Tassie might be Australia’s smallest state but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty and experiences. The place is like a mini version of Australia with a thriving art scene, vibrant food culture, incredible wine regions and some of the nation’s best national parks.
And then there’s the people. While often the butt of jokes from those of us on the mainland, you won’t meet friendlier people than the local Tassie residents.
Having put the spotlight on the best small towns in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, it’s time for the Apple Isle to get its flowers.
Here are the best small towns in Tasmania we think are worth a visit.
Bothwell
The gateway to Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Bothwell is a quaint town that was first settled by Scottish farmers in the 1820s. It’s home to Australia’s first-ever golf course, Ratho Farm, where you can play 18 holes before dropping into the Georgian-style Castle Hotel for a decent feed and a couple of light ales.
Speaking of food, besides the Castle Hotel, you’re only other options are Sealy’s Cafe & Gifts, where you can grab a sausage roll and vanilla slice, and Bothwell Super Store. Not the place for those who enjoy long lunches.
The town itself has over 50 heritage-listed buildings, including the impressive St Luke’s Uniting Church, thought to be one of the oldest churches in Australia.
Other noteworthy attractions include the Australian Golf Museum, the unique tourist attraction known as the Pub with No Beer and the picturesque Mount Adelaide which offers spectacular views of the town and the rolling hills that surround it.
Sheffield
A short drive from Devonport, Sheffield is a farming region tourists flock to for its colourful murals adorning buildings and walls throughout the town. Over 140 murals populate the town, with Sheffield Mural Park housing some of the most creative artworks.
Get some fresh air with a bushwalk through Mount Roland Conservation Area and Regional Reserve, and if you’re feeling game, try hiking the challenging Mount Roland—the views won’t disappoint.
Water sports (rowing, canoeing, waterskiing, swimming and fishing) are all the rage at Lake Barrington while the nearby Kimberley Warm Springs are great for anyone in need of a relaxing dip.
When it comes to dining, Sheffield has a vibrant cafe scene, with Mountain Mumma and The Epicurean Cafe, which is known for its homemade cakes, our top picks.
If it’s craft beer you’re after, jump in the car and head to Seven Sheds Brewery just a town over in Railton. It’s well worth the commute.
Penguin
You’ve probably guessed the main attraction of this coastal town in Tassie’s north. Penguins can be spotted arriving on the beach each evening from November to March. The best way to experience this nightly event is by taking a tour, with several companies offering well-priced outings.
You’ll also encounter plenty of man-made penguins around town. There’s the Big Penguin—a 3-metre-tall fibreglass penguin erected in 1975 in celebration of the town’s aquatic friends—penguin-decorated rubbish bins and several murals painted on buildings.
If it’s non-penguin activities you’re after, tackle the Penguin Mountain Bike Trail, trek up Mount Montgomery and enjoy the stunning views or have a picnic at Johnsons Beach Reef, where you’ll also find a free 9-hole golf course.
The Penguin Heritage Trail takes in 26 historic sites, including the Dutch Windmill and the Uniting Church, while Penguin Beer Co is a great spot for a local brew and counter meal. We suggest sampling the Royal Penguin Chocolate Ale. It makes for a great dessert.
Stanley
Less than 500 people live in Stanley, making it a great weekend spot for those looking to escape the rat race for a few days. Similar to most small towns in Tassie, Stanley is easy to navigate, with several pubs and restaurants nestled amongst its Colonial-style buildings.
As one of the main fishing ports in northwest Tassie, fresh seafood dominates the menus of local eateries, including Hursey Seafoods and Stanley Hotel Bistro. For those who enjoy casting a line themselves, take a fishing charter and catch your own dinner.
If it’s nature you’re after, Stanley is home to the Nut—an extinct volcano offering awesome views of Stanley and the surrounding coastline—along with several national parks and nearby forest areas ideal for hikers.
Those interested in politics should visit Joe Lyons Cottage—the birthplace of Tasmania’s only Prime Minister, Joseph ‘Honest Joe’ Lyons, who served in office from 1932 until his death in 1939.
Cygnet
Less than an hour south of Hobart, Cygnet is in the heart of Tasmania’s fruit-growing industry, with the fertile land chock full of fruit orchards growing apples, cherries and berries.
The town itself is quite artistic, attracting backpackers and alternate lifestyle types, with several galleries, craft stores and recording studios found throughout its streets.
When it comes to things to see and do, the Cygnet Living History Museum and Lovett Gallery Cygnet are both worth investigating. If you’re there on a weekend, head along to The Cygnet Market (held on the first and third Sunday of each month) and grab some local produce. Music lovers should visit in January for the annual Cygnet Folk Festival which always delivers a fantastic couple of days of music.
