HISTORIC TROUT HATCHERY
The Salmon Ponds, circa 1861, is the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere. It was the birthplace of trout in Australia and the origin of Tasmania’s legendary trout fishery.
Take a walk back in time amidst the historic buildings, hatchery and fish ponds – all set within the original 19th century English style public open space of superb trees, hedges and lawns.

HATCHERY PRODUCTION
The Salmon Ponds has operated since the 1860s and is owned by the Inland Fisheries Service. Trout raised here, using eggs harvested from wild fish, are used to complement Tasmania’s world renowned fishery.
Learn about the various stages of the life cycle of trout, the growing period from May to November, and about the challenges overcome in transporting salmon and trout from England to Australia in the mid 1800s.

Pictured is the old fish trap on the Plenty River just North of the Salmon Ponds in the early 1800s,. Brown Trout were caught in the trap, then stripped of ova for the first stage of the hatchery process.

GARDENS AND PONDS
The largest of the ponds is the Rainbow Trout pond, located near the entrance and fish feed dispenser. Rainbow Trout up to 8 kilograms cruise up and down the pond, waiting to be fed.

The pond is surrounded by large evergreen and exotic trees up to 140 years old.