Miena

Image credit: Adam Gibson

Miena is a remote little settlement in Tasmania’s Central Highlands - a high-altitude region of open moorland and sparkling alpine lakes. Sitting on the shores of Great Lake, the town is best known as a haven for brown and rainbow trout fishing, but there’s much more to this highland destination than casting a line.

The surrounding wilderness offers opportunities for boating, hiking, wildlife spotting and scenic drives, passing remote lakes and historic fishing huts along the way. Meanwhile, the peaceful atmosphere and rugged mountain scenery makes it an appealing escape for anyone looking to slow down in Tasmania’s great outdoors.

At an elevation of around 1,200 metres, Miena is also one of Tasmania’s highest settlements and its weather can be as dramatic as the scenery. Clear summer days can give way to strong winds, rain, fog and even snow, creating constantly changing views across the Central Highlands. Come prepared and get ready to enjoy a less-visited corner of the island state.

Best things to do in miena

  • Fishing is one of the main reasons travellers come to Miena, with yingina/Great Lake offering excellent opportunities to catch brown and rainbow trout. The lake is particularly popular with fly fishers, who can try their luck from the shoreline or boat while enjoying spectacular Central Highlands views. A Tasmanian inland fishing licence may be required, so check the current regulations before casting a line.

    Even if you’re not interested in fishing, yingina/Great Lake is well worth exploring for its scenery. Pull over at one of the roadside viewpoints, take a short walk along the shoreline or simply find a quiet spot to admire the constantly changing skies. In the cooler months, snow and ice can transform the area into a winter wonderland.

  • The Highlands Power Trail is a fantastic way to explore the industrial history of the Central Highlands. The self-drive route follows the story of Tasmania’s early hydroelectricity scheme, linking historic sites, remote lakes and former construction settlements across the region. 

    Starting and ending in Bothwell, this 130-kilometre route passes Waddamana Power Station (home to a fascinating museum) and picturesque Penstock Lagoon before reaching Miena and Great Lake.

  • One of the highlights of the Highlands Power Trail is the Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site, where you can step inside Tasmania’s first hydroelectric power station. The original turbine hall contains enormous Pelton wheel turbines, while displays explain the ambitious engineering projects and challenging conditions involved in developing the Great Lake Power Scheme. It’s a fascinating place to better understand how Tasmania’s remote highlands were transformed by hydroelectricity.

    • Opening hours: 10:00 to 16:00 daily from October to April and Wednesday to Sunday from May to September.

  • About 20 kilometres south of Miena, Penstock Lagoon is one of Tasmania’s best-known fly-fishing destinations and makes a worthwhile excursion from town. The lagoon is fly-fishing only and is renowned for its wild brown and rainbow trout, which can grow quickly in its productive waters. Even if you’re not an angler, the peaceful setting and surrounding highland landscape make Penstock Lagoon a lovely place to stop while exploring the Central Highlands.

Image credit: Adam Gibson

Best places to stay in miena

Great Lake Hotel is an award-winning accommodation that forms part of Miena Village, alongside a petrol station and general store. It offers a variety of accommodation, including ensuite king rooms, family rooms with self-contained kitchens and more basic fishing cabins that are ideal for budget-conscious travellers. While staying here, you can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant, which serves modern pub-style meals.

Central Highlands Lodge is located on the shores of Great Lake and comes complete with a fireside bar and a restaurant serving hearty home-cooked meals. Accommodation ranges from standard double rooms through to larger options suitable for families, as well as Spa Cabins and the newly added Penthouse Suite. All of the rooms come with heating, electric blankets and tea/coffee-making facilities, while some have kitchenettes.

Thousand Lakes Lodge is located near Lake Augusta, around 30 minutes’ drive from Miena. It offers an atmospheric wilderness experience surrounded by rugged highland scenery and the area’s famous lakes. The lodge is fully off-grid, with no Wi-Fi and limited phone reception, and is adults-only. All of the comfortable rooms have private bathrooms (although not all are ensuite) and hearty meals are available in the communal dining room.

Lakeside Retreat is a three-bedroom holiday home that’s ideal for families, groups and fishing parties. It sleeps up to six guests and features a generous open-plan living and dining area, a fully-equipped kitchen and two bathrooms. Large windows and a deck take full advantage of the lakeside setting, while two wood heaters create a cosy retreat when the temperatures drop.