Lake Highway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake HighwayTasmania |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Highway |
| Length | 152 km (94 mi) |
| Route number(s) |  A5Deloraine — Melton Mowbray |
| Former route number |
 State Route 5 |
| Major junctions | |
| North end |  Bass HighwayDeloraine, Tasmania |
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| South end | Midland Highway Melton Mowbray, Tasmania |
| Location(s) | |
| Major settlements | Brandum, Liawenee, Wihareja, Steppes, Bothwell, Apsley |
| Highway system | |
| Highways in Australia National Highway • Freeways in Australia Highways in Tasmania |
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Meander Valley Road
Marlborough HighwayThe Lake Highway, also known as the A5, is an important road in Tasmania, Australia. It stretches for 152 kilometres, connecting the southern part of Tasmania to the north. This highway is famous for being one of the highest roads in Tasmania, often covered in snow during winter.
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About the Lake Highway
The Lake Highway is a main road in Tasmania. Even though it's still called the Lake Highway, its official name was changed in 2001 to the Highland Lakes Road.
Where Does It Go?
The Lake Highway begins near Melton Mowbray in southern Tasmania. It travels 152 kilometres (about 94 miles) north. The biggest town you'll pass along the way is Bothwell. The highway ends in Deloraine in northern Tasmania.
What's Special About It?
Until recently, the Lake Highway was unique in Australia. It was the only major A-road that wasn't completely paved. This meant parts of it were still dirt or gravel. However, all the paving work was finished in April 2019, so now it's a smooth ride!
The highway isn't used by many cars, except during the summer. That's when people travel to and from Great Lake. This lake is a popular spot for fishing and holidays.
High Up in the Mountains
A big part of the Lake Highway goes through Tasmania's Central Plateau. This area is very high up, averaging about 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) above sea level. Because it's so high, the road often gets covered in snow during the winter months. This can make it tricky to drive on, and sometimes it even has to close.
Other Roads You Can Take
Two other important roads branch off from the Lake Highway:
- The Marlborough Highway connects to the A10 Lyell Highway.
- Poatina Road (B51) leaves the Lake Highway north of Steppes. This road goes steeply down a mountain range called the Great Western Tiers. It leads to Poatina, which used to be a village for workers building a hydro-electric power station.
