7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Tasmania
Situated off the southern edge of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is a land of grand landscapes, bunched-up towns, and unspoiled history. While most visitors come for the wilderness adventures, the surprise is how beautiful and full of character the small downtowns are. From Richmond's Georgian shopfronts to Deloraine's riverfront alleys of bohemian charm and the beachy charm of Stanley, these towns are more than a rest stop. These are seven of Tasmania's most stunning downtown strips—and precisely why each is worthwhile visiting.
Richmond
Just 25 minutes from Hobart, Richmond is one of Tasmania's most visually perfect towns. Its heart is best known for colonial architecture, including the 1825-built Richmond Bridge, the oldest stone bridge in Australia. Walk down the aptly named Bridge Street and visit the Old Hobart Town model village, an exquisitely accurate replica of 1820s Hobart. Richmond Bakery provides local favourites such as scallop pies, and Peppercorn Gallery sells Tasmanian woodcrafts lovingly handcrafted as souvenirs to take home. For further history and depth, Richmond Gaol (1825) transports you to the unvarnished realities of convict life. The town is surrounded by wineries like Pooley Wines and is a great place to start for both visiting and tasting.
Stanley
Located on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Stanley is dominated visually by The Nut—a massive volcanic plug that you can walk up or ride to by chairlift. Just as noteworthy, however, is the downtown strip along Church Street. It's lined with heritage cottages, boutique shops, and the fabulous Stanley Hotel Bistro. The Joe Lyons Cottage (the birthplace of Australia's 10th Prime Minister) offers a brief lesson in history. Drop into Providore 24 for local produce and pantry staples, or have a leisurely brunch at Touchwood Cafe Stanley. With beachfront only a block or two from the city centre and ocean air in the air, it is like a peaceful haven from the past.
Deloraine
Deloraine sits in the Meander River and has one of Tasmania's most innovative downtown areas. Its central street is lined with art galleries, antique stores, and cafes like Deloraine Town Cafe, which boasts great coffee and Tasmanian artwork. Visit Yarns Artwork in Silk, an interactive exhibition in the community center showcasing Tasmania's natural and cultural heritage in giant-sized textile panels. Nearby, the Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum delves into settler times in the region. There is a riverside walk along the back of Emu Bay Road called Deloraine Riverbank Reserve, with glimpses of sculpture, murals, and the historic railway bridge. The Tasmanian Craft Fair is held in November, featuring craftspeople and tourists occupying the whole town.
Evandale
Evandale, south of Launceston, is frozen in the past. Its Sunday market is Tasmania's finest, from antiques to fresh produce. The central street is lined with restored Georgian-era buildings, and places like Ingleside Cafe serve up hot meals in a converted old council chambers building. Phone in to the Evandale Village Store for homewares and presents, or drop into the Clarendon Arms Hotel for a local beer in old-fashioned pub surrounds. The nearby Clarendon Estate - National Trust Tasmania, an opulent colonial house, is well worth the visit, with its brief detour off track. Every February, the town hosts the occasional National Penny Farthing Championships, which draw crowds and riders far and wide.
Oatlands
Oatlands has one of Australia's largest collections of Georgian sandstone buildings, many of which are located in the town's central business district. The cream of the crop is Callington Mill, an operational 1837-built windmill that has been recently refurbished and is now open for guided tours and tastings at the in situ distillery. Its main strip also features charming local favorites like The Imbibers wine bar and Oatlands Handmade, a local crafts store. Pop into The Pancake and Crepe Shop, which has a historic atmosphere with delicious pot pies. Visitors have said the environment feels like home. Furthermore, Lake Dulverton is scenic, with walking trails within walking distance of town.
Cygnet
In the Huon Valley, Cygnet's central business district reflects its image as a community of artists, musicians, and foodies. Mary Street is the street to visit, full of character. Red Velvet Lounge is a popular spot for modern Tasmanian cuisine, and Lovett Gallery and the Huon Art Exhibitions Group feature art by locals and more. Call into Cygnet Old Bank Bed and Breakfast for a coffee or lunch in a beautifully restored heritage building. Weekends bring local produce, preserves, and crafts to town at the Cygnet Market. It's also a good base to head to the Huon River or Bruny Island via local ferry terminals.
Queenstown
Queenstown is visually distinct from anywhere else in the state by Tasmania's wild west coast. The central business district on Orr Street maintains its mining-era looks, including weathered facades and craggy-around-the-edges appeal. Stop by the Paragon Theatre, an Art Deco gem now screening films and events. The West Coast Wilderness Railway station is a block away and provides heritage steam train travel through the rainforest. Pick up lunch at Tracks Cafe, which is within the railway station, and visit the Galley Museum for regional mining history and unique photography. The dreamlike, moonscaped hillsides encircling the town finish off the otherworldly ambiance.
Tasmania’s small-town downtowns are more than just pretty backdrops—they’re windows into the island’s culture, history, and creative energy. From the windmill tours of Oatlands to the coastal quiet of Stanley and the artsy riversides of Deloraine, each strip has its own identity. Whether you’re traveling for food, heritage, or fresh air, these towns deliver the kind of experience that sticks with you. In 2025, avoid the big cities and let Tasmania's small towns provide you with a real taste of this incredible island state.
