7 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Tasmania

Around 150 miles off the coast of the Australian mainland, across the Bass Strait, lies the island state of Tasmania. At only 180 miles (290 kilometers) long and 175 miles (280 kilometers) wide, this fun-sized state packs quite a bit into a small package. When traveling here, you'll come across forests, rivers, and mountains like Mount Ossa, as well as 334 smaller islands. Among Tasmania's natural wonders, the tiny off-grid towns are true undiscovered treasures. These towns are the kind of places where a slower pace of life prevails, with some offering experiences like relaxing in a floating sauna in Derby, coming face to face with a bird of prey in Kettering, or having lunch near a waterfall in Snug. So, for those looking for a true small town experience in the Australian wilderness, make sure to put these 7 tiny off-grid towns on your 2026 travel list.

Bothwell

The River Clyde runs through Tasmania's central highlands, and along its shores, in a broad valley, intrepid travelers will find the town of Bothwell. Home to around 500 people, the wonderful town features a bevy of beauty and history. Start your visit with a stroll through the town at sunset to marvel at the historic buildings such as Wentworth House. Built in the 1830s, the Colonial Georgian-style home is two stories tall and has four or five bedrooms. At present, the home is not open to visitors, but it still makes for beautiful photos.

In addition to more than 50 historic buildings, Bothwell is home to Australia's oldest golf course, Ratho Farm. Built in the 1820s, the 18-hole course is still in operation and is open to non-members. In addition to the course, Ratho Farm offers comfortable accommodations in cozy historic farm buildings. And for a good meal while in town, make sure to pay a visit to the Castle Hotel Bothwell. Constructed in the Colonial Georgian style, the hotel has been providing room and board to weary and hungry travelers since 1829. From there, head to the heart of town at Queens Park. Spanning 1.4 acres, the park is perfect for picking a spot on the grass and relaxing after a day of history.

Liawenee

Founded in 1920, Liawenee is the coldest permanently inhabited place in Australia, with winter temperatures often dipping below freezing and summer temperatures reaching around 18 °C (64 °F). The town's name literally means "frigid" in the language of Tasmania's Aboriginal people.

Liawenee is the perfect sort of place for a laid-back experience, and thanks to its population of only two people, a permanently stationed police officer, and an Inland Fisheries officer, there is virtually no crime to speak of. Surrounded by mountains, including Split Rock, the town's ruggedly beautiful environment is on full display at the Liawenee Conservation Area, which is a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. But don't think that this area is all dry brush and beautiful green trees! Nearby, visitors will find Great Lake, perfect for swimming or boating for a unique view of the area. You can also expect to potentially see some of Tasmania's incredible wildlife, including birds of prey and the famed Tasmanian devil.

Thanks to the town's small size, the stars at night are on full display, with no light pollution to get in their way. Pick a spot, put down a blanket, and stargaze. To fully immerse yourself, check out the Lake Augusta Free Camping area, which is just a short distance from town. Just remember to bundle up at night!

Miena

About 120 miles from Tasmania's capital city is the town of Miena. Ironically, that number 120 is just slightly below the town's population of 127 residents who enjoy living there. While in town, visitors can spend time in the stunning Central Plateau Conservation Area, a rugged area that is the perfect place for camping and enjoying the scenery. But be warned, due to its remote location, it's important to make sure that gas tanks are full and batteries are charged before heading out.

For a safer or more modern experience, consider taking a guided tour, such as one offered by Miena Guiding Tasmania. The added benefit of having a tour guide is the opportunity to learn about the area's incredible history, which stretches back thousands of years. If sleeping in a tent doesn't seem appealing, the town is home to the Great Lake Hotel. Situated right on Haddens Bay, a bank of the Great Lake, the cozy 3-star hotel features a delicious menu including fresh fish from the nearby lake.

Branxholm

Beautiful Branxholm sits on the banks of the Ringarooma River, which is a perfect place to beat the summer heat with a swim or feel the breeze while tearing through the water on a motorboat. This lovely town is filled with lush green spaces and has stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges.

