9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Tasmania
When people think of the Outback, some of the weirdest animals there, and the place where the British Empire sent most of their criminals after they lost the American Revolution, Australia comes to mind! But the small island of Tasmania, just at the bottom of Australia, also shares the same attractions—and a handful of unique ones—with the mainland. Where the Tasmanian Tigers once lived and where the Tasmanian Devils thrive, you will come across nine of the friendliest towns in Tasmania, promising all sorts of amusements, historical anecdotes, and outdoor wonderlands in this backyard place in Australia.
Queenstown
Nestled in the Queen River Valley and sheltered by Mount Owen on the West Coast Ridge, Queenstown is a majestic town named after Queen Victoria. Originally a mining hub for copper, silver, and gold at nearby Mount Lyell, it has evolved into a popular destination for those wanting to experience Tasmania's lush natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic mining sites at Iron Blow Lookout, enjoy lively shows at The Paragon Theatre, and ride a steam train along the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
From the Queen River’s orange waters to boating about in Lake Burbury, you will encounter eerie moonscapes best explored at the Mount Dundas Regional Reserve, Lake Beatrice Conservation Area, Princess River Conservation Area, and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, the latter being part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage site and one of the best national parks in Tasmania. Most importantly, you will find all sorts of lodgings like the Empire Hotel, the Gold Rush Inn, or the Penghana Bed and Breakfast.
Devonport
An hour away from the big city of Launceston, Devonport may be Tasmania’s third largest city, yet with a population of around 26,000 and a small town atmosphere along the Mersey River, it certainly feels like a more laidback and simpler community than what the big cities exude. Visitors can marvel at the vast expanse of the Bass Strait and might even spot the distant cityscape of Melbourne in mainland Australia at the historic, red-and-white Mersey Bluff Lighthouse. The Bass Strait Maritime Centre not only promotes informational exhibits of Devonport’s maritime history, but also entertains visitors to a computerized sailing simulator.
Meanwhile, the Don River Railway gives both an unforgettable locomotive ride through whatever town you choose and more insights into the revolution of industry in Tasmania. Home Hill, now a National Trust-listed property, used to be the home of one of the previous Prime Ministers of Australia, Joseph Lyons, his wife Dame Enid Lyons, and their 12 children. But to really see how friendly Devonport can be, head over to Lillico Beach to see the world’s smallest penguins waddling about on the shoreline. If you are intrigued by Devonport’s seaside delights, then you ought to book a room at The Grand on Macfie, Discovery Parks - Devonport, or Waterfront Apartments.
Evandale
About 19 kilometers south of Launceston, the picture-perfect town of Evandale creates an amicable air of surprises and newness for those wanting to experience the Tasmanian countryside. Originally a military post in 1811, many of Evandale’s historic buildings have retained their original shape to this modern milieu, as best seen in the Georgian architecture of the Saint Andrews Church, also known as the Uniting Church with its classical belltower and Doric columns.
A few historical figures were also born in Evandale and lived for some time in this friendly small town, including John Batman, who founded Melbourne in 1835, and John Glover, a renowned Australian artist whose seminal works are celebrated during the annual Glover Art Prize in March. At Rodgers Lane, you can find the statue of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Murray, who served in World War I, while at the Ben Lomond National Park, you can find many scenic spots to photograph the Tasmanian wilderness, such as Jacob’s Ladder. Last but not least, attend the National Penny Farthing Championships, held annually on the last Saturday in February, for fun and games. No need to worry about accommodations because the Prince of Wales Hotel will have you covered day and night.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a splendid vacation village about 94 kilometers away from the city of Hobart. With its access to the peninsular destinations in the Tasman National Park and Tasman Island, there are no deficit of desirable landmarks worthy of your admiration. Among these magnificent locations are the dynamic and rugged terrain best seen from the Three Capes Track; the sandstone caverns of the Remarkable Cave; the lush and peaceful orchards at Port Arthur Lavender; and the vivacious slopes of Mount Brown. However, Port Arthur is renowned primarily because of its captivating history as a former colony of the British Empire alongside Australia.
As a penal settlement of the British Empire in the 19th century, over 12,500 convicts helped build the foundations and architecture of modern Port Arthur. The Separate Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features solitary confinement cells that used mental punishment to discipline prisoners instead of floggings. Remaining structures built by convicts include the Convict Church and the ruins of an old penitentiary. Meanwhile, the Government Gardens were created by Commandant William Champ to entertain women and visitors, helping to keep the settlement lively. Since Port Arthur is free of rogues and ruffians, visitors can feel safe and welcome at friendly spots like Port Arthur Villas, Stewarts Bay Lodge, or The Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel.
