What to see and do around Bridport

Bridport aerial

From Bridport – “The Mediterranean of the South” – you can easily discover the scenic beauty, colourful history and heritage of North East Tasmania. 

Throughout the region fertile farmlands contrast with tall rainforests, spectacular waterfalls, and of course numerous unspoilt beaches. On top of all that the north east is home to two word class golf courses at Barnbougle Dunes  and  Barnbougle Lost Farm, Australia’s finest lavender farm  Bridestowe Estate Lavender at Nabowla, a number of emerging gourmet food producers and sits alongside the Tamar Valley Wine Route. There are several  renowned vineyards and cellar door sales within 15 minutes of Bridport. You can also visit the North East Tasmania Tourism  for everything north east.

     

Bridport itself offers many experiences ranging from coastal dune walks to fishing, water sports, a choice of three golf courses and three tennis courts. Other local golf courses are located at Scottsdale, Ringarooma, and Moorina. Three kilometres of picturesque beaches from Trent water to Granite Point are a cornerstone of the Bridport environment. These beaches are family friendly, safe and you can always find one that is sheltered for swimming, beach activities and your favourite water sports. The Bridport Sailing Club offers lessons and free rides during the summer. Looking further afield half and full day excursions can be easily taken from your Bridport base. Trent Water, Bridport
Scottsdale is the local commercial and agricultural hub. It is surrounded by some of the most fertile land in Australia, and contains some fine examples of colonial architecture. Visit the Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre for full details of northeast attractions as well as accommodation and other services.

Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre

Scottsdale is a key link in the The Trail of the Tin Dragon.  This fascinating trail tells the story of the Tin Rush of the late 19th Century and the Chinese and European miners who came to make their fortunes. The trail stretches from the Queen Victoria Art Gallery in Launceston – home to the unique Chinese Temple through to St Helens. A Trail highlight is the Derby Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre and Cafe.  Here you can experience the power and fury of water in the epic multi media story of the