Salmon Ponds

Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens is a historic trout hatchery located at Plenty in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, about 45 minutes from Hobart. Established in 1861, it is the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere and the birthplace of trout fishing in Australia. The site features original ponds, a museum, landscaped English-style gardens, and a cafe, preserving the history of salmon and trout introduction to Australia.

Visitors can explore a series of historic ponds holding large brown and rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, feed the fish, visit the Museum of Trout Fishing with original hatching equipment, stroll through landscaped English-style gardens with mature trees, view heritage buildings including the 1860s hatchery cottage, and use the on-site cafe, gift shop and picnic areas in a tranquil rural setting on the Plenty River.

Established in 1861 as the Plenty Salmon Ponds, it was the site of the first successful introduction and acclimatisation of brown trout (1864) and rainbow trout (1898) to the Southern Hemisphere. Using ova shipped from England, the hatchery enabled the spread of trout fishing across Australia and New Zealand and retains original ponds, hatching houses and cottage from the 1860s.

Recognised as the birthplace of trout fishing in Australia, the site is heritage-listed and holds cultural importance for recreational fishing heritage. Its museum, gardens and preserved buildings reflect 19th-century acclimatisation efforts and ongoing community connection to freshwater angling in Tasmania.