Plenty: Fishing History, Salmon Ponds and Gardens

The Salmon Ponds in Plenty combine fish breeding with the history of trout fishing. There are also historic buildings, a 19th-century-style garden and the Plenty River, where all fishing methods can be used.

The Salmon Ponds and the History of Trout Breeding

The Salmon Ponds in Plenty are the birthplace of trout breeding in Australia. Dating back to around 1861, they are also the oldest trout-breeding facility in the Southern Hemisphere. During a visit, you can observe fish at various stages of development. You can see young fish and adult brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon. The history explains the origins of the facility; the observable stages of development also give you a tangible insight into fish breeding.

Cottages and Fishing Heritage

The historic buildings tell different parts of this story. The Museum of Trout Fishing is housed in a cottage built in 1865 for the first manager of the Salmon Ponds. Stannards Cottage is home to the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. On the Riverside Walk, there is also “The Sanctuary”: the restored hut has been furnished as a fishing hut from the pioneering era of trout fishing in Tasmania. At these three sites, you’ll encounter different aspects of the story: the early management of the Salmon Ponds, the memory of angling, and the historic use of a fishing hut from the pioneering era.

Gardens, Old Trees and Possible Wildlife Sightings

The grounds themselves are also part of the appeal. The Salmon Ponds are considered a rare example of a 19th-century English-style public open space. A significant number of the trees there are 140 years old. For garden enthusiasts, both the design of the grounds and their mature trees are highlights.

Visitors interested in native wildlife may be able to see wild platypuses from the local area. However, a sighting is not guaranteed. Treat a platypus sighting as a possible bonus, not a fixed part of your visit.

Plenty River: Access and Fishing

The Plenty River can be reached from New Norfolk via the B62 or C610. The C610 leads to the middle and upper reaches of the river. You can fish the Plenty River using all methods. As fishing regulations may change, check the current rules before fishing.

Crêpes as a Tasty Stop

Pancakes by the Ponds specialises in savoury and sweet crêpes made in the traditional European style. If you’d like to include the restaurant in your dining plans, bear in mind that offerings may change.

Discover more destinations: Dunalley, Woodbridge, Adventure Bay, Currie, Hillwood, Port Latta, Bream Creek, Port Arthur.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.