We’re lucky enough to be constantly travelling around Tasmania, transporting guests to all corners of the island state during transfers and tours. And if there’s one thing we’ve discovered, it’s that the “Apple Isle” is home to some wonderful small towns that are brimming with character.
Beyond the big cities of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, you’ll discover an abundance of smaller communities that are destinations in their own right. Whether you’re drawn to historic architecture, beautiful beaches, mountain landscapes or fascinating local stories, Tasmania has a small town to suit almost every kind of traveller.
In this article, we’ll share 12 of our favourite small towns in Tasmania, all of which are places we think are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Richmond
Nestled in the Coal River Valley (around 25 kilometres north-east of Hobart), Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most picturesque (and well-known) historic towns. Its well-preserved Georgian buildings, antique shops and inviting cafes make it a popular day trip from the capital and the riverside setting is undeniably charming.
The town’s best-known landmark is the Richmond Bridge, a sandstone structure built in 1825 using convict labour. It is widely recognised as Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge, making it one to tick off your list!
Nearby, the Richmond Gaol offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of convict life, while Old Hobart Town encompasses a detailed model village depicting the Tasmanian capital in the 1820s. The kids will love it!
Adding to Richmond’s appeal are the wineries of the surrounding Coal River Valley, where you can sample cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Some of our favourites include Frogmore Creek, Pooley Wines (the wood-fired pizzas are delicious) and the family-friendly Puddleduck Vineyard.
Arriving in Tasmania aboard a cruise ship? You can easily reach Richmond on our cruise shuttle from Hobart.
2. Stanley
Stanley is a beautifully preserved fishing town dominated by The Nut, a flat-topped volcanic formation that rises dramatically above Bass Strait. With its heritage cottages, working harbour and sweeping coastal views, it’s a stunning place and can be reached via one of our favourite scenic drives in Tassie’s North West.
The main attraction is The Nut State Reserve, where a steep walking track leads to the summit plateau. Alternatively, you can ride the chairlift (it operates seasonally) to the top, then follow the circuit track to enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding coastline and farmland.
Back in town, follow the heritage walking trail, which takes in historic residences and local galleries selling one-of-a-kind gifts. Stanley is also renowned for its seafood and feasting on a scallop pie for lunch is an essential experience!
History buffs shouldn’t miss the Highfield Historic Site, the former headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company. The restored buildings provide insight into the early European settlement and agricultural development of Tasmania’s north-west. And the hilltop setting ensures incredible views!
If you stay overnight, head to Godfreys Beach at dusk to look for little penguins returning to shore.
3. Bicheno
Bicheno is a relaxed seaside town on Tasmania’s east coast, known for its beautiful beaches, granite headlands and abundant wildlife. It’s a particularly popular destination for families, with safe (and gorgeous) stretches of sand where locals come to spend their summer days swimming, fishing and enjoying the coastal walks.
One of the town’s best-known natural attractions is the Bicheno Blowhole, where waves surge through a rocky opening and send seawater spraying into the air. We’d recommend visiting in the early morning or just before sunset when the “golden hour light” makes the rocky shoreline particularly photogenic.
Wildlife is another major drawcard for Bicheno holidaymakers. Little penguins return to their burrows after dark and guided tours offer a chance to observe them without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Bicheno also makes a convenient base for visiting Freycinet National Park (home to Wineglass Bay) and Douglas-Apsley National Park.
4. Sheffield
Set beneath the dramatic slopes of Mount Roland, Sheffield is a town that’s very close to our hearts. What was once a small agricultural community has developed a strong artistic identity through its public murals, which depict local history, rural life and the surrounding landscape.
The best way to explore the “Town of Murals” is on foot - you can pick up a map from the Sheffield Visitor Centre. Begin at Mural Park to learn about Sheffield’s artistic heritage, then wander through the town centre to discover some of the colourful artworks that adorn its walls and buildings.
Along the way, stop in at some of the local galleries and craft shops to meet the makers or grab a bite to eat at one of Sheffield’s inviting cafes. If you’re travelling with kids, we’d also recommend making a short detour to visit Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot, with its family-friendly hedge mazes and miniature buildings.
5. Deloraine
Straddling the Meander River beneath the Great Western Tiers, Deloraine is a fantastic place to stop if you’re driving from Launceston to Cradle Mountain. Its historic streetscapes feature well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, many of which now house antique shops, galleries and eateries.
We’d highly recommend stopping here for lunch, whether you’re into bakery treats, pub-style meals or innovative cafe fare. There are also a handful of breweries and cideries in Deloraine where you can sample uniquely Tasmanian drinks.
If you just need to stretch your legs, take a leisurely stroll beside the river or follow the Great Western Tiers Sculpture Trail. The Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail offers another perspective through native plantings and artworks inspired by Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.
Deloraine is particularly lively during the Tasmanian Craft Fair, held each November, when makers and craftspeople gather from across Australia to showcase their work. Outside festival time, the town retains its creative atmosphere, with plenty of local craft stores to discover.
6. Strahan
On Tasmania’s wild west coast, Strahan is a small harbour town surrounded by ancient rainforest, rugged beaches and the expansive waters of Macquarie Harbour. Its remote location and dramatic scenery make it a highlight for anyone craving a wilderness experience, with a good dose of convict and maritime history thrown in.
No visit to Strahan is complete without taking a Gordon River cruise, which travels across Macquarie Harbour and into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Depending on the selected cruise, you’ll get to walk among temperate rainforest and learn about the region’s history at Sarah Island, the site of a notorious former convict settlement.
