Smithton

Smithton, the gateway to the wild Tarkine region in north-west Tasmania, is a small town with a big personality. Perched on the edge of the Duck River and Bass Strait, it offers a genuine taste of coastal rural life, with a strong local food scene and immediate access to some of Australia’s most dramatic temperate rainforests and untamed beaches. This is a place where you can dig into a fresh scallop pie, watch the sun set over the water, and then head into the wilderness the next morning.

Highlights & What to See

• Tarkine Rainforest – Explore one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, with pristine rivers, towering myrtle beech trees, and ancient Aboriginal sites. The Tarkine Drive is a must-do self-drive loop.
• Arthur River – Take a cruise on the ‘Roaring Forties’ river or simply walk the Edge of the World boardwalk, where the Southern Ocean meets the mouth of the Arthur River in a dramatic, windswept spectacle.
• Dip Falls – A stunning multi-tiered waterfall with a unique hexagonal basalt column formation, just a short drive from Smithton.
• Woolnorth Wind Farm – Visit the southernmost wind farm in the world, with towering turbines set against a backdrop of rugged coastal heath.
• Smithton’s Food Scene – Don’t leave without trying a scallop pie from a local bakery or sampling fresh seafood at the Smithton Seafoods takeaway. The town is also known for its artisan cheeses and local berries.
• Bass Strait Beaches – Wild, empty beaches like Perkins Bay and Black River Beach are perfect for a bracing walk or a spot of birdwatching.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you enough time to explore the Tarkine highlights and soak up Smithton’s relaxed pace. Spend one day on the Tarkine Drive loop, including a stop at Dip Falls and the Arthur River. Use a second day for a river cruise or a coastal walk, and save the third for a leisurely morning in town before heading to your next destination.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Stanley – A charming fishing village dominated by the volcanic plug called The Nut, with a historic village and great seafood.
• Marrawah – A surf beach town at the western edge of the Tarkine, known for its Aboriginal petroglyphs and wild ocean.
• Arthur River – The small settlement that serves as the main access point for the Tarkine wilderness walks and cruises.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – About two hours’ drive east, this iconic Tasmanian wilderness area offers world-class hiking and alpine scenery.
• Burnie – A larger coastal city with a regional art gallery, a penguin viewing platform, and the ferry terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania.

Please check official sources for current details.