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Smithton

Pieman River mouth, Jean-Paul Ferrero / Auscape International

Population 3363

This substantial town is renowned for its unique blackwood—swamp forests. Smithton services the most productive dairying and vegetable-growing area in the state and, with several large sawmills, is also the centre of significant forestry reserves and the gateway to The Tarkine.

Visitor Information

45 Main Rd, Stanley; (03) 6458 1330

Nearby national parks

Nearby towns

  • Stanley

    This quaint village nestles at the base of an ancient outcrop called The Nut, which rises 152 metres with sheer cliffs on three sides....more

  • Wynyard

    This small centre at the mouth of the Inglis River has charming timber buildings and is located on a stunning stretch of coastline in an...more

  • Burnie

    The first European pioneers believed the Burnie area to be agriculturally rich, but high rainfall and dense forests covering the...more

In Town

Circular Head Heritage Centre: artefacts and memorabilia detailing the area's pioneering history; 8 King St. Lookout tower: excellent views from Tier Hill; Massey St. Western Esplanade Community Park: popular picnic spot overlooking the mouth of the Duck River, with fishing and walks; Western Espl. Britton Brothers Timber Mill: tours of the mill by appt (03) 6452 2522; Brittons Rd, southern outskirts of town.

Nearby

Allendale Gardens These gardens are linked to a rainforest area by 3 easy loop walks that take in the Fairy Glades, a section constructed for children, and towering 500-year-old trees. Peacocks roam the gardens, where Devonshire tea is available. Open Oct–Apr; Edith Creek; (03) 6456 4216; 13 km S.River and Duck Bay: good fishing and boating; 2 km N. Sumac Lookout: amazing views over Arthur River and surrounding eucalypt forest; 4 km S on Sumac Rd. Milkshake Hills Forest Reserve: exquisite picnic spot among eucalypts and rainforest; 10 min loop walk or 1 hr return walk to hill-top; 40 km S. Surfing: excellent, but turbulent surf beaches near Marrawah where Rip Curl West Coast Classic is held in Mar; 51 km SW. Arthur River cruises: trips into pristine wilderness of Arthur Pieman Protected Area; run Sept–June; 70 km SW. Gardiner Point: 'Edge of the World' plaque; 70 km SW. Woolnorth tours: coach tours visit spectacular Cape Grim cliffs, wind farm, and Woolnorth sheep, cattle and timber property; bookings on (03) 6452 1493.

Fishing spots near town

Little Pine Lagoon 178 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Great Lake 182 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Bronte System 189 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 194 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Lake River 200 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


Shallow Inlet 239 km

Shallow Inlet is one of few places in Victoria where you can launch your boat off the beach. You can reach the inlet via Sandy Point or from the Wilsons Promontory side, turning from the Fish Creek–Yanakie road. ... Find out more


Venus Bay 246 km

Victoria’s annual run of Australian salmon hits the surf beaches in autumn and runs through the winter. South Gippsland beaches are traditionally among the hottest for salmon action. Winter sees beaches from... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Creative Paper, Burnie 70 km

Make your own paper with recycled bits and pieces on a half-hour tour at this non-profit, community-based enterprise. They use all sorts of odds and ends to make their eco-friendly papers, including old jeans, fruit pulp... Find out more


Hiking the Penguin to Cradle walk 85 km

If you want to embark on a little-known, but highly varied Tasmanian bushwalk, try part or the entire 80-kilometre Penguin to Cradle walk. It starts at the coast, goes through a mix of rural areas, woodlands, canyons,... Find out more


Gunns Plains Cave 91 km

Located just south-west of Gunns Plains (some 23 kilometres south-west of Ulverstone), this is yet another great limestone cave. It has one of the largest shawl formations in the Southern Hemisphere, glow worms aplenty... Find out more


Giant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 96 km

Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out more


The Overland Track 112 km

Deservedly the most well-known, multiday walking route in Australia, this 65- to 80-kilometre route through Cradle Mountain– Lake St Clair National Park is a classic (for national park information, see park entry... Find out more


Platypus Encounters, Latrobe 117 km

Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 129 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 134 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more


Low Head Penguin Tours 144 km

Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out more


Wildlife tours around King Island 145 km

See little penguins and some of the other great birds on this island with King Island Discovery Tours.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Barnbougle Dunes Links 196 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 197 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Bridge Bistro

Just over the bridge from the centre of Smithton, this hotel bistro is exactly what you’d expect to find in a remote country pub. The dining room is remarkably comfy, with banquette seats around booth tables and... Find out more


