DESTINATION: Smithton

Smithton is situated at the mouth of the Duck River in north-west Tasmania. The region is known for its blackwood swamp forests, which have yielded the fossilised bones of extinct giant marsupials. Dairy farming, vegetable-growing, forestry and fishing are the main industries.

Main Attractions

The Apex lookout tower on Tier Hill takes in a panoramic view over Duck Bay, Robbins Island and Three Hummock Island in Bass Strait. The Smithton-Circular Head Heritage Centre, in the old Billings Store building, is run by volunteers.

Nearby attractions

Fishing and boating are popular at Duck River and Duck Bay, 2km north. Lacrum Dairy Farm, 6km west at Mella, offers milking demonstrations and cheese tasting, Nov-May. Neighbouring Wombat Tarn has BBQs, bushwalks and a lookout. Tours can be arranged to visit the huge Gunns Timber Mill, and the historic Van Diemen's Land Company property, Woolnorth. The Sumac Lookout, 4km south, gives views over eucalypt forests. The great forests of north-west Tasmania can also be seen on a 60km circular drive into South Arthur Forest. River cruises are available at Arthur River, 70km south-west.

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Region: North West

by JB

North West Tasmania, from Burnie with its industrial heritage and busy port, the Bass Highway follows the coast westward, almost always within sight of Bass Strait Massive bluffs nudge out into the sea. Table Cape, just beyond Wynyard, flat-topped and fertile, with flowering tulips carpeting its fields in spring; Rocky Cape, with its native orchids, bushwalks and sea cliffs; and Circular Head, where the historic village of Stanley snuggles up against the steep-sided Nut. more

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Council Offices, 33 Goldie St, Ph: (03) 6452 4800

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