9 Prettiest Small Towns In Tasmania
There’s something about Tasmania that grabs hold of your imagination, the way mist hugs its mountain ridges, the sea sparkles against wild coastlines, and small towns spill warmth and character at every turn. Beyond Hobart and Launceston, the island’s heart beats strongest in its quiet corners: fishing villages on sapphire bays, mining towns reborn as creative havens, and Georgian streets that seem untouched by time. From the granite peaks of Freycinet to the rainforests of the wild west, each community offers its own flavor of Tasmanian life. These nine small towns invite you to slow down, breathe in the salt air or eucalyptus scent, and discover why the island’s most memorable adventures often happen off the main road.
Coles Bay
Cradled beneath the rose-tinted granite peaks of The Hazards and facing the tranquil waters of Great Oyster Bay, Coles Bay is Tasmania’s postcard-perfect coastal gem. It serves as the main gateway to Freycinet National Park, where the trail to Wineglass Bay Lookout rewards hikers with one of the most photographed views in Australia. If you’re feeling energetic, climb Mount Amos for a heart-stirring panorama of turquoise seas and rugged headlands.
After exploring, unwind with fresh oysters straight from the source at Freycinet Marine Farm or join a tasting at Melshell Oyster Tours. Coles Bay’s calm waters invite kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply basking on the beach. Stay amid the scenery at Freycinet Lodge, blending luxury with nature, or indulge in coastal refinement at Saffire Freycinet, a sanctuary where every suite frames the Tasman Sea.
Strahan
On Tasmania’s remote west coast, Strahan feels like a storybook port lost in time. Set along the vast Macquarie Harbour, it’s a launchpad into the wild heart of Tasmania’s World Heritage wilderness. A must-do is the Gordon River Cruise, which drifts through mirror-still water, ancient rainforest, and past the eerie ruins of Sarah Island, once a notorious penal colony.
Back on shore, hop aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a heritage steam train journey from Regatta Point that winds through gorges and waterfalls. Nature lovers can follow the short trail to Hogarth Falls in People’s Park or walk Ocean Beach for sunset views that seem to stretch forever. After a day of exploring, settle in for dinner overlooking the harbor at View 42° Restaurant or enjoy a cozy evening at one of the local pubs.
Swansea
Framed by sweeping views of Great Oyster Bay and the distant Hazards Mountains, Swansea is one of Tasmania’s prettiest east-coast escapes. The town’s relaxed rhythm pairs perfectly with its colonial streets, stroll along the Swansea Canal Heritage Trail, where charming cottages and old inns reveal tales from Tasmania’s early days.
Spend the afternoon beachcombing at Nine Mile Beach or exploring the coastal cliffs at Spiky Beach Reserve. For a taste of local flavor, stop by The Bark Mill Tavern, part of Australia’s last working bark mill, or sample cool-climate wines at Milton Vineyard or Craigie Knowe Vineyard nearby. As night falls, stargaze over the bay’s calm waters, and stay at one of the town’s seafront cottages or B&Bs where peace comes standard.
Richmond
Step back into the 19th century in Richmond, a picture-perfect Georgian village just a short drive from Hobart. Its stone cottages, quaint shops, and leafy streets look unchanged since colonial days. Walk across the iconic Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest still in use, and watch ducks glide beneath its arches.
Explore the fascinating Richmond Gaol, built in 1825, and imagine life inside its preserved cells. Visit St. John’s Catholic Church, the country’s oldest still-operating church, and wander the detailed miniature world of Old Hobart Town Model Village. When hunger strikes, pair handmade chocolates from Federation Artisan Chocolate with a glass of wine from Every Man and His Dog Vineyard. Richmond’s calm beauty and historical appeal make it one of Tasmania’s most beloved weekend getaways.
