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Scottsdale Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Feb 8, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Scottsdale Tasmania
Scottsdale, located in Tasmania’s scenic northeast, is a charming town surrounded by rolling farmlands, lush forests, and picturesque river valleys. It sits approximately 280 kilometres north of Hobart and just 63 kilometres northeast of Launceston, making it an easy stop for travellers exploring Tasmania’s north and east.
Known for its rich agricultural heritage, including dairy, hops, and poppy farms, Scottsdale offers a relaxed, country-town atmosphere with friendly locals and welcoming cafes. The town also serves as a gateway to some of Tasmania’s most stunning natural attractions, from hiking trails and waterfalls to wildlife-rich reserves, making it an ideal destination for both rural charm and outdoor adventure.
Scottsdale Military Museum
The Scottsdale RSL Military Museum is a must‑visit for history buffs and curious travellers alike, offering an impressive and heartfelt tribute to Australia’s military past. Opened in October 2015, the museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia from conflicts ranging from the Boer War through to modern engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, with exhibits that span World Wars I and II, Korea, and Vietnam.
At the heart of the museum is a Vietnam‑era Iroquois “Huey” helicopter, the only one of its kind open to the public in Tasmania, where visitors can even sit inside and get a real sense of its size and significance. Beyond the helicopter, the displays include uniforms, equipment, personal artefacts, and stories that bring the human side of service and sacrifice to life.
With affordable admission and a thoughtful layout that appeals to all ages, the Scottsdale Military Museum is a great place to visit.
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North East Park
North East Park and Camping Ground, just on the outskirts of Scottsdale, is a hidden gem for campers, caravanners, and anyone who loves being surrounded by nature.
The park sits in a tranquil forest setting with gentle hills and a small lake, making it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. There are plenty of low-cost, unpowered campsites, as well as barbecue areas, picnic tables, toilets, and hot showers, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay while feeling close to nature.
Wander along the forest tracks, spot native wildlife like platypus, wallabies, and ducks, or simply relax on the grassy banks with a picnic. Whether you’re stopping for a night on a road trip or using it as a base to explore northeast Tasmania, North East Park offers a peaceful and scenic escape.
Attractions near Scottsdale
Sideling Lookout
Sideling Lookout is perched alongside an elevated stretch of the Tasman Highway, offering travellers a perfect stop between Launceston and Scottsdale. From this vantage point, you can take in sweeping views of rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and the distant coastline, making it a fantastic spot for photos or a brief stretch during a road trip.
The lookout’s elevated position also provides a real sense of the region’s natural beauty and scale, with the contrast between lush green pastures and rugged terrain unfolding before you. Whether you’re stopping for a quick snapshot, a picnic, or on a daytrip from Scottsdale, Sideling Lookout is a scenic highlight on the journey through northeast Tasmania.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is open to visitors year-round, offering a different kind of beauty in every season as you admire the iconic curved rows that sweep across the hillside. The highlight of the year is the much-loved Festival of Flowers, held in December and January when the lavender fields burst into vibrant shades of purple. A must-see for many Tasmanian bucket lists.
Entry to the estate is free for most of the year, with a gate fee only applying during the peak flowering festival period. Whether in full bloom or resting between seasons, Bridestowe remains a magical stop near Scottsdale.
Lilydale Falls is a charming waterfall near the town of Lilydale in northern Tasmania. It is surrounded by lush bushland and tall eucalypt trees, and the easy walking track meanders through a peaceful forest to a scenic cascade, making it a perfect spot for a short nature walk.
Lilydale Falls is a pair of waterfalls formed as the Second River cascades over rocks. They are located in the Lilydale Falls Reserve.
Mt Paris Dam
Mt Paris Dam is a quiet, enchanting spot where history and nature meet. The Cascade River flows gently through the old pillar-and-slab dam, a relic of Tasmania’s past, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Towering ferns and dense bushland create a cool, shaded sanctuary, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a moment of reflection.
Wander around and explore the dam walls, and listen to the soothing sounds of the river as it winds its way through this lush, green haven. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a tranquil escape, Mt Paris Dam offers a unique glimpse into Tasmania’s natural and industrial heritage, all set in a beautifully serene environment.
Little Blue Lake
Little Blue Lake is a striking natural curiosity tucked just a few metres off the road between Derby and Gladstone. Created as a mine hole, the lake has transformed over time into a vibrant pool of intense aqua-blue water, caused by the mineral-rich base that gives it its otherworldly colour. A short, easy walk from the roadside viewing area offers the perfect vantage point to admire the lake’s vivid hue and snap some memorable photos. Surrounded by bushland and the remnants of its mining past, Little Blue Lake is a fascinating stop for travellers exploring northeast Tasmania.
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