Tarraleah

Tarraleah is a rural locality in the Local Government Area (LGA) of Central Highlands in the Central LGA region of Tasmania, Australia. In the 2016 census, a population of nil for the state suburb of Tarraleah was recorded.^[1]

Tarraleah Tasmania
Tarraleah
Coordinates	42°18′S 146°26′E
Population	0 (2016 census)[1]
Established	1934
Postcode(s)	7140
Elevation	630 m (2,067 ft)
Location	126 km (78 mi) NW of Hobart 137 km (85 mi) E of Queenstown 91 km (57 mi) NW of New Norfolk 53 km (33 mi) NW of Hamilton
LGA(s)	Central Highlands
Region	Central
State electorate(s)	Lyons
Federal division(s)	Lyons
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 13.8 °C 57 °F 3.6 °C 38 °F 1,168.2 mm 46 in
Localities around Tarraleah: Bronte Park Bronte Park, Dee Dee Butlers Gorge, Bronte Park Tarraleah Dee Southwest Wayatinah Wayatinah

A large section of the town was purchased in 2023 by Hydro Tasmania for $11 million.^[2]

Geography

The locality is about 53 kilometres (33 mi) north-west of the town of Hamilton,^{[citation needed]} 120 km north-west of the state capital Hobart,^[3] and slightly closer to Queenstown.

The Derwent River flows through from west to south, where it forms part of the southern boundary. Lake Binney is contained within the locality, as is Tarraleah Power Station.^[4]

History

Tarraleah is Aboriginal for 'brush kangaroo'^[3] or 'forester kangaroo.'^[5]

The township was built in the 1930s by the Hydro Electric Commission to house Tasmania's pioneering hydroelectricity officers and management.^[6][7][8][9] The power scheme and headquarters at Tarraleah commenced in 1934.^[3]

Nive Road Post Office opened in 1934 and was renamed Tarraleah in 1935.^[10] Tarraleah was gazetted as a locality on 10 November 1971 and confirmed on 15 March 1972.^[5]

Road infrastructure

The Lyell Highway passes through from south-east to north. Fourteen Mile Road starts at an intersection with Lyell Highway and runs north-west until it exits.^[5][11]

Amenities

The area is noted for its alpine lakes and mountains, and many hydro-electric dams, canals and giant steel pipeways. Tarraleah is located along the Lyell Highway, and is only a short distance from both Lake King William and Bronte Lagoon. Lake Lipootah and Bradys Lake are also close by.

After a multimillion-dollar redevelopment,^[12] the former Hydro construction village has become an estate that comprises Tarraleah Lodge with accommodation, recreation, and dining options. Fresh water trout fishing, boating, bushwalking, mountain biking and kayaking are all popular activities in and around the township. Tarraleah is also home to a high-altitude golf course.