Things To Do
in Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Tasmania is a small town in the northeast of the island state, known for its farming heritage and rural charm. It sits along the South Esk River and serves as a gateway to forests and waterfalls in the region. The town's compact center features heritage storefronts, cafes, and galleries that reflect a laid-back Tasmanian vibe.

Visitors can enjoy easy access to nature, outdoor activities, and a relaxed pace of life across the year.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Scottsdale
morning
:

Arrive in Scottsdale and settle into your accommodation. As you unpack, take a moment to enjoy the fresh country air and the serene atmosphere. Explore the local area on foot to get a sense of the charming town layout.

afternoon
:

Visit the Scottsdale History Museum to learn about the rich heritage of the region. Walk through the exhibits that showcase the local culture and history, giving you insight into life in this small Australian town. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a nearby café, sampling some local delicacies.

evening
:

Stroll through the main street, admiring the quaint shops as you find the perfect souvenir. Settle in for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor Aussie cuisine while connecting with fellow travelers. Cap off your evening by enjoying a quiet drink at a local pub.

day 2
Exploring the Arts
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Scottsdale Art Gallery, where you can view stunning local artworks and exhibitions. Participate in a morning art workshop, allowing your creative side to flourish in beautiful surroundings. Enjoy a refreshing coffee at the gallery café afterward.

afternoon
:

Take a guided walking tour to explore the street art and murals that adorn the town's buildings. The stories behind these artworks will enrich your understanding of local culture. Stop for lunch at a family-owned eatery famous for its homemade pies.

evening
:

Enjoy a laid-back evening at a nearby park, where you can picnic while watching the sunset. Bring some snacks and a blanket, and relish the tranquility of the open countryside. If there’s a local event happening, be sure to join in for some community fun.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee$3-5
🥗Lunch$12-20
🍽️Dinner at mid-range restaurant$25-45
🏠1-bedroom apartment (monthly)$900-1200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed rural charm and friendly locals
  • Access to scenic nature and short drives to forests and waterfalls
  • Limited nightlife and public transport
  • Smaller town with fewer dining and shopping options compared to larger cities

Places to Visit in Scottsdale

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Street Scottsdale – Heritage sandstone façades

Photographs of preserved 19th-century buildings and town signage along the compact main street.

South Esk River viewpoint

Golden-hour river reflections and riverbanks suitable for landscape shots.

Blue Tier Forest Reserve lookouts

Misty forest slopes and elevated viewpoints ideal for moody forest photography.

Rural landscapes on Tasman Highway outskirts

Open farmland, distant hills, and grazing stock during sunrise or sunset.

St Columba Falls (near Pyengana) lookout

Waterfall cascades with lush greenery, a classic Tasmanian waterfall shot.

Culinary Guide

Food in Scottsdale

Scottsdale guest experiences Tasmania's seasonal produce with hearty rural fare, fresh trout and seafood when available, and wholesome bakery items. The dining scene leans toward farm-to-table ingredients, simple pub meals, and café fare that highlights local suppliers.

Scottsdale Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tasmanian scallop pie

A comforting seafood pie featuring local scallops and flaky pastry, commonly found in town bakeries or pubs.

Must-Try!

Wallaby or lamb pie

Savory pies using local game or lamb, often served with sides of mushy peas or beers.

Wattle seed damper with berry jam

A traditional Tasmanian bush bread flavored with wattle seed, perfect with fresh jam.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local farmers market

Weekend market showcasing regional produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Main street street food stalls

Casual stalls offering snacks and light meals from nearby producers.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Scottsdale area experiences a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to mild, winters cool with occasional frost, and spring/autumn offer pleasant conditions. Rain is generally moderate, with wetter periods in late winter and spring. The higher elevations nearby can receive snow in winter, while the town itself remains relatively mild.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and greetings

Polite queues and informal greetings; say 'G'day' and 'please'/'thank you'.

Respect for private property

Ask before entering private properties or farms; avoid wandering off marked trails.

Environmental respect

Take all rubbish with you; follow local rules for fires and dogs; keep noise low in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Scottsdale is generally safe with a low crime rate. Standard travel precautions apply: be aware of traffic on rural roads, secure valuables in accommodation, and prepare for variable weather on outdoor trips. In emergencies, dial 000 for police, fire, or ambulance; medical facilities are available in town and larger hospitals in Launceston.

Tipping in Scottsdale

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not expected in Australia; rounding up and small tips at fine-dining are appreciated but not required.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; EFTPOS is common; cash is still useful for markets and some rural shops.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to mild days (around 20-28°C); sun protection is important; occasional showers; evenings are cooler.

Autumn

Mellow light and changing foliage; comfortable temperatures; ideal for golden-hour photography and harvest-season markets.

Winter

Cool to cold with frosty mornings; daytime highs around 8-15°C; rain and occasional snow on higher elevations; cozy pubs and cafes are welcoming.

Spring

Fresh green landscapes and blooming gardens; mild temperatures; often variable weather with showers.

Nightlife Guide

Scottsdale at Night

Scottsdale has a quiet nightlife scene centered on local pubs, community events, and casual dining. Expect relaxed atmospheres, with occasional live music on weekends at select venues. For late-night options, residents often travel to larger towns nearby; overall, the town prioritizes daylight-friendly, family-friendly evenings.

Hiking in Scottsdale

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Blue Tier Forest Reserve trails

Expansive forest network with lookouts and fern gullies.

St Columba Falls Walk

Short, scenic walk to a tall waterfall in a lush rainforest setting.

Pyengana to Ringarooma countryside loop

Rural loop with rolling hills and countryside views.

Airports

How to reach Scottsdale by plane.

Launceston Airport (LST)

Primary regional airport serving NE Tasmania; 1.5-2 hours by road from Scottsdale; connections to major Australian cities.

Devonport Airport (DPO)

Smaller regional airport on the north coast; longer drive but useful for access to the area and neighboring towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most shops, cafes, and services within a 10-15 minute stroll. For longer sightseeing or rural exploration, a car is convenient and often necessary.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families and retirees seeking a quieter rural lifestyle.

Farmers and workers

A strong agricultural community surrounding the town.

Visitors and weekend travelers

Tourists exploring NE Tasmania for nature and heritage.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Australian rules football

Popular in many Tasmanian communities with local clubs and matches during winter.

Cricket

Seasonal sport with local clubs and weekend fixtures in summer.

Netball and soccer

Common for community leagues and school programs.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Scottsdale, with main highways carrying the bulk of travel. Public transportation is limited, so most visitors rely on a car or organised tours. Driving on rural roads is straightforward, but watch for agricultural vehicles and wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Scottsdale.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most venues offer vegetarian options; opt for seasonal vegetables, salads, and veggie mains; ask about cheese and egg in dishes; many places can adapt.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local GP clinics and a small hospital or community health facility serve basic needs; for major emergencies or specialty care, Launceston offers larger hospitals such as the Launceston General Hospital.

Discover Australia

Read more in our Australia 2025 Travel Guide.

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