--- title: Welcome to the Heart of Tasmania date: 2024-05-16T16:55:00+10:00 author: Central Highlands Council canonical_url: "https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/" section: Site Content --- ![Shutterstock 186395108](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Stock-Photos/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/7253/shutterstock_186395108.webp) ![2025 Bushfest 441](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Image-Library/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/12342/2025_Bushfest_-441.webp) ![DJI 20260903100425 0012 D](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/12354/DJI_20260903100425_0012_D.webp) ![A7507695](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/12353/A7507695.webp) ![DSC01285](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/12355/DSC01285.webp) ![DJI 20260103123825 0083 D](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Image-Library/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/15558/DJI_20260103123825_0083_D.webp) ![DSC02582](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/_2500xAUTO_crop_center-center_none/12352/DSC02582.webp) # Welcome to the Heart of Tasmania Nestled in the heart of Tasmania, the Central Highlands is a vast and remarkable region, encompassing over 8,000 square kilometres and home to rural communities rich in character, heritage, and opportunity. [ Get in Touch ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/contact-us) [ Council meetings ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/meetings-agendas-minutes) [ News & Events ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/news) [ Paying your rates ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/paying-your-rates) [ Register your pet ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/animal-management) [ Council jobs ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/careers) [ Planning, development, and building ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/planning-development-and-building) [ Community Events ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/events) [ Halls for hire ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/community-facilities) ## See you soon at Highlands Bushfest! Held in the heart of the Central Highlands, Highlands Bushfest brings together thousands of people who share a passion for camping, fly fishing, off-roading, mountain biking, bushwalking, hunting, sustainable harvesting, traditional skills and outdoor adventure. Across two action-packed days, you'll discover hands-on demonstrations, practical workshops, expert presenters, quality exhibitors, live entertainment, local food and plenty of opportunities to learn, try and experience something new. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a great family weekend away, there's something for everyone. [ Find out more about Bushfest ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/bushfest) #### **Stallholder applications are closing soon - Click** [**HERE** ](https://form.jotform.com/ncove/highlands-bushfest-2026-stallholder)**to apply** #### **Partnership opportunities are now available -** [**View the 2026 Busfest Sponsorship Prospectus**](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026-BUSHFEST-Sponsorship-V2.pdf) ![Bushfest pic banner 800 x 400](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Image-Library/_1667x833_fit_center-center_70_none_ffffff/14651/Bushfest-pic-banner-800-x-400.webp) ![Bushfest poster](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Image-Library/_1806x2560_fit_center-center_70_none_ffffff/14662/Bushfest-poster.webp) ## Latest News and Updates [ See All News ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/news) [ ![Screenshot 2026 10 13 132258](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Image-Library/_1200x600_crop_center-center_none/15496/Screenshot-2026-10-13-132258.webp) Oct 13 \| 2026 ### New Website in Development Our new website is now live! --- Read More ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/news/new) ## Upcoming Events [ See All Events ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/events) [ ![Halloween](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Event/_1200x800_letterbox_center-center_none/15699/Halloween.webp) Oct 31 \| 2026 ### Kids Halloween Disco and Scavenger Hunt Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of fun in Hamilton! Follow the Halloween scavenger hunt along the Platypus Walk, then head to Hamilton Hall for a disco, prizes, and a best-dressed competition. Suitable for children and families. Adult supervision is required for children under 14. **RSVP:** Krystal on 0416 558 120 by 18 October. --- Read More ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/events/kids-halloween-disco-and-scavenger-hunt) [ ![Highland bushfest 2026](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Event/_1200x800_letterbox_center-center_none/9234/highland-bushfest-2026.webp) Nov 21 \| 2026 Nov 22 \| 2026 ### Highlands BushFest 2026 Experience Tasmania’s premier outdoor festival in the heart of the Central Highlands. With hands-on demonstrations, practical workshops, expert presenters, exhibitors, live entertainment and local food, BushFest celebrates camping, fishing, 4WDing, hunting, bush skills and outdoor adventure for all ages --- Read More ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/events/highlands-bushfest-2026-2) [ ![Hamilton 200](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/volumes/images/Event/_1200x800_letterbox_center-center_none/9229/hamilton-200.webp) Oct 02 \| 2027 ### Hamilton 200 One day festival exploring the people, towns, stories and events that shaped Hamilton, Tasmania --- Read More ](https://centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/events/hamilton-200)