Visitors to Branxholm can get their blood pumping and adrenaline spiking as they rocket down any of the Blue Derby mountain bike trails. Just remember to wear a helmet! A short drive from town through stunning eucalyptus, myrtle, and blackwood trees will bring tourists to the Mount Paris Dam. Built by hand, the dam was constructed during the area's time as a central mining hub. Today, it serves as a wonderful photo spot, with waterfalls flowing beneath its pillars.

Make sure to have those cameras ready to take pictures of some of the area's incredible wildlife as well! When looking for a place to stay, The Gardener's Cottage is a must-visit. The cozy boutique cottage sits within the lovingly tended Gardens at Mara Ponds. In addition to a dazzling array of plant life, visitors may encounter wildlife such as kookaburras, wallabies, and platypus.

Kettering

With a population of just under 1,000 people, the coastal town of Kettering is one of the larger off-grid towns in Tasmania. But don't look at that as a deterrent. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the shoreline, listening to waves crashing onto shore while watching all of the boats that fill the marina. Speaking of boats, take a short ferry ride to nearby Bruny Island, known for unique wildlife viewing opportunities and gourmet food and drink.

Back in Kettering, the Raptor Refuge is a wonderful place to learn about the island's winged inhabitants, including a Tasmanian masked owl, swamp harrier, peregrine falcon, and more. After coming face to beak with some of nature's greatest winged works of art, stop in for a bite to eat at local favorite Kettering Café. From the café, enjoy a stroll to the Kettering Oval, which has long been a social hub where the Kettering Cricket Club plays matches during the warmer months. It's a great opportunity to support the team, learn a new sport, and enjoy the scenery at the same time.

Snug

The town of Snug is a short, scenic drive from the state capital of Hobart. First settled by Europeans in the early 1800s, it has grown to a population of 1,440. Snug is a must-visit town for those looking to enjoy the majesty of Tasmania's natural beauty. The close proximity to Hobart makes Snug a great day-trip destination from mainland Australia.

About an hour's walk along the Snug Falls Track through lush eucalyptus trees, nature lovers will find Snug Falls, an 82-foot-tall waterfall that flows to the mossy rocks below, as it has for millennia. This gorgeous area is a perfect spot to enjoy nature or take amazing photos, especially just after it rains. For a truly unique experience, pack a lunch and have a picnic near the falls. Just remember to take your rubbish with you to help keep the area clean and pristine! If a picnic isn't appealing, Snug has several great culinary options in town, like the popular Phoenix Restaurant.

Another key ingredient to Snug's diverse beauty is Snug Beach. The beautiful golden sand and calm blue waters are perfect for kayaking, swimming, or soaking in the sun. And best of all, the beach is just a stone's throw from the center of town!

Derby

Established in 1874, Derby is a former mining town that has grown to a population of 109. Visitors to Derby will find a historic town near the Ringarooma River, surrounded by beautiful emerald-green trees. A great way to get an up-close look at this nature is by taking a ride on the town's 78 miles of mountain bike trails. The trails were designed for all skill levels, from those looking for a leisurely ride to those hoping to (safely) set a land speed record.

After an enjoyable bike ride or hike, it's important to let the body rest. For those seeking a unique, deeply relaxing experience, the Floating Sauna is a true "must visit." The cozy wood-fired sauna offers a stunning view of Lake Derby while floating on its surface. However, the lake isn't just for ambiance! After heating up in the sauna, guests are encouraged to jump into the frigid water for an unforgettable experience.

As a former mining town, the Derby Tunnel remains a reminder of the past. Visitors can walk or bike through the 2,000-foot-long tunnel, but be warned that the stone ceiling is very low. If looking for a place to stay in town, the Dorset Hotel is a great choice with comfortable rooms and delicious food served in the pub below.

Going Off The Beaten Path In Tasmania

Tasmania is unquestionably one of the most amazing places on earth. The diverse vegetation, plant life, geography, and lifestyles, all combined in one small place, make Tasmania a must-visit for any intrepid traveler.

From off-the-grid towns in the state's mountains to seaside fishing towns and everything in between, Tasmania has something to offer everyone. One thing is for certain when visiting Tasmania: the memories made there will last a lifetime. Happy travels!