Kauri Bistro

A step up from pub fare, this is the only other place in town to get an evening meal. The Kauri Bistro is a roomy space topped by an exposed timber ceiling, giving the impression of being in a giant log cabin. Although... Find out more


Marrawah Tavern

This is as far as you can go west in Tasmania and still sit in a bar. Just down the road at the famous Greens Beach, monster waves arrive uninterrupted from Tierra del Fuego if the weather is right. Not surprisingly,... Find out more


Tarkine Forest Adventure

Visitors are drawn to this Forestry Tasmania attraction – given a new name since ‘Dismal Swamp’ was binned on the grounds that it put everyone off – by the lure of sliding into a forested... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 181 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Campsites around town

Montagu Recreation Reserve Camping Ground 16 km

This very picturesque campground on the edge of remote Robbins Passage is only open Nov–Apr each year, so if you want to camp under the shade of these beautiful gums, it’s a good idea to book ahead. There are... Find out more


Black River camping area 16 km

These secluded sites are nestled in coastal vegetation next to the Black River estuary. There is safe swimming at lovely Brickmakers Beach and a boat launching ramp into the river. This large campground is part of the of... Find out more


Peggs Beach camping area 19 km

A very popular campground for locals, it’s only a small site so you’ll be lucky to find a spot here in the summer holiday season. Although it is close to the highway, it is right next to a gorgeous wide... Find out more


Julius River Forest camping area 35 km

On the northern edge of the huge Tarkine rainforest wilderness, the unsealed South Arthur Forest Dr C218 through Julius River, 50 km south of Smithton, is one of the few access points to this magnificent wild country. At... Find out more


Green Point camping area 38 km

Green Point is the end of the road heading west in Tasmania. This grassy camping ground faces onto wild ocean beaches where huge swells roll in uninterrupted from South Africa. Bring good shelter as this campground is... Find out more


Prickly Wattles Campground 45 km

There are plenty of secluded, sheltered sites at this extensive camping ground bu the road, 2 km south of Arthur River. Reputed to be a very good fishing destination, the beach at Arthur River has firm sand and boat... Find out more


Manuka Campground 45 km

At remote Arthur River this large campground is the nicest of the 3 in the area and it has sheltered spots for large rigs. Keeping out of the wind is a priority here, but if you want to feel the true force of west-coast... Find out more


Peppermint Campground 45 km

This campground at Arthur River has the facilities you’ll need to cook that freshly caught salmon, even if the weather is too wet to get the fire going. These sites are on the smallish side so large rigs will need... Find out more


Sandy Cape camping area 72 km

The largest sand dunes in the state are at Sandy Cape, but they are hard to get to and this unserviced camping ground on Tasmania’s remote west coast is only accessible by 4WD. Tracks in the area should be... Find out more


Waratah camping ground 75 km

Formerly the world’s leading tin mine, Waratah now welcomes tourists not miners, although there is still gold to be panned in nearby creeks. In the middle of town there’s a lake and waterfall, and the... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park 17 km

This park, on the water’s edge, is a 200-metre stroll from the centre of town and a perfect base for exploring historic Stanley. The spectacular geological feature, The Nut, which is the remains of an old volcano,... Find out more


Crayfish Creek Van and Cabin Park and Spa TreeHouse 23 km

In a distinctive bushland setting, this park is tucked away on the banks of Crayfish Creek, a short way in from the coast. It is a popular park during holiday periods, when the weather is warmer for swimming and camping.... Find out more


Beach Retreat Tourist Park 54 km

Located at the mouth of the Inglis River and on the beachfront, this park is within walking distance of the town centre. It has good facilities and is ideal for an overnight stay or a few days. Bookings are required in... Find out more


Penguin Beachside Holiday Resort 85 km

This beachfront park at the western end of town has undergone a makeover. The waterfront sites have been refurbished and the park restaurant should soon be back. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wings Wildlife Park 91 km

Staying here is a different experience. There is trout fishing, bushwalking, kayaking, golf, and more. The park has good facilities including powered sites, but we would opt for the unpowered riverfront camping area. The... Find out more


BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park 96 km

This is a good quality park with spacious grassy areas and a range of facilities, about 1 km from the town centre and close to the surf club on East Beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain 107 km

Set in bushland just outside the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian wilderness area, this quality park has good facilities including a large recreation building with open fireplaces. It is a popular camping site for walkers... Find out more


