Things to do in Circular Head

Maps of the region

The Circular Head Tourism Association has produced a number of maps of the region, which highlight the main streets of both Stanley and Smithton. The maps are available by clicking here.

The Circular Head Progress Group has also produced a map of Smithton, highlighting the various businesses and things to do in the area. The map is available by downloading the following file.

Circular Head Progress Group - Map of Smithton(3066 kb)

Discover North West Tasmania

The following website provides information about activities, tours, cruises, accommodation and attractions in North West and Western Tasmania - http://www.discovernorthwesttasmania.com.au/

Forestry Tasmania

Circular Head has some of Tasmania's most beautiful forest reserves, along with scenic waterfalls such as Dip Falls and Wes Beckett Falls, which are managed by Forestry Tasmania.

Many forest reserves in Circular Head have BBQ facilities which are popular with locals and visitors alike. During the autumn months especially, the forests come alive with colourful fungi of all shapes and sizes.

Some of the more well-known forest reserves in Circular Head include Julius River, Lake Chisholm and Milkshakes Hills, all of which are located on the South Arthur Forest Drive. Kannunah Bridge Picnic Area and Tayatea Bridge Picnic Area are also located on the Forest Drive.

From Blackwater Road, not far from the South Arthur Forest Drive, a three-hour return walk takes visitors into the Balfour Track Forest Reserve, which was cut for packhorses and prospectors at the beginning of the century. The Track is a photographer's delight in autumn when humid, damp conditions encourage fungi growth.

Not far from Stanley is Dip River Forest Reserve, home to the interesting basalt-columned Dip Falls. Further east is the Black River Picnic Area, a local fishing spot.

For further information visit: http://www.tasforestrytourism.com.au/

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Rocky Cape National Park in Circular Head's north, with its colourful spring and summer flora displays, interesting geology and scenic views of Bass Strait and surrounds, along with the dynamic, windswept Arthur Pieman Conservation Area on Circular Head's west coast, are managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.

For further information visit: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

Tasmanian Tourism

For information on tourism across Tasmania visit http://www.discovertasmania.com.au/

Things to do in Smithton

• Visit the lookout to take a 360 degree view of Circular Head including the Hunter group of Islands, North West tip of Tasmania, Edge of the world, Tarkine, Balfour Ranges, hinterland, Rocky Cape, The Nut, Smithton town all at sunset or sunrise
  
  
• Learn the history at the Heritage Centre - The centre houses a fascinating collection of items from Smithton's, and Circular Head's, past, including photos of the district from the turn of last century through to about the 1950s. The photographic collection offers an insight into the shipping, timber, agricultural and aquacultural industries and the changing face of Smithton. The area's dairying history is also celebrated with information on the Duck River butter factory and displays showing the progression of the industry from making butter by hand through to modern milking equipment. The Circular Head Heritage Centre is at 8 King St, Smithton. The centre is staffed by volunteers and is usually open from 10am until 2.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  
  
• Try your luck at golf or bowls
  
  
• Relax with a facial or massage at one of the salons
  
  
• Swim in the indoor heated pool
  
  
• Walk the boardwalk to view the spectacular birdlife and enjoy the water views
  
  
• View local art
  
  
• Enjoy some retail therapy
  
  
• Catch a fish off the wharf
  
  
• Take the kids to the East or West Esplanade playgrounds
• Alfresco dining at a local café
  
  
• Find your way around Smithton using the Circular Head Progress Association's Business Map - available via http://www.chprogress.org.au/
  
  
• Indulge in a day spa
  
  
• Cycle the flat roads in and around the town
  
  
• Try the famous Cape Grim or Wagyu beef
  
  
• Stay in luxury accommodation
  
  
• Visit the library or on-line centre
  
  
• Enjoy an award winning sausage from Johnston's Gourmet Meats
  
  
• Taste the local produce or a delicious meal at one of the hotels or clubs
  
  
• Launch your boat and travel and fish the Duck estuary to the off shore islands
  
  
• Charter a plane to fly over the region
  
  
• Paddle your canoe or kayak on the Duck River
  
  
• Trout fishing upstream in the Duck River