Smithton Tasmania
“The bacon and butter factory thriving on products from your lovely fertile land.”
HM (Denny) Carroll
About Smithton
Welcome to the gateway of the far north west coast. Situated where the Duck River spills into Bass Strait, Smithton was built on the back of Tasmania’s booming timber industry. Back in the mid 1800s, the area hummed as timber cutters cleared the surrounds, thereby making way for farmers to establish the thriving beef and dairy industry that remains today.
A visit to the Circular Head Heritage Centre will provide further insight. 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.
This busy township – think large country town – is widely recognised as the commercial centre of the far north west. Smithton’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 it a perfect base for a week of exploration.
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 wild 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.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Smithton is as varied as the landscape itself. Rosebank Cottages offers a peaceful retreat in a tranquil rural setting, perfect for those seeking a quiet escape. For a touch of indulgence, Island View Spa Cottage and Grace’s Spa Cottage provide warm, inviting stays with private spa baths—ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure. Tall Timbers delivers country-style hospitality with modern comforts, including an on-site restaurant and bar, while Little Bird Smithton blends boutique charm with cozy, thoughtfully designed spaces. Whether you prefer a secluded hideaway or a vibrant hub, Smithton’s accommodations provide the perfect base for exploring Tasmania’s wild northwest.
Food & Drink
“From the sea to the paddock, from the farm to your plate—Smithton’s flavors are as rich and wild as the land itself.”
Here, food is more than just a meal—it’s a reflection of the region. The bounty of Bass Strait meets the fertile farmlands of the northwest, creating a dining scene where fresh, local produce takes center stage. For seafood lovers, Tarkine Fresh Oysters is a must-visit. Plucked straight from the pristine waters of Duck Bay, these oysters are best enjoyed with nothing more than a squeeze of lemon and a view of the wild coastline.
For a more refined dining experience, The Pavilion serves up beautifully crafted dishes in a relaxed setting, showcasing the best of Tasmania’s local ingredients. Tall Timbers Bistro, a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offers hearty meals with a focus on premium Tasmanian beef, seafood, and seasonal produce—perfect for refueling after a day exploring the Tarkine. Whether it’s a freshly shucked oyster, a perfectly grilled steak, or a crisp local wine shared over good conversation, Smithton’s food scene is all about fresh flavors, warm hospitality, and a true taste of Tasmania’s northwest.
Shopping
“In the heart of Tasmania’s northwest, shopping in Smithton is about more than just what you buy—it’s about discovering the stories behind the shelves.”
For those who love handcrafted treasures, The Arty Duck is a must-visit. This charming co-op showcases locally made arts, crafts, and unique gifts, each piece reflecting the beauty and creativity of the northwest. From intricate woodwork to hand-painted ceramics, it’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind keepsake.
For everyday essentials and home comforts, Smithton Betta Home Living is a trusted local hub, offering appliances, furniture, and household goods with friendly, knowledgeable service. And when it’s time to refuel, Cottage Kitchen Bakehouse is the place to be. The scent of freshly baked bread, homemade pastries, and warm coffee welcomes you in, making it a local favorite for a quick bite or a leisurely morning tea. Whether you’re searching for something special or just picking up the essentials, shopping in Smithton is all about friendly faces, quality goods, and a little slice of local life.
Heritage & History
“Where the forest meets the sea, and the past lingers in the tides—Smithton’s story is one of survival, industry, and deep connection to the land.”
Once a landscape of dense rainforest and winding rivers, Smithton’s history is deeply rooted in the palawa people, who lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Their legacy remains in the form of ancient shell middens, walking tracks, and sacred sites, silent reminders of the region’s original custodians.
European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, drawn by the wealth of timber, farmland, and fishing waters. Smithton became a hub for forestry, dairy farming, and potato growing, industries that still define the region today. The town grew from a rugged outpost into a thriving center, where generations of families worked the land and sea, shaping the identity of Tasmania’s northwest.
To step back in time, a visit to the Heritage Museum at Smithton Pavilions is a must. Here, the town’s rich past comes to life through photographs, artifacts, and stories of the pioneers who built the community. From the early days of timber cutting and shipbuilding to the rise of agriculture and industry, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and determination that shaped Smithton into the town it is today. Whether walking the coastline, driving through farmlands, or standing beneath the towering trees of the Tarkine, Smithton’s history is everywhere—woven into the land, the people, and the stories still waiting to be told.
Activities
“From rolling farmlands to ancient rainforests, from winding rivers to the wild coastline—Smithton is the gateway to Tasmania’s northwest, where adventure is never far away.”
For nature lovers, the Tarkine wilderness beckons. Just a short drive from town, this vast expanse of untouched rainforest, rugged coastlines, and winding rivers is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth. Walk among towering myrtles and blackwoods, spot rare wildlife, or take a river cruise on the Arthur River, where reflections run deep and sea eagles soar above. For a guided experience, Tall Timbers Tarkine Tours offers 4WD adventures through the Tarkine, leading you to secret rainforest trails, historic mining sites, and breathtaking views over the wild west coast.
Closer to town, Smithton’s rich agricultural heritage comes to life with a visit to Duck River Dairy Tours. Step onto a working dairy farm and get a firsthand look at how some of Tasmania’s best milk and cheese are produced. Smithton’s fishing traditions also run deep—cast a line off the jetty, book a fishing charter, or sample some of Tasmania’s freshest seafood at Tarkine Fresh Oysters. History buffs can explore the Heritage Museum at Smithton Pavilions, uncovering the stories of timber cutters, shipbuilders, and pioneering families who shaped the town. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving solitude, or simply soaking in the beauty of the northwest, Smithton is more than just a place to pass through—it’s a place to experience.
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.
Events
Travel Info & Maps
Travel Info & Maps
“Follow the road where the rivers run wide and the forests grow deep—Smithton is where the journey begins.”
Tucked between the rolling farmlands of Tasmania’s northwest and the vast wilderness beyond, Smithton is more than just a town—it’s the last stop before adventure unfolds. Here, the roads stretch towards ancient rainforests, untamed coastlines, and rivers that have carved their way through time. It’s a place where travelers pause, not just to refuel, but to soak in the rhythm of a town shaped by the land and sea.
Getting to Smithton
Getting here is easy, but leaving is harder. Smithton sits just 30 minutes from Stanley and an hour from the Tarkine, connected by the Bass Highway (A2). Whether arriving from Devonport’s Spirit of Tasmania ferry or flying into Burnie Airport, the journey is filled with scenic coastline and lush countryside. A car is essential—this is a land built for road trips, where every turn leads to a hidden bay, a winding bush trail, or a breathtaking lookout.
While there’s no public transport into the town, Smithton is well-equipped with fuel stations, supermarkets, and local cafés, making it the perfect base to explore the region. Stay for a night or settle in longer—because from here, the wonders of the Tarkine, Arthur River, and the wild west coast are just waiting to be explored.