Railway enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a heritage journey through rainforest that tells the story of the region’s mining industry. If coastal scenery is more your thing, head to Ocean Beach, a wild stretch of sand that’s pounded by the Southern Ocean.
In the evening, consider booking a ticket to see The Ship That Never Was, a lively theatrical production based on a true convict escape story from Sarah Island.
7. Queenstown
Queenstown is one of Tasmania’s most unusual inland towns, surrounded by moonscape-like hills that are a legacy of the region’s mining history. The town grew around the Mount Lyell copper mine and its historic buildings tell the story of a community shaped by the industry.
As you arrive into Queenstown via the famous “99 Bends”, make a short detour to visit the Iron Blow Lookout, which reveals a surreal open-cut mining landscape. Reached via a short but steep walk, Spion Kop offers incredible views across Queenstown and the surrounding mountains.
Back in the town centre, you’ll find several beautifully preserved buildings, such as the heritage-listed Empire Hotel, the Queenstown Post Office and the Paragon Theatre. Occupying the Imperial Hotel is the Galley Museum, which tells the stories of the people, events and industries that shaped the region.
If adventure is calling, Queenstown lies at one end of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which follows the historic route built to transport copper from the mines to the port at Strahan.
8. Longford
Longford lies around 20 minutes south of Launceston and can be visited as a day trip from the “northern capital” or en route to Cradle Mountain. It’s known for its colonial architecture, rural landscapes and agricultural heritage, with a couple of grand country estates to explore.
The main attractions are Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate, two historic properties recognised together as part of the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites. Their buildings, gardens and farming landscapes offer insight into the development of colonial agriculture and the role of convict labour in Tasmania.
While these properties are a highlight, don’t overlook the town of Longford itself. Its streets are lined with heritage buildings and there are some wonderful cafes here where you can stop for coffee or lunch.
If you’re a fan of stained-glass windows, don’t miss the Christ Church - its stained-glass windows were made in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and shipped to Tasmania in 1842 (making them the oldest of their kind in the state).
9. Evandale
A short drive south-east of Launceston (and even shorter from Launceston Airport), Evandale is criss-crossed by leafy streets lined with Georgian buildings. It’s a lovely place to wander without any itinerary - there are independent stores to pop your head into and a diverse choice of eateries.
If you like a livelier atmosphere, coincide your visit with the Evandale Sunday Market, a mostly morning event that usually wraps up early afternoon. There are stalls selling everything from bric-a-brac and local crafts to secondhand books, potted plants and local produce. You can grab brunch from one of the food vans or enjoy a ride on the Evandale Light Rail steam train (it operates on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00).
One of Evandale’s best-known events is the National Penny Farthing Championships, which bring vintage bicycle racing and period costumes to the streets each year. It’s a great excuse to celebrate the town’s heritage and attracts visitors from across Tasmania and beyond.
10. Cygnet
Surrounded by orchards and the sheltered waterways of the Huon Valley, Cygnet is a creative country town around 50 minutes’ drive south of Hobart. It has long attracted artists, musicians and independent producers, giving it an eclectic atmosphere that pairs well with its scenic setting.
Carving through the town is a colourful main street lined with galleries, independent stores and some truly excellent cafes. Fresh produce is a big thing in Cygnet, with many small-scale growers providing an endless source of inspiration for the local eateries.
Cygnet is also a good base for exploring the waterways and countryside of southern Tasmania. A drive through the Huon Valley offers plenty of opportunities to stop at farm gates and orchards (the apples sold here are among Tassie’s best!) We’d recommend returning to Hobart via The Channel, which offers wonderful views towards Bruny Island as you pass through places such as Flowerpot, Woodbridge and Kettering.
If you’re visiting in January, try and coincide your visit with the Cygnet Folk Festival, a long-running music event that brings performers and audiences together for a lively celebration of folk and acoustic music.
11. Oatlands
Located in Tasmania’s southern Midlands, Oatlands is one of our favourite places to stop when driving between Hobart and Launceston. The town boasts one of Tasmania’s most substantial collections of Georgian sandstone buildings, which look as good today as when they were built in the 19th century.
Stretch your legs with a wander along the main street, lined with historic shopfronts, cottages and former public buildings. Many are now occupied by cafes, antique dealers and independent stores selling everything from vintage clothing to locally spun wool.
Not to miss is Callington Mill, a restored Georgian windmill where you can learn how grain growing and farming helped shape local communities. It now forms part of an award-winning whisky distillery offering tastings, guided tours and fine-dining cuisine.
If you’ve brought a picnic lunch, we recommend enjoying it on the shores of Lake Dulverton while watching the local birdlife. Keep an eye out for the submerged cow sculptures, which are connected to an endearing local tale.
12. Ross
Just a short hop north of Oatlands, Ross is another beautifully preserved historic town, known for its sandstone buildings and elm-lined streets. Its most famous landmark is the Ross Bridge, completed in 1836 by convict stonemasons and celebrated for its intricate carvings.
Nearby, the Ross Female Factory tells the stories of women and children who lived through Tasmania’s convict system. Don’t miss the Overseer’s Cottage, which features a model of the Female Factory in 1851.
We’d also recommend visiting the Tasmanian Wool Centre to learn about the region’s wool-growing heritage and the importance of the sheep industry to the Midlands. It houses a recreated period shearing shed and several notable artworks on loan from the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston.
Located just off the Midlands Highway, Ross is a fantastic place to break up the journey from Hobart to Launceston. If your visit coincides with lunch, head to the Ross Bakery for a hot pie and one of their legendary vanilla slices.