The Great Lake

The Great Lake is a lake located in the central north region of Tasmania, within the sparsely inhabited Central Highlands municipality. Its original size was much smaller but many years ago it was dammed at its southern outflow for hydro-electricity production. It is Australia's second largest freshwater lake and is 1,030 metres above sea level. The lake has an area of 114 km². It is used for hydro-electric power, fishing and tourism.
The area's has the reputation as being one of the coldest places in this generally mild-weathered state. During the winter months when the weather is hardly conducive to camping, the population of the two small highland towns drops to two or three hundred.
The Lake Highway runs along the west side of the lake and this is where we are spending the next two nights. We are staying at the Great Lake Hotel which is fairly basic but warm, comfortable and the pub has great meals. Shane has been regularly coming up here fishing with his late Dad since he was about 6 years old, so he has many many memories.

The Great Lake