Central Highlands · Travel guide · Updated 2026

The Enchanting Central Highlands of Australia

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Nestled in the heart of Tasmania, the Central Highlands offer a mesmerizing landscape of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and rugged peaks. This region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting a variety of activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The cool, crisp air and breathtaking vistas make every moment spent here a memorable one. The Central Highlands are home to numerous national parks, including the renowned Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Here, visitors can embark on the famous Overland Track, a six-day trek through some of the most stunning scenery Australia has to offer. The park is also a sanctuary for unique wildlife, including the elusive Tasmanian devil. In addition to its natural beauty, the Central Highlands are steeped in history. The region’s charming villages and historic inns provide a glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial past. Many of these settlements have retained their original architecture, offering a quaint and picturesque experience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or delving into the area’s rich heritage, the Central Highlands promise an unforgettable adventure.

Kosciuszko National Park

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Kiama

Kiama Lighthouse

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

St George

Morton National Park

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Helensburgh

Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh Limited NSW Australia

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Turvey Park

City of Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Glen Innes

Australian Standing Stones

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Goulburn

Belmore Park

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Blackdown

Blackdown Tableland National Park

Discover the Central Highlands of Australia: a captivating blend of untouched wilderness, scenic trails, and historic charm, perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

When is the best time to go to Central Highlands?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsDec–Feb
Longest daylightOct–Feb
Driest periodJun–Sep

Explore places in Central Highlands

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Central Highlands sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

    Experience breathtaking views and rich biodiversity at the Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, your gateway to the Southern Highlands' natural wonders.

    Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre

    Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

    Discover the breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania's adventure wonderland.

    Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

    Centennial Vineyards

    Explore Centennial Vineyards in Bowral for exquisite wines, stunning landscapes, and an unforgettable Australian vineyard experience.

    Centennial Vineyards

    Red Cow Farm Garden

    Explore the lush beauty of Red Cow Farm Garden in Sutton Forest, New South Wales, where nature's serenity and vibrant blooms await every visitor.

    Red Cow Farm Garden

    The Big Potato

    Discover the whimsical charm of The Big Potato in Robertson, a must-see roadside attraction celebrating Australia's love for potatoes and local culture.

    The Big Potato

    Blackdown Tableland National Park

    Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Blackdown Tableland National Park in Queensland, Australia, a treasure for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

    Blackdown Tableland National Park

    Bowral Lookout

    Experience breathtaking views and rich history at Bowral Lookout, a must-visit destination in the stunning Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

    Bowral Lookout

    Artemis Wines

    Explore the exquisite wines and breathtaking views at Artemis Wines in the Southern Highlands, where every sip tells a story of the land.

    Artemis Wines

    Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre

    Explore the wonders of the Queensland Highlands at the Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre, your go-to source for local travel insights.

    Central Queensland Highlands Visitor Information Centre

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Kiama Lighthouse

    Guiding ships since 1887, Kiama Lighthouse offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history on the NSW South Coast.

    Kiama Lighthouse

    Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh Limited NSW Australia

    Explore the spiritual serenity of Sri Venkateswara Temple in Helensburgh, where stunning architecture meets rich cultural traditions.

    Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh Limited NSW Australia

    Kosciuszko National Park

    Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Kosciuszko National Park, Australia's majestic alpine playground.

    Kosciuszko National Park

    City of Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

    Experience the vibrant beauty and tranquility of the City of Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, a captivating destination for nature lovers in New South Wales.

    City of Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens

    Belmore Park

    Discover Goulburn's central park, a historic gathering place with monuments, gardens, and community events.

    Belmore Park

    Australian Standing Stones

    Discover a unique Celtic monument in the heart of New England, celebrating the heritage of Celtic pioneers in Australia.

    Australian Standing Stones

    Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

    Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tasmania, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures.

    Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

    Morton National Park

    Explore the breathtaking beauty of Morton National Park, a natural wonder in New South Wales filled with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

    Morton National Park

    Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool

    Discover the tranquil beauty of Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool, where natural hot springs meet stunning landscapes in the heart of the Snowy Mountains.

    Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Highlands Shopping Centre

    Explore the Highlands Shopping Centre in Craigieburn, where shopping, dining, and entertainment come together for an unforgettable experience.

    Highlands Shopping Centre

    Central Highlands Marketplace

    Explore the vibrant Central Highlands Marketplace in Emerald, QLD, where shopping, dining, and local culture come together in a delightful experience.

    Central Highlands Marketplace

    Highlands Hub

    Explore the Highlands Hub in Mittagong: Your ultimate shopping outlet destination with diverse brands and entertainment options.

    Highlands Hub

    Highlands Marketplace

    Experience the charm of Highlands Marketplace, a vibrant shopping hub in Mittagong with diverse shops, delightful food, and local culture.

    Highlands Marketplace

    High Street Bowral

    Explore High Street Bowral for a unique shopping experience filled with local flair, diverse dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere.

    High Street Bowral

    Blackwater Shopping Centre

    Discover shopping and local culture at Blackwater Shopping Centre, a vibrant hub in Queensland that offers diverse retail options and delightful dining experiences.

    Blackwater Shopping Centre

    The Reject Shop

    Explore The Reject Shop in Emerald, Queensland - your ultimate destination for budget-friendly shopping and unique finds.

    The Reject Shop

    Emerald Hobbies

    Explore Emerald Hobbies: A delightful paradise for hobbyists and collectors in the heart of Emerald, Queensland.

    Emerald Hobbies

    EB Games - Central Highlands Marketplace

    Explore the ultimate gaming destination in Emerald's Central Highlands Marketplace with a vast selection of video games, consoles, and community events.

    EB Games - Central Highlands Marketplace

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    File:Sydney opera house side view.jpg - Wikipedia
    Destination guide

    More about Australia

    Discover the endless wonders of Australia, where stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage await every traveler.

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    Explore Central Highlands in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Landscape at the foot of Mount Cradle. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair  National Park, Tasmania.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake from Marion's Lookout.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Descending to the small wall.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Liffey Falls, Liffey, Tasmania.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Marakoopa Cave-Tasmania-Australia01.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Great Lake, Tasmania.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Ben Lomond snow fields.JPG - Wikimedia Commons
    Mount Field National Park - Wikipedia
    File:Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Melaleuca.jpg - Wikimedia  Commons
    File:Derwent Valley Railway Bridge near New Norfolk.jpg - Wikipedia

    Planning another trip?

    Continue exploring nearby country regions around Central Highlands, from connected city edges to neighbouring counties, coastlines, and countryside escapes.

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