Pubs and cafes are at a premium, with most visitors spending their afternoons getting loaded at the plethora of nearby wineries. We recommend Sailors Seeks Horse, Hartzview Vineyard, and Altaness. Cider lovers should try the selection offered at Pagan Cider Cellar Door.
Strahan
Strahan is a remote harborside town that’s become quite the tourist spot over the years. Surrounded by 19 national parks, outdoor adventuring is life. There are several great walks you can take in and around town while Rindeena Lookout, also known as Hall’s Creek Lookout, is a short car ride away.
Take a cruise down Gordon River—which includes a stop on Sarah Island where you can explore the ruins of Macquarie Habour Penal Station—go ATVing or sandboarding down Henry Dunes and enjoy the tranquillity of Ocean Beach, Tassie’s longest stretch of beach spanning more than 30kms.
If you’re planning to stay a few days there are several caravan parks and cheap hotels in town, while the local restaurant scene is decent considering Strahan has a population of under 700. Our picks include the award-winning Risby Cove, The Coffee Shack, View 42˚ Restaurant and the Regatta Point Tavern with its seafood-heavy menu.
*Be warned, many of these restaurants close for a few months over winter so be sure to double-check opening times.
Deloraine
Deloraine makes a great base for anyone wishing to explore Cradle Mountain, the Great Western Tier or the Central Highlands, all of which are within a reasonable distance of this charming small town.
Home to the annual Tasmania Craft Fair, which attracts close to 20,000 people, Deloraine is chockers with arts and crafts stores. The fantastic Sculpture Trail gives you a chance to explore the town on foot while scoping out some amazing art, with several noteworthy galleries and studios dotted around town.
Other fun activities around the region include exploring Marakoopa Cave in Mole Creek Karst National Park, hiking up Cradle Mountain and going river sledging (a cross between kayaking and paddle boarding) down the Meander River.
If it’s good food you’re after, Deloraine has you covered. Go cheese tasting at Ashgrove’s Dairy Door, enjoy lunch at Deloraine Deli, dine in an old bike factory at Cycles at the Empire and finish the night at Bush Inn Brewhouse with a pint of the good stuff.
Richmond
If you’re looking for a great day trip from Hobart, put Richmond near the top of your list.
Deep in the Coal River Valley, Richmond is famous for its historical sites, including Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge built by convicts in the 1820s that’s still in use, and Richmond Goal, the oldest jail in Australia that opened in 1825.
Other notable areas of interest nearby are the Old Hobart Town Model Village, Zoodoo Zoo, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the Pooseum, which, you guessed it, is dedicated to poo.
Along with a heap of historic spots, Richmond is also part of Tassie wine country, with some of the state’s best cellar door experiences close by. Wobbly Boot Vineyard, Every Man and His Dog Vineyard and Puddleduck Vineyard are three worth a mention.
Wilmot
Known as the Valley of the Views due to the incredible views of Tassie’s northern mountains, Wilmot is a small town with a population of around 300. Not only is the surrounding area beautiful, but Wilmot itself offers plenty for everyone from couples to families.
Nature loves will get a kick out of Froth Falls, Wilmot Lookout and Burton’s Lookout, while Lake Barrington is great for swimming, waterskiing and canoeing, although you need to be wary of the speedboats that takeover during the summer months.
No visit is complete without following the Wilmot Letterbox Trail, consisting of around 80 novelty letterboxes resembling everything from a yellow submarine to a Dalek from Dr Who.
The Wilmot Museum and Information Centre and Wilmot Country Store are also great spots to discover more about the town’s history.
Geeveston
Another fantastic day trip from Hobart is Geeveston. Set amongst the beautiful rolling hills of Huon Valley, this small town has plenty of B&Bs and restaurants for a romantic getaway.
Take a leisurely stroll around town and visit the Heritage Park before continuing along the Geevston Platypus Walk where you might be lucky enough to spot one of Australia’s native creatures in the Kermandie River.
There are plenty of art and craft stores in Geeveston while the nearby Port Huon is a historic port town with a lighthouse, museum and plenty of great eateries.
Tasmania’s wilderness is right on your doorstep, with The Hartz Mountains National Park and Cockle Creek National Park great for walking and hiking. Tahune Airwalk is also highly recommended. Here you can enjoy several walks through the forest, try hang gliding or experience the Airwalk—an elevated walkway some 30 metres above ground that allows you the chance to walk through the canopy of some of the tallest trees in the world.
