Scottsdale (Tasmania)
From World travel guide
Scottsdale is a town of of approximately 2000 people located in north-east Tasmania, Australia. The closest city is Launceston, 70km away. The small town is in a "chocolate box" setting, complete with rolling green paddocks, red volcanic soil and surrounding blue-tinged hills. It is a great base to explore the unspoiled Tasmanian forests, deserted beaches and pretty countryside.
Contents |
Get in
To get to Scottsdale, drive from Launceston via the Tasman Highway (1 hour) or the Lilydale Road (also one hour). If arriving via Lilydale Road, be sure to turn into King St and not miss the town completely, as this is possible after the re-diversion of the entry to the town.
Redline Coaches serve Scottsdale, there are a couple a day from Launceston and Derby.
Get around
It's very easy to get around Scottsdale by foot, and is in fact one of the best ways to enjoy the country gardens and small "Tassie" town atmosphere.
See
The Forest EcoCentre, operated by Forestry Tasmania, was built in Scottsdale in the late 1990s, as an educational visitor centre designed to inform the public about the forestry industry in Tasmania.
Entry is free, and there's a small cafe and gift shop where you can buy some good presents for friends. The main thing to do is walk around a small walkway and read about the Tasmanian forestry industry. The Centre has received both criticism and praise for its innovative, environmentally friendly design, and its presentation of Tasmania's controversial forestry industry.
The EcoCentre closes at 5pm, so be careful not to arrive too late on a long summer day.
The Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm is a very popular attraction for all visitors to the Scottsdale area in December and January, when the lavender is generally in bloom. The farm is open from 9am to 5pm, there are guided tours, barbecues, a cafe, beautiful gift shop, and of course acres and acres of purple lavender in the unique setting of the Tasmanian bush.
Get there early in the day at the peak of the flowering season. Entry is around $5 or so, and well worth it if you appreciate beauty. If you are tight with your money, then you probably would think you're not getting enough value.
Do
Scottsdale is the centre of all activities bushwalking. Mt. Stronach, Cuckoo Falls, Mt Scott, and Myrtle Grove Forest Park are the closest bushwalks. Ask at the Forest EcoCentre, specifically the Forestry Tasmania office, for more information.
Fishing is a popular activity around Scottsdale.
A walk along one of the country roads around Scottsdale at night is a great experience for a city dweller - no safety concerns, no traffic, just fresh, country air, the open road and a starry sky.
Buy
If you want special Tasmanian gifts, definitely check out the gift shop and the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. It is well-stocked, not overpriced and has friendly, local staff.
Enjoy a stroll up Scottsdale's main shopping street to see the local traders. Roses Newsagency is one of the luckiest newsagencies in Tasmania if you fancy the lotto, with several millionaires having bought their ticket there.
Eat
For groceries, there is a well-stocked Woolworths supermarket on the corner of King and Victoria Streets.
For the local specialty, head to Poole's Pies and Pasties. Make sure you choose wisely between a curly pastie or a flakey pastie. Both have their pros and cons.
Drink
- Lords Hotel, Cnr King and George Streets. This is the main watering hole. People spill out onto the beautiful verandahs on a Friday or Saturday night. Good Tasmanian beer. Pub atmosphere.
Sleep
- Belle Cottage has pleasant, modern, spacious accommodation for a family or couple, right next to the EcoCentre.
Get out
Scottsdale is the ideal base to explore Bridport, Derby, Branxholm, and Winnaleah.
