This village was developed initially as a Hydro-Electric Commission Village in 1948, as part of the Nive River Scheme. This village differed from others at that time, as much thought was put into town planning as opposed to the random aggregation of huts in the previous settlements.

By 1948 electric power was supplied to the village, a hospital (with a 4 bed ward and a 2 bed ward, surgery and pharmacy, a resident Sister and a visiting doctor), a school with 22 pupils and other facilities such as a dairy and a post office. By 1950 a general store, a butcher shop, a bakery, a barber shop and a newsagent had also been constructed.

1951 saw Bronte Park reach its peak, and the Protestant community built a church in the village. The Roman Catholics put in a request for a church of their own. In 1953 the official opening of the Pine Tier Dam took place, and by the following year the Tungatinah Power Station was completed.

Following the completion of this project men began to move towards the Lake Echo Scheme, but still civil construction was ongoing in the village. By 1957 however, the work in the village began to decrease, and the population began to decline. Plans were then made to create permanent fixtures in the area for those staying on.

Houses were moved to Poatina, and in 1959 the police station closed and the school was reduced to a room in the old hospital building. In 1960 the Power Branch assumed control of the village, and all construction workers were moved to various other projects.

Today Bronte Park is a holiday and leisure haven for tourists wishing to relax and unwind. The village is a perfect stop-over base from the west coast enroute to the south of Tasmania, or as a trout fishing base, due to the proximity of a variety of lakes.


Natural attractions

The presence of a myriad of lakes, including Lake St Clair near the town ensure its popularity with fishermen, and the village played host to the 1988 World Fly-Fishing Championships.

London Lakes Fly Fishing Lodge is situated near Bronte Park, and it is one of the only privately owned fly fishing resorts in all of Australia. Visiting anglers can fish from anywhere in the 1,300 acres of fishing waters. Prices include all accommodation, meals, local guide to the waters, transport and fishing tackle and licenses. For more information phone (002) 89 1159.

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