Scottsdale (Photo: Tourism Tasmania and Owen Hughes)

The medium sized town of Scottsdale is set amongst fertile agricultural lands which meet the higher hills of areas like Mount Scott and Mount Stronach. Bushwalking is a very popular pastime here or there are a number of less strenuous walks available too. The town has a selection of hotels to choose from if you’re staying for more than just the day.

What to See and Do in Scottsdale
Named after the surveyor, James Scott, who first surveyed this area of land in 1855, Scottsdale was established as a farming community because it had, and still does have, some of the most fertile lands on the whole of Tasmania.

Forest EcoCentre – The Forest EcoCentre is run by Forestry Tasmania and is an educational visitor centre established to tell visitors more about the forestry industry on Tasmania. The funny thing is that the forestry industry is somewhat controversial, yet the centre was designed in such as way as to be environmentally friendly. Anyway, entrance is free and you can enjoy the small walkway which takes you around with information about the industry to read along the way.

Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm – Particularly popular during the summer months of December and January when the lavenders are in full bloom and the main attraction is the beautiful fields full of lavender. Guided tours are offered.

Mt Stronach and Mt Scott – Bushwalking up one of both of these hills is popular and the views from the top are worth it! You can see north east Tasmania, and on a clear day even as far as the Furneaux Islands.

Cuckoo Falls – A walk to Cuckoo Falls is also highly recommended. Although not a highly demanding walk it can take about 3 hours return and does involve some inclines. But the view of the falls set in the forest is very pretty.

Shopping and Dining – Although there aren’t huge numbers of shops and restaurants in Scottsdale there are a number of locally owned stores and places to eat. Choose from pies and pasties for a snack, or a restaurant with a full menu if you’re staying for dinner. The art gallery on Alfred Street is a good place to see some locally produced art works and perhaps buy a picture to take home a bit of Tasmania!

Visit Book it Now for a great selection of Scottsdale Accommodation.

‘Touring Tasmania – Scottsdale’ by Claire Bolgil

Flinders Island (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & John de la Roche)

From Gladstone we took the road to Bridport, on Tasmania’s northern coast. Like so many other coastal towns Bridport is a popular summer holiday tourist destination and offers beaches, safe swimming and a whole host of water sports. In 2004 Bridport also became a popular destination for golfers and from the town you can get flights or a ferry service to Flinders Island.

Being a popular tourist town there are a number of hotels and other Bridport accommodation here in if you want to stay a night or two.

Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course
Opened in 2004, the Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course is just outside the town of Bridport. This spectacular course with its coastal location really reminds me of the famous St Andrews Old Course in Scotland, and Barnbougle is quickly establishing itself with an excellent reputation. Within just a few years it has become ranked in the top 50 best golf courses in the world, and it is in fact Australia’s number one public golf course. Golf lovers should definitely bring their clubs!

Flinders Island
Flinders Island is located 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) off the northern tip of Tasmania and is part of the Furneaux group of islands. These islands were discovered in 1773 by Tobias Furneaux, after whom they’re named. Being an island the only ways to get here are by ferry service or there is also a light aircraft service operating out of Bridport.

One of the main attractions of the island is the Strzelecki National Park. Named after a famous Polish explorer, Sir Paul Edmund Strzelecki, the park was established in 1967. It is best known for its high numbers of endemic species – these are species which are found only here, so it’s a great place to see many rare and interesting species of plants. There are also a great many animals and bird life here too. The park is also good for hiking, rock climbing and sea kayaking. There are some great Flinders Island accommodation spots too.

From Bridport you can continue along the northern coast to the next major town, George Town which sits on the Tamar River estuary. We have decided to leave George Town for another day, so head south instead to Scottsdale, a medium sized town set in attractive surrounds with a great many bushwalking opportunities!

‘Touring Tasmania – Bridport and Flinders Island’ by Claire Bolgil