Port Arthur
Few places capture Tasmania’s haunting past like Port Arthur, where scenic beauty meets colonial sorrow. Once a penal settlement, today it’s one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites. Walk through the crumbling walls of the Penitentiary, stand beneath the open sky of the Convict Church, and tour the Separate Prison, where silence was part of the punishment.
Take a harbor ferry to the Isle of the Dead, where gravestones tell stories of convicts and officers alike. Afterward, lighten the mood with a visit to Port Arthur Lavender, where purple fields roll toward the sea, or toast the day with a locally distilled gin at McHenry Distillery nearby. Just 90 minutes from Hobart, Port Arthur’s mix of history, mystery, and natural splendor lingers long after you leave.
Queenstown
Queenstown is raw, rugged, and utterly unforgettable. Once the beating heart of Tasmania’s mining boom, the town’s surreal, ochre-colored hills and lunar landscape tell a story of endurance and transformation. Begin your visit with a stop at the nearby Iron Blow Lookout, where striking views reveal the town’s mining past carved deep into the mountains.
Next, tackle the short but scenic Horsetail Falls Track, where a boardwalk winds up the hillside to panoramic views of the valley. Explore Queenstown’s creative rebirth at the Paragon Theatre, a lovingly restored Art Deco venue hosting films, live shows, and cocktails beneath vintage chandeliers. For hearty fare and a true sense of place, dine at the Empire Hotel or the Moonscape Wine Bar & Café on Orr Street, where old miners’ tales mix with new artistic energy.
Evandale
Charming and timeless, Evandale sits gracefully along the South Esk River, exuding old-world allure. This Georgian beauty near Launceston is best explored on foot along High Street, lined with heritage buildings like the Clarendon Arms Hotel, two St. Andrew’s churches, and the quirky water tower shaped like a chess rook.
Sundays bring the lively Evandale Market, where locals trade antiques, crafts, and farm produce amid music and laughter. A short drive away, Clarendon House, one of Tasmania’s grandest colonial estates, offers guided tours through lavish rooms and riverside gardens. Time your visit for February, when high wheels take over the streets for the National Penny-Farthing Championships, celebrating cycling’s earliest days.
Penguin
Cute by name and by nature, Penguin sits on Tasmania’s northwest coast, blending coastal beauty with a playful streak. The town’s beloved Big Penguin, a 3-meter statue overlooking the beach, sets the tone for a cheerful seaside stay. Follow the Penguin Heritage Trail, which links historic sites like the old Dutch windmill and early settlers’ cemetery.
Sundays are for browsing Penguin’s Undercover Market, northern Tasmania’s largest, where local artisans sell everything from preserves to handmade jewelry. For outdoor time, hike the nearby Dial Range trails or ride the tracks at Penguin Mountain Bike Park. Stay for sunset, when the coast glows gold, and if you visit in November, you might catch the adorable nightly return of little penguins to their nests west of town.
Cygnet
Nestled between the Huon River and D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Cygnet is a creative hub wrapped in orchard country and calm waters. Its main street hums with galleries, organic cafés, and local makers that reflect the region’s artistic soul. Visit Cygnet Living History Museum, housed in a former church, to trace the town’s early settler roots and maritime past.
Food lovers can head to Fat Pig Farm, where paddock-to-plate dining celebrates Tasmania’s seasonal produce, or sip crisp ciders at Pagan Cider, one of the Huon Valley’s finest. Each January, the Cygnet Folk Festival fills the town with music and joy, drawing artists and audiences from across the country. With boutique lodgings and countryside allure, Cygnet delivers a weekend escape that feels effortlessly genuine.
Where Tasmania’s Heart Still Beats
Tasmania’s beauty isn’t just in its landscapes, it’s in the rhythm of its small towns, where history, artistry, and nature intertwine. Whether you’re watching penguins waddle home, sipping cider by a country lane, or wandering a centuries-old bridge, each stop reveals a different side of the island’s soul. These towns remind travelers that Tasmania’s greatest treasures are found in its quiet moments and welcoming hearts.
