Located 85 kilometres north of New Norfolk, Tarraleah was established as a residential town for the construction workers and families of the Hydro-Electric Scheme, and the employees of the project. The town was originally known as California, and the first construction in the area was a road into the settlement site, which was completed in November 1934.

A series of camps were established, and the 60 construction workers began building a cookhouse and communal wash house. By 1935 there were 370 men on site, and two constables were appointed to keep peace in the area. A church and a general store soon followed, as well as a town hall and a school which had an opening day attendance of 20 pupils. In 1938 the Tarraleah Power Station was opened, and work began on creating a permanent village on the site. 1940 saw the completion of the morale boosting road to Ouse. When war broke out, an Army Garrison was established in the town, and the station was camouflaged.

By 1942, all the civil construction in Tarraleah was completed, and only the permanent village was occupied by 17 families with a store and staff quarters. The old camp site was used to house men working on the Nive River scheme from 1947 onwards. In 1949 a permanent doctor was appointed to service the Highlands Commission Area.

Work on the Tungatinah Power Station began, and it continued until the project was completed in 1954. A year later the single men's camp was closed, despite the housing shortage in the village. A new Civic Centre was built in the village in 1956, and the population grew rapidly, with 173 children attending the school during this time.

In 1960, 80 more permanent homes were constructed, and a clean up of all unnecessary buildings began. Extensive village alterations were carried out in 1964, and included the construction of more permanent houses, and the creation of a swimming pool and other sports facilities.

Today this small town has a swimming pool, 9 hole golf course, a squash court, a shopping centre and a picnic area with a lookout with views of the power station. Tarraleah (aboriginal for Forester kangaroo) is situated in some beautiful and diverse countryside : you will drive through banks of tall wattle, then dense forest, then find yourself back on buttongrass plains. The landscape is ever-changing, and provides many opportunities for walks in unspoilt terrain. Visitors are welcome in the area, and will find the locals very warm and friendly.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes