Picturesque vistas, a food lover’s delight, an adventurer’s playground – although New Norfolk, at the start of the Derwent Valley, is only 40-minutes from Hobart, it feels a world away from everywhere.
Some trees grow tall. And then there’s the Derwent Valley eucalyptus. Some argue they’re the tallest trees in the Southern Hemisphere and that they reach out and pluck things from the sky. This may be why Mount Field National Park and Maydena were hotpots for UFO sightings in years gone by. Believe what you will. One thing we can guarantee is that things here are just that little bit brighter, taller, deeper, fresher, darker, sweeter, wilder and weirder.
Image credit: camblakephotography (IG)
With views that inspired the opera and landscapes featured in many spectacular artworks – it’s safe to say the Derwent Valley is an enclave for artists. And there’s no better time to witness its magic than when ‘The Valley’ changes colour in Autumn. So, hike our mountainous peaks, witness the turning of the Fagus and surround yourself with parks of golden leaves. Come and see what makes our region so special for an unquestionably Derwent Valley Autumn.
Swansongs aren’t final performances – they can be first impressions, too. And there’s no finer first impression than the one encountered by famous Irish composer, William Vincent Wallace. It was 1838 and he was gazing over the Derwent River from his room at The Bush Inn. Suddenly, a flock of swans arrived before him and broke out into song. He was so moved by the scene that it’s thought to have inspired him to write the famous composition ‘Scenes That Are Brightest’. Don’t believe us? Well, best come and see these very views for yourself – as this we know to be Derwent Valley true.
The Derwent Valley is a fascinating place. Aside from its obvious aesthetic beauty, it is also rich with Tasmanian history – with many of its homesteads fit for a scene out of the hit Netflix period drama, Bridgerton. Our region has seen much change and lived through many eras. So of course, it stands to reason the properties here have many stories to tell. From convicts stealing livestock, to heritage listed mansions becoming derelict – it’s safe to say this place has seen it all. Just ask the locals, they’ll be more than willing to tell you their tales.
Image credit: thewoodbridgetasmania (IG)
It’s true what the locals say, ‘There’s the Derwent Valley you see for the day, then there’s the real Derwent Valley’. So, why not stay a while. Immerse yourself in the real Derwent Valley – where things are just that little bit brighter, taller, deeper, fresher, darker, sweeter, wilder and weirder. Find out why this part of the state may just be Tasmania’s best kept secret.
Enjoy this free itinerary for the ultimate three-day Tasmanian Wilderness Road Trip in the Derwent Valley.
We know how lucky we have it in the Derwent Valley. Our land is home to some of Tasmania’s most passionate and caring primary producers. Not to mention, the produce is some of the most delicious in the world. We reckon it’s because things here are that little bit brighter, taller, deeper, fresher and sweeter in the Derwent Valley. From farmland, to vineyards and orchards – we have it in abundance here in ‘The Valley’. Here are 14 restaurants, cooking schools, orchards, wineries, distilleries and markets where you will find the best produce Tasmania has to offer.
Walking and hiking through the Derwent Valley region will lead you through arguably some of the most beautiful natural rainforests, tallest trees, mountainous peaks, alpine lakes and cascading waterfalls in the world. Why? Because the climate here is perfect for sustaining its beautiful natural environment and this we know to be ‘Derwent Valley True’. Plus, the locals love and cherish this place to the nth degree. The Western Wilds drive through Derwent Valley Tasmania is where you’ll find some of our favourite short walks and long hikes – all extremely accessible and within driving distance from Hobart.
There’s something quite magical about the Derwent Valley in Spring – or the ‘Valley’ as its colloquially known by locals. The wintry weather starts to calm, as the days feel lighter and longer. New life is shooting up in every direction and the crisp mountainous air cleanses you from the inside out. This is a great time to experience first-hand what makes this region so special. Why the cattle are plumper, fruit is juicer, scenery more colourful, and wine, well, just that little bit tastier (but shhh, don’t tell the other regions). Here’s five magical ways to experience Tasmania’s Derwent Valley in Spring.
8 Unquestionably Derwent Valley Things To Do In Winter
Whatever the season, you will love exploring the many hidden gems that can be found in the Derwent Valley. Some might say, our region is Tasmania’s best kept secret – and winter is no exception. Enjoy views of snow coated mountains from your warm and welcoming accommodation, the best produce you’ll ever taste, cascading waterfalls that are full and flowing, or if you’re game, some adventure seeking activities. Below are seven unquestionably Derwent Valley things to do in winter that will maximise your next stay with us.
It’s said that there’s no experience quite so quintessentially Tasmanian than a farm stay. A place where your only guide to time need be a rooster crowing, or birds singing in the morning. There’s nothing quite like waking up to views of fertile paddocks and mountainous vistas in the horizon. Oh, and the odd cheeky sheep peeking in your window. Here are six unquestionably Derwent Valley Tasmania farm stays to unwind and get in touch with nature at its finest.
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The Derwent Valley acknowledges the traditional and original owners of this land the Leenowwenne people of the Big River Nation. We pay respect to those who have passed before us and acknowledge today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal community in the Derwent Valley.
The Derwent Valley acknowledges the traditional and original owners of this land the Leenowwenne people of the Big River Nation. We pay respect to those who have passed before us and acknowledge today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal community in the Derwent Valley.
© Derwent Valley Tasmania
A DV website by AndrewLockman.com