7 Overlooked Towns In Tasmania Worth Visiting

The Australian state of Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in the region, with sandy beaches, forests, mountain peaks like those at Cradle Mountain, and unique animals such as the Tasmanian Devil. The state is also filled with small towns that receive less attention than its major destinations. This list highlights several of them. Sit back and imagine visiting any of these towns while taking in their scenery and history.

Devonport

At the mouth of the Mersey River is the port city of Devonport. Settled in the 1850s, this town has long been one of Tasmania's important shipping hubs. Visitors and residents value the area's weather, which typically ranges from 20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F) during the summer months of January to March. Winters usually range from 13.5 °C (56.3 °F) to 12.8 °C (55 °F), with overnight lows around 4-5°C(40 °F).

At any time of year, you can visit the Tasmanian Arboretum, a short distance from town. The park showcases a wide variety of trees, vegetation, and wildlife. You may even see a duck-billed platypus during your visit. To learn about Devonport's maritime history, you can visit the Bass Strait Maritime Museum in Devonport. The facility includes exhibits and interactive displays about the region. For a meal with a view, you can stop at Drift, a beachside brunch spot.

Ulverstone

Ulverstone is home to around 11,603 people and is one of the largest towns in Tasmania. While in town, you can visit the Ulverstone History Museum, which showcases artifacts from the area's history. For a unique gift, you can stop at the Leven Antiques Centre and Fern Oasis.

A clear way to see the community is by riding a pedal buggy. These four-wheeled buggies can be rented from Peddle Buggies Tasmania in Ulverstone. They offer a simple way to explore the town and provide a light workout. Sunscreen is useful before setting out on a tour.

During your stay, you can book a room at the Beachway Motel and Restaurant. The motel is close to Buttons Beach and includes a restaurant where you can eat before spending more time in Ulverstone.

Burnie

Founded in 1827, the town of Burnie sits on Tasmania's North West coast. The town has been a manufacturing hub for decades and is also home to a local culture that can be seen at the Burnie Regional Museum. The museum displays artifacts from the town's history. Its main feature is the historic street inside the facility, with storefront facades that reflect an earlier period.

A short ten-minute trip from town brings you to the Fern Glade Reserve. The nature reserve is a place for hiking, BBQs, or walking along the shores of the Emu River. You may also see a duck-billed platypus in the area. The animals have venomous spurs on their feet, so distance is recommended.

While in town, you can attend a performance at the Burnie Arts Centre. The center presents a mix of known works and modern pieces, and you may see an emerging performer on stage.

New Norfolk

The town of New Norfolk is one of Tasmania's oldest settlements. Along with its residents, the town is known for its history. During a visit, you can see some of that history at Willow Court Antique Center. You can also learn about the town's more macabre past by taking a day or night tour at the Willow Court Asylum. More than 170 years of stories are connected to the former asylum.

You can also visit the top of Pulpit Rock Lookout. The lookout provides a view of the area, including the Derwent River as it moves below. It is useful to have space on your phone for photographs during your visit.

Richmond

About 25 km, or 15 miles, from Tasmania's capital city of Hobart is the town of Richmond. Home to about 880 people, the community is known for its history. The town's most recognized landmark is the Richmond Bridge. Built between 1823 and 1825, the stone bridge is Australia's oldest surviving large stone arch bridge.

If you want a small look at the area's past, you can spend time at the Old Hobart Town Model Village. The miniature village shows what Hobart looked like in the 1820s. The builders used Hobart's original plans when designing and assembling the display.

The Hobart Zoo and Aquarium is a few minutes outside Richmond and includes a range of animals and aquatic life. After your visit, you can stop at The Richmond Bakery for a snack.

Evandale

Established by European settlers in 1811 as a military post, the community of Evandale contains historic buildings that reflect different periods in the town's past, including the Clarendon Estate. The preserved home shows domestic life from the late 1800s as visitors walk through its rooms. You may hear sounds from the surrounding grounds during your visit.

From the estate, you can walk along the shore or take a swim in the South Esk River, which is the longest river in Tasmania. At the town's visitor center, you can pick up a map for a self-guided historical walking tour that passes the historic St Andrews Church in Evandale.

On Sundays between 8 am and 1:30 pm, you can visit the Evandale Sunday Market. The market includes a variety of locally sourced goods, from food to clothing, and you can decide what to bring home.

St. Helens

St Helens is a small town suited to visitors who want a beachside holiday. You can imagine lying on the white sands of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area as the sun warms your skin before you cool off with a swim in the clear water. This experience shows the appeal of the area.

For a unique gift for yourself or someone else, you can stop at The Shop in the Bush Antique store and look through its collection. While in town, you can also visit the Warship and Marine Corps Museum. The museum houses more than 10,000 artifacts related to the town's maritime history.

During your time in St Helens, you can stay at the Bayside Hotel, which is in the center of the town, so you can remain close to local sites.

A Final Look at Tasmania’s Towns

Tasmania is a place where beaches, forests, and small towns create a steady landscape for visitors. The state includes communities with long histories and settings that remain closely tied to their surroundings. During a visit, you can see natural areas, historic sites, and local streets that reflect the character of each town. A trip to any of these towns may not last as long as you would like, but the memories can stay with you for some time.