Rosebery Cabin and Tourist Park 109 km

This is a small park with basic facilities, but good for an overnight stop or longer stay. Cash only is accepted.... Find out more


Abel Tasman Caravan Park 111 km

Located just a couple of blocks from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, this park has obvious benefits for those arriving or departing by the boat. The park has sites to cater for all size rigs and is ideal for a longer... Find out more


Bay View Holiday Village 112 km

Close to the beach on the east side of Devonport, this park is just a short drive to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Rosebank Cottages 
Collection

Rosebank, Rosebud and Rosie’s cottages are a modern take on old-fashioned country style with pretty gardens, lots of chintzy floral decor and a distinct rosy theme. Two of these self-contained cottages are just... Find out more


Tall Timbers Hotel

This large hotel complex with soaring cathedral ceilings is a showcase for Tasmania’s exquisite timbers and a monument to the tall forests that lie at the ‘Edge of the World’. The 67 suites show off... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Mountain Valley, Loongana 96 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 107 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 112 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Curringa Farm 236 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Black River Camp Area 16 km

T/O 44 km W of Wynyard (R) or 23 km E of Smithton (L) Very large area with numerous secluded campsites located 1 to 5 kilometres off the highway in the scrub near the river. Limited facilities and shade. NOTE: Access... Find out more


Pegs Beach Camp Area 19 km

42 km W of Wynyard (R) or 25 km E of Smithton (L) Large open grassy campground adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.111 E145 21.153... Find out more


Brickmakers Beach 20 km

40 km W of Wynyard (R) or 27 km E of Smithton (L) Large grassed area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.121 E145 21.905... Find out more


Sisters Beach Rest Area 38 km

T/O 13 km NW of Wynyard (R) or 54 km SE of Smithton (L) Small shady area on the foreshore 8 kilometres north of the highway. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S40 55.007 E145 33.714... Find out more


Green Point Camp Area 38 km

1 km NW of Marrawah via Green Point Road and Beach Road Very small camping area on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S40 54.596 E144 40.783 ... Find out more


Prickly Wattles Camp Area 44 km

19 km S of Marrawah Large camp area just off the road in a natural bush setting 2 kilometres south of Arthur River township. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 03.572 E144 40.758  ... Find out more


Peppermint Camp Area 45 km

17 km S of Marrawah at Arthur River Open camp area just off the road into town on the north side of Arthur River township. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.923 E144 40.063  ... Find out more


Wynyard Park Area 55 km

East side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. Good facilities. GPS: S40 59.408 E145 44.545... Find out more


Hellyer Gorge Rest Area 63 km

40 km S of Somerset (L) or 66 km N of Tullah (R) Pleasant area adjacent to the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.409 E145 36.908 ... Find out more


Somerset Park Area 64 km

Middle of town Small parking area at the junction with Murchison Highway on the banks of Cam River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.487 E145 50.329... Find out more


Fossey River Rest Area 79 km

67 km S of Somerset (L) or 39 km N of Tullah (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 27.048 E145 37.263... Find out more


Tullabardine Dam Rest Area 104 km

T/O 105 km S of Somerset (L) or 1 km N of Tullah (R) Large area 6 kilometres east of the highway at the dam. GPS: S41 41.127 E145 39.388... Find out more


Tullah Park Area 107 km

Off the main street into town (opposite shopping centre) Large parking area on the shores of Lake Rosebery. Limited shade. GPS: S41 44.172 E145 36.947  ... Find out more


Rosebery Park Area 110 km

South side of town Large parking adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river at Stitt Park. Good facilities. GPS: S41 46.968 E145 32.403  ... Find out more


Parramatta Creek Rest Area 130 km

26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out more


Lake Burbury Camp Area 147 km

20 km E of Queenstown (L) or 65 km W of Derwent Bridge (R) Large open grassed campground located 1 kilometre west of the highway near the lake. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.789 E145 40.454... Find out more


Lake Burbury Rest Area 151 km

T/O 15 km E of Queenstown (R) or 70 km W of Derwent Bridge (L) Small area located at the boat ramp 4 kilometres south of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 08.35 E145 39.10... Find out more


Franklin River Park Area 170 km

60 km SE of Queenstown (R) or 25 km NW of Derwent Bridge (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 12.931 E146 01.214... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 179 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 188 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more


Perth Park Area 190 km

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 192 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 193 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more


Jonah Bay Camp Area 193 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Myrtle Park Camp Area 196 km

31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 196 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Sideling Lookout Park Area 199 km

17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out more


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