Waterhouse Conservation Area - TAS

Waterhouse Conservation Area is a well-kept secret near Bridport in Tasmania’s far north-east. This tranquil wetland community encompasses a diverse range of vegetation, including one of the largest areas of heathland on the North-East Coast. Vast relict dune systems, formed during the Ice Age, tower over the horizon in the north of the reserve.

The conservation area houses three major permanent deep-water lagoons, each with their own qualities. One of these – Little Waterhouse Lake – is listed under the Ramsar Convention as an internationally significant wetland and supports a diversity of species, including the rare Wolfia australis, which boasts the impressive title of being the smallest flowering plant in the world.

Waterhouse Conservation Area provides important habitats for nine threatened bird species, at least three types of threatened mammals and the rare freshwater dwarf galaxias fish. Blackmans Lagoon and its feeder creeks are the most significant site in Tasmania for the precious green and golden frogs.

?Mention the Waterhouse Conservation Area to a resident of North-East Tasmania and their eyes light up. It is the ultimate camping destination for hundreds of families who have been visiting the area for generations. Campers flock to the reserve in summer, often for weeks at a time, to explore the area by vehicle (4WD recommended?? on unsealed roads) or boat, to fish and to enjoy beach-based activities. Hunting waterfowl is popular from March to mid-June. Anglers converge during trout season from late winter to early spring in the hope of catching a trophy trout from Blackmans Lagoon.

Campsites are plentiful but basic and visitors need to be self-sufficient. This includes bringing water, toilet paper, food and, at some sites, portable toilets. If there are no fire restrictions in place also bring pre-cut firewood (including kindling).