West Kentish: Lake Barrington and Rowing

West Kentish brings together Lake Barrington, rowing and rural accommodation in a clear travel theme. The lake is known for water sports and recreation, and is also renowned as an internationally ranked rowing course. At Manna Hill Farm Cottages, views of Mount Roland and the surrounding countryside are part of the stay. Here you’ll find ideas both for planning activities on the water and for choosing accommodation in West Kentish.

Lake Barrington: History and Rowing

Lake Barrington was created in 1969 as a water storage reservoir for electricity generation and developed into a hub for water- and nature-based recreation in north-west Tasmania. The Inland Fisheries Service’s 2024 brochure describes the lake as a protected Nature Conservation Area. Its sporting role also shapes the area: Lake Barrington is Tasmania’s international-class rowing course and has hosted the World Rowing Championships. The lake’s combination of an engineering history, protected status and subsequent recreational use gives it several facets to consider when choosing your travel interests.

Water Sports, Fishing and Time by the Lake

Lake Barrington is a popular place for rowing, water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing, camping and picnicking. The options range from sporting activities on the water to ways of combining your visit with camping or a picnic. If you’d like to bring different interests together in one trip, you can include these various recreational activities in your daily plans.

Fishing is also listed as a year-round activity in a 2024 fishing guide from the Inland Fisheries Service. Check the current regulations before fishing. This keeps the year-round information in its proper time context while allowing you to take the rules that apply to your visit into account.

Kentish Park and Getting Your Bearings by the Shore

Kentish Park is one of three key access points for recreational activities at Lake Barrington. Public toilets in the park are right by the lake shore on West Kentish Road in West Kentish. These location details give you a specific reference point when planning activities around the lake, and distinguish the park from the other two key access points.

Wine and Regional Picnic Platters

Lake Barrington Vineyard specialises in sparkling wines. Visitor offerings include picnic platters featuring local produce; check their current availability before your visit if you’re planning to enjoy one. The winery’s cellar door opened in 1993 and offered views of Lake Barrington and Mount Roland. The lake, the views of the landscape and the local focus of the picnic platters each give the winery a distinct connection to a stay in West Kentish.

Accommodation in West Kentish

Manna Hill Farm Cottages is in West Kentish and comprises two modern, self-contained holiday cottages. They are set on 50 acres of farmland and offer views of Mount Roland and the surrounding countryside. Eagles Nest Retreat is also in West Kentish and comprises four accommodations. Each can accommodate 2 to 8 guests, with a total capacity of up to 18 people. Guests have access to spas and on-site services such as a private chef or massages. These services are tied to a stay at the retreat, not to a visit as a general activity.

Discover more destinations: Hillwood, Fentonbury, Grove, Pipers River, St Marys, Moonah, Weldborough, Currie.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.