Smithton
Town
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
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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is an unforgettable landscape of rugged peaks, perfect lakes, icy cascades and alpine...more -
Mole Creek Karst National Park
Over 200 caves make up the Mole Creek karst system. The national park comprises a dozen separate blocks, creating a park almost as complex...more -
Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Walls of Jerusalem, the fourth largest and the most remote national park in Tasmania, is a stunning landscape of huge rock faces, ancient...more
Nearby towns
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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 moreGreat 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 moreBronte 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 moreArthurs 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 moreLake 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 moreShallow 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 moreVenus 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 moreEco-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 moreHiking 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 moreGunns 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 moreGiant 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 moreThe 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 morePlatypus 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 moreTarkine 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 moreTrowunna 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 moreLow 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 moreWildlife 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 moreGolf 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 moreBarnbougle 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 moreCafes & restaurants around town
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
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
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 moreCampsites 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 moreBlack 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 morePeggs 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 moreJulius 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 moreGreen 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 morePrickly 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 moreManuka 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 morePeppermint 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 moreSandy 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 moreWaratah 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 moreCaravan 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 moreCrayfish 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 moreBeach 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 morePenguin 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 moreWings 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 moreBIG4 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 moreDiscovery 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 moreRosebery 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 moreAbel 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 moreBay 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
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 moreCradle 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 moreWaldheim 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 moreCurringa 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 moreRest 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 morePegs 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 moreBrickmakers 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 moreSisters 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 moreGreen 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 morePrickly 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 morePeppermint 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 moreWynyard 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 moreHellyer 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 moreSomerset 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 moreFossey 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 moreTullabardine 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 moreTullah 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 moreRosebery 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 moreParramatta 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 moreLake 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 moreLake 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 moreFranklin 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 moreLittle 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 moreBronte 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 morePerth 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 moreBradys 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 morePumphouse 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 moreJonah 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 moreMyrtle 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 moreNive 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 moreSideling 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