Smithton Tasmania
9 Thrilling Travel Experiences for the Adventurous Spirit
About Smithton
Smithton is widely recognised as the commercial centre of Tasmania’s far north west coast. The town’s generous services draw the locals in from far and wide, whilst diligently serving as a base for adventurous tourists. The rugged beauty that abounds within a stone’s throw is second to none, making Smithton a perfect base for a week of exploration.
A visit to the Circular Head Heritage Centre will provide insight into Smithton’s rich history. Intriguing displays unravel the history of the Duck River Butter Factory through to the tramway that once serviced the district. You’ll delve deep into the riches that still come from the surrounding natural bounty – timber mills still operate, and potato and abalone processors are key local employers. Not to be overlooked, Smithton’s lush pastures are a dead giveaway to the regions thriving dairy industry. Farming and fishing rule here.
Accommodation
Southern Australia is famed for these fleshy gastropod delights, and nowhere more so than in Tasmania. Three Friends Abalone raises three different abalone species; black lip, west coast and tiger abalone – all carefully nurtured by the pristine waters of Tassie’s west coast. Black lip abalone, with its distinctive dark band along the edge of its shell, is particularly sought after for its creamy, delicate flesh. It’s a gourmet delight prized for its sweet and salty – or umami – taste.
More than three million tiny charges are carefully watched over at Three Friends Abalone. The process begins with the natural spawning of brood stock and the selection of the strongest larvae. After feasting on algae in the nursery, the abalone will grow to a couple of centimetres in size before then being introduced to a special cereal-based diet.
Food & Drink
An impressive series of immaculately maintained pools, continuously refreshed with wild west coast waters, provide the perfect home for the abalone. Joel, Shane and Tom must care for their charges for two to three years before carefully hand harvesting and preparing them for processing. It is then straight from here to dining tables and restaurants across the globe.
Shopping
Underpinning the transformation of this unique farm is a genuine respect for the natural world. “We’ve designed our farming methods to be in sync with the natural cycles of the ocean,” explains Joel. “What we do mimics nature and we can ensure our produce is free from anything that wouldn’t naturally be found in the sea. We’ve worked hard to create some of the most environmentally sound aquaculture practices in the world. Here in Tassie our power is 100% renewable, plus the help and support from the local community has been just outstanding. Stanley has a terrific community spirit.”
Heritage & History
Access to the world famous Tarkine Forest Reserve tops the list. A wildly diverse landscape awaits – brimming with temperate rainforest, rugged mountain ranges, pristine rivers and buttongrass plains. Bordered by a spectacular coastline, fishing and surfing are major drawcards too. Outdoor adventures are well balanced in these parts with indigenous culture, colonial history and all manner of unique experiences – everything from wind farms, chairlifts and speciality shopping awaits.
Smithton is well serviced by eateries and cafes that take advantage of the local gourmet produce. Think cheese, honey, wine and spirits. Given the quality Mother Nature delivers here, you can’t go wrong indulging a steak – the Cape Grim beef that hails from here is world renowned. Grab half a dozen award winning sausages from the butcher too – they really know how to serve up something special.
Activities
Southern Australia is famed for these fleshy gastropod delights, and nowhere more so than in Tasmania. Three Friends Abalone raises three different abalone species; black lip, west coast and tiger abalone – all carefully nurtured by the pristine waters of Tassie’s west coast. Black lip abalone, with its distinctive dark band along the edge of its shell, is particularly sought after for its creamy, delicate flesh. It’s a gourmet delight prized for its sweet and salty – or umami – taste.
More than three million tiny charges are carefully watched over at Three Friends Abalone. The process begins with the natural spawning of brood stock and the selection of the strongest larvae. After feasting on algae in the nursery, the abalone will grow to a couple of centimetres in size before then being introduced to a special cereal-based diet.
Events
An impressive series of immaculately maintained pools, continuously refreshed with wild west coast waters, provide the perfect home for the abalone. Joel, Shane and Tom must care for their charges for two to three years before carefully hand harvesting and preparing them for processing. It is then straight from here to dining tables and restaurants across the globe.
Travel Info & Maps
“Our abalone is cleaned and ready to eat, so it’s ready for anyone to enjoy at home,” explains Joel. “It’s hard to beat that smooth, salty sweet flavour. There’s really nothing else like it.”
A 425g can of Three Friends Abalone can be delivered straight to your door, and you’ll be pleased to know it requires minimal cooking. It is best consumed when just warmed through, although can also be eaten cold. Grab a taste of what the cleanest air in the world and the cool waters of the wild west coast can produce via the Three Friends Abalone website.
Getting to Stanley
“Our abalone is cleaned and ready to eat, so it’s ready for anyone to enjoy at home,” explains Joel. “It’s hard to beat that smooth, salty sweet flavour. There’s really nothing else like it.”
A 425g can of Three Friends Abalone can be delivered straight to your door, and you’ll be pleased to know it requires minimal cooking. It is best consumed when just warmed through, although can also be eaten cold. Grab a taste of what the cleanest air in the world and the cool waters of the wild west coast can produce via the Three Friends Abalone website.