Derwent Bridge / Lake St Clair

Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios

Derwent Bridge is a small settlement in Tasmania's Central Highlands, only 5 km from the visitor services area at Cynthia Bay, Lake St. Clair – adjacent to the southern boundary of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park. It is the halfway point on the drive between Hobart & Strahan and being close to the state's geographical centre, it is readily accessible by road from the north, south, east or west.

Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios are ten 3½ star, self-catering units for couples, families and groups set in a quiet location looking on to an attractive snow gum forest. Two are superb spa chalets - just for couples - offering great comfort and privacy. Four 3½ star studios have been added for visitors seeking private, self-contained accommodation on a smaller scale than provided in the chalets. If you wish to dine out, we are within easy walking distance of the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel, just 700m from the property.

The Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios complex is a growing concern, with the first chalet, Olympus, built in July 1992, followed by Rufus in February 1993, Ida in 1995, Byron in October 1998, Clair in November 1999, and William in December 1999. The four studios (named after local rivers) called ‘Hugel’, ‘Cuvier’, ‘Nive’ and ‘Narcissus, were built between 2002 and 2004.

Situated near the southern end of the Overland track in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Derwent Bridge Chalets & Studios are the perfect place to rest in comfort after the long walk. The perfect place to soak your tired muscles and enjoy some good sleep in the comfort of this well-appointed property.

If you have any special food requirements please bring them with you as there is very limited shopping in this area being an isolated community in Highlands Tasmania.

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Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel

Located half way between Hobart and Strahan, on the Lyell Highway, and at the Lake St Clair end of the Overland Track, stay in comfort in family friendly en suite or standard rooms.

Drink fine wines by the famous log fire or be delighted by the acclaimed menu.

Bushwalkers Rooms available for those finishing the Overland Track or on a tight budget.

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Lake St Clair Ferry

While primarily for bushwalkers starting or completing their walk through the Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park, the ferry trip provides spectacular views of the Lake and southern peaks in the Park. It is highly recommended as a trip on fine days especially if combined with a half-day walk on tracks starting at the Narcissus River - see the Walks table for details.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL for all times.

Round Trip – Takes Approximately 1½ hours.
Cynthia Bay to Narcissus Bay (or reverse) – Takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Cynthia Bay to Echo Point – Takes approximately 20 minutes.

Contact Details

Phone 03 6289 1137 to confirm timings and costs. Make sure that you make a return booking if you are not walking back.


The Wall In The Wilderness - The Living Icon

An inspirational tale carved from the mountains and rivers of Highlands Tasmania.

Artist Greg Duncan is creating a stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge in the heart of Tasmania. The Wall in the Wilderness is his commemoration of those who helped shape the past and present of Highlands Tasmania.

A work in progress, The Wall is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The panels will tell the history of the harsh Highlands region - beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro-electric scheme workers.

When completed, The Wall will be 100 metres long and Greg Duncan’s sculpture The Wall will rank as a major work of art and tourist attraction in Tasmania.

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