Lunawanna
Lunawanna promises all the splendors and joys of Bruny Island from a small town so named after the Tasmanian Aboriginal name of said isthmus, Lunawanna-alonnah. Soak in the mesmerizing shorelines along Lunawanna at the Bruny Island Coastal Retreats. Traipse through the botanical gardens of the Inala Jurassic Garden, or delve into the Tasmanian wilderness of the Mount Mangana Forest Reserve and South Bruny National Park.
A bit further south are the Mount Bruny and Midway Forest Reserves, where you can find unique rock formations and caves at the southernmost point of Bruny Island. Travelers can explore more of Bruny Island via the Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours, or enjoy the calmer waters of the Cloudy Bay Lagoon. There is no end to the plethora of attractions and entertainment you can seek out in Lunwanna, so consider booking a room in one of the village’s resplendent establishments, such as the Little Belmont, Bruny Island Pier House, or the Hundred Acre Hideaway.
Richmond
Approximately 20 minutes from Hobart, the small town of Richmond is rich with over 50 historic buildings and other remnants of the past. Situated in Tasmania’s wine region along the Coal River and Derwent River, Richmond was where Tasmania’s first flour mill was constructed in the year 1815, and in the year 1823, Australia’s oldest bridge that is still in use was finished in order to connect Richmond with Hobart and other communities in the Tasmanian Peninsula.
Richmond also has the oldest intact jailhouse or goal in Australia from 1825 that incarcerated famous convicts like “Ikey Solomon”, whom most claimed was the inspiration for the sleazy character of Fagin in Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist. Aside from history, Richmond entertains newcomers with present delights, such as the forests of Mount Morrison Forest Reserve and the animals at Zoodoo Zoo. Those of you intrigued by Richmond’s wealthy wonders should definitely book a room at the Richmond Arms Hotel, The Mill House Cottage, or Hatcher’s Manor.
Cygnet
Nestled deep in the Huon Valley, about an hour and a half from Lunawanna, the vibrant village of Cygnet attracts visitors with its notable sights and charms. Whether you enjoy boat rides across Kangaroo Bay, the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, or along the Huon River, you'll enjoy the charming and colorful atmosphere that Cygnet offers to both visitors and locals. Visit the expansive farmlands at Hartzview Vineyard and learn about the history of farming and orchard work at the Heritage Pickers Hut Village.
While going around Cygnet, you will find “shacks” or secondary homes for many aspiring artists, musicians, and creative personalities in Tasmania and beyond who find Cygnet’s signature calmness a breath of air. Many of these individuals flock to Cygnet for the Cygnet Folk Festival, occurring on the last weekend of January. You will find nothing amiss and awry in Cygnet, especially when you are spending your restful evenings at either the Cygnet Old Bank Bed and Breakfast or Cygnet Hotel & Guesthouse.
Strahan
Most people say that you should not stray too far from familiar places. But in the town of Strahan, you can stray all you can and encounter all kinds of new attractions and destinations just 41 minutes west of Queenstown. With access to the Macquarie Harbour Historic Site and West Coast Range Regional Reserve, you can meander and roam the seaside and inland biomes Tasmania is renowned for. If you find sand appealing, you will certainly love the Henty Dunes, which are close to the Henty Forest Reserve along the Henty River.
Hop aboard cruise ships like The Spirit of the Wild for leisurely sojourns through the Gordon River and Macquarie Bay. Get a good view of the infinitely-stretched Great Australian Bight from the Ocean Beach Lookout, or take photographs of a vintage steam train at the Regatta Point Station, part of the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Finally, when you get exhausted from all the traveling, recharge and refresh yourself at the Risby Cove Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Motel Strahan, or Harrison House.
Penguin
Nothing is more friendly than having an animal companion in life. For the Tasmanian town of Penguin, there’s no better animal than penguins. Just 20 minutes west of Devonport, Penguin is a lively vacation spot on Tasmania’s north coast, popular with both visitors and penguins. The Fairy Penguins live nearby in rookery sites along coastlines between Ulverstone and Wynyard, most densely between September and March. The town features a 10-foot-tall penguin statue in the town square, perfect for group photos or selfies. Inland, you can also see other flightless birds or birds capable of flight at parks and reserves like Mount Montgomery State Reserve and Dial Range Forest Reserve. At night, you can rest comfortably, feeling as safe as a penguin in its rookery, at places like Penguin Seaside Homestay, The Madsen Boutique Hotel, or Seaside Farm.
Besides the dense rainforests where some of the oldest trees in the world continue to thrive, the friendliest towns in Tasmania will give newcomers an amicable greeting and vacation as well as guidance when exploring uncharted wildernesses in Tasmania’s habitats. You might encounter the largest carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian Devil, but you will also come across other friendly animals like penguins in Penguin and indulge yourself in surprising historical factoids in landmarks seen in Port Arthur and Devonport. For an island separated from Australia because of the Bass Strait, Tasmania is a new world on its own for travelers old and young to uncover memorable moments to savor.
