Waddamana Power Station Museum

A deviation from the Lakes Hwy, to see Waddamana power station is well worthwhile. It was Australia's first commercial hydro station and has two sections A and B. Section A has two small bucket wheel type generators and seven later installed ones of about double the capacity of the smaller initial ones. There is also a newer section of the power station (B), with four later type generators which produced as much power as the nine machines mentioned above; although this section can only be viewed from a distance. The complete workings of a small machine and a bigger machine have been dissected for inspection in the first power station (A). Water to Waddamana station was redirected through the newer Poatina and other power stations as about four times as much power could be generated from the same quantity of water. The power station is in spotless condition and a tribute to those who look after it. There are also other smaller displays i.e. of old electric appliances and other displays of interest. The detour from the lakes Hwy, does not add much distance and although the road is unmade it is in good condition. Waddamana power station is well worth a visit and surprisingly there is no admittance fee. One of the original workers at the power station was there to answer questions. He was very friendly. (Date of experience: Feb, 2010 )