Lake Barrington

Lake Barrington is a 10-kilometre-long artificial reservoir on the Forth River in the Kentish local government area near Wilmot in northern Tasmania. Created between 1969 and 1971 by the construction of Devils Gate Dam for hydroelectric power generation by the Hydro-Electric Commission, it lies among forested hills. It is nationally and internationally known for the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course, a premier rowing venue, and is popular for water skiing, fishing and lakeside recreation.

Visitors can expect a long, narrow reservoir set in steep, forested hills with calm waters. The northern end features the Lake Barrington International Rowing Course with pontoons, grandstands and timing facilities. There are foreshore picnic areas, boat ramps, jetties and lookouts, including views of Devils Gate Dam. Activities centre on rowing, water skiing, kayaking, fishing and photography, with walking and picnicking along the shoreline. The setting is quiet and natural, with limited commercial development.

Lake Barrington was formed between 1969 and 1971 with the construction of Devils Gate Dam on the Forth River by the Hydro-Electric Commission, now Hydro Tasmania, as part of the Forth River hydroelectric power scheme. The 84-metre double-curvature arch dam created a reservoir approximately 10 km long for power generation. In the 1980s the lake was developed as an international rowing course and has since hosted Australian Rowing Championships and international regattas.

The lake is a significant sporting venue in Tasmania, recognised nationally for rowing and water skiing culture. It serves as a community recreation area for the Kentish region and is associated with Tasmania's hydro-industrial heritage.