Great Lake, Natural lake in Central Highlands, Tasmania, Australia.
Great Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the Central Plateau of Tasmania, sitting at roughly 3,380 feet (1,030 m) above sea level. It is one of the largest natural lakes in Australia, set in an open highland landscape with low vegetation and wide skies.
The lake existed naturally long before European settlement, known to Aboriginal Tasmanians for thousands of years. The construction of Miena Dam in 1922 raised its water level considerably, turning it into the large reservoir it is today.
Great Lake has long been a destination for trout fishing, drawing anglers from across Tasmania and beyond. The open, windswept shore and the sense of space give the place a character that feels very different from lowland lakes.
The Lake Highway runs along the western shore and offers straightforward access from Hobart or Launceston by car. The plateau weather shifts quickly at any time of year, so bringing layers and waterproof clothing is a good idea.
Water from the lake is channeled underground to the Poatina power station, which is built inside the Great Western Tiers escarpment. The station sits entirely within the rock, invisible from the surface above.
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