The Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley and Russell Falls is one of the most scenic places in southern Tasmania. The Derwent River begins at Lake St Clair and flows 200km south to Hobart. Visiting the area is very easy from Hobart, and it makes an excellent day drive. The Mt Field National Park is in the heart of the Valley, and offers some of the best walking in rainforest and alpine environments in southern Tasmania. A day in the Derwent Valley gives you the chance to visit historic towns, take in some picturesque scenery, and walk in the true wilderness rainforest that is a unique part of Tasmania.

If you are a single traveler, or do not want to drive yourself, a day trip from Hobart to visit the Derwent Valley and Russell Falls is a good idea. The best day trip is the Mt Field National Park and Russell Falls Day Tour from Hobart . Not only does it show you the scenic side of the Derwent Valley, but it also gives you time to walk in the rainforest and visit Russell Falls. Other tours in the Hobart area can be found at Hobart Activities and Tours.

A major farming area, the Derwent Valley produces top quality hops for the brewing industry, and much of the area is under irrigation. The old fashioned hop kilns used to dry the hops for malting still dot the valley, providing a link with earlier times. New Norfolk, founded in the 1820's, is one of the crossing points on the river, and is the point at which the freshwater of the Derwent River meets the saltwater of the Derwent Estuary.

There were plans to make the village of Hamilton the capital of Tasmania back in the early 1800's, but plans were shelved and the seat of government was moved back to Hobart. The old buildings in Hamilton are marvelously preserved, and the Hamilton Pub, or the Glen Clyde House Tearooms are good places for lunch, making Hamilton well worth a visit. If self driving, please read the directions below to get the most out of your day.

find out more about The Derwent River, New Norfolk, Hamilton and the Derwent Valley, Tasmania

>>> Interactive Map of the Derwent Valley