The potential of the volume of water passing down the Derwent River for hydro-electricity generation was seen over a century ago. While a few power stations were built in the early decades of the 20th century, with an influx of migrants from war ravaged Europe in the 1940s-50s, the numbers of dams and power stations increased quickly. Overall, many dams and approximately 30 power stations have been built across central Tasmania.
On my way to Lake St Clair, I will reach and walk past each of the following 7 markers along the River:
- Meadowbank
- Cluny
- Repulse
- Catagunya
- Wayatinah
- Tarraleah
- Butlers Gorge
One of the Hydro websites provides detailed information about these and others which feed into the Derwent River catchment. In addition, the site includes the diagram below.
Walking the Derwent River 