March to May) is also lovely, with drawn-out dusks and luscious leafery.

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  • Smith Extra on arrival

    Enjoy extras such as a picnic lunch, champagne or spa treatments, on the house

Getting there

  • Planes

    Tasmania’s Central Highlands are a one-hour drive north of capital city Hobart | which has a recently upgraded domestic airport with international aspirations (+61 (0)3 6216 1600; www.hobartairpt.com.au). Domestic flights from other Australian capitals (Melbourne | Sydney | Adelaide) and several regional centres also fly into Hobart.

  • Automobiles

    Exploring the Central Highlands under your own steam is definitely the way to go: take your time | stop off to ogle the view and scoot back to your accommodation when the chilly dusks descend. Pick up a hire-car at Hobart Airport (all the big-name operators have desks there) | or in Hobart itself. From Hobart it’s about an hour’s drive north to Bothwell in the southern Central Highlands.

  • Taxis

    This is pretty much a taxi-free zone – it’s unlikely any city taxis will be willing to make the trip, but you could try Taxi Combined Services in Hobart and Launceston (13 22 27). Closer to the region, Derwent Valley Cabs (+61 (0)3 6261 2257) operate out of New Norfolk.