Plenty – Trout Farming, Gardens and History

Plenty is closely connected with the history of trout farming: the Salmon Ponds have been the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere since around 1861 and were the birthplace of trout farming in Australia. The area also features historic buildings, a 19th-century English-style garden and the possibility of spotting wild platypuses nearby. If you are considering Plenty for a trip, you can choose between different focuses, including fishing history, gardens and wildlife observation.

Fishing history in several facets

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. Another historical perspective is offered by “The Sanctuary”: the restored hut on the Riverside Walk is furnished as a fishing hut from the pioneering era of Tasmanian trout fishing. The three places each have a different focus—on the early management of the Salmon Ponds, the history of angling and a hut from the pioneering era of fishing. Together with the history of trout farming, they help put the area’s fishing heritage into context not just through a date, but also through its buildings and their individual connections.

Fish farming itself is also part of the visitor experience. Visitors can observe fish at every stage of development, from fingerlings to adult brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon. The different species and sizes give a tangible impression of the breadth of fish at the Salmon Ponds. For people travelling together, this offers a different way to explore the site’s history than its historic buildings: here the focus is on the development of the fish, while there it is on the people and institutions associated with trout farming.

Gardens and possible wildlife sightings

The Salmon Ponds are also a rare example of a 19th-century English-style public space. A significant number of the trees are 140 years old. This age makes the garden more than just a backdrop to the fishing history: it points to a distinct, long-standing gardening tradition. During a visit, you may also catch a glimpse of wild platypuses nearby. A sighting is not guaranteed; it remains a possible addition to your visit, not a reliably scheduled activity.

River, fishing and a culinary break

The Plenty River can be reached from New Norfolk via the B62 or C610. The C610 leads to the middle and upper sections of the river. All fishing methods can be used on the Plenty River. As fishing regulations can change, check the current rules before fishing. The river offers a different focus from the Salmon Ponds: here it is about fishing opportunities on the river, while the hatchery, buildings and garden take centre stage there.

Pancakes by the Ponds specialises in savoury and sweet crêpes made in the traditional European style. As its offerings can change, check before your visit. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip to Plenty, choosing your preferred focus can help with planning: will fishing history, the garden with possible wildlife sightings, or the river and fishing be at the heart of your visit? This way, you can choose what to do in Plenty based on the experiences that matter to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lulworth, Austins Ferry, White Beach, Deviot, Ranelagh, New Norfolk, Bridport, Cradoc.

Go to the main travel overview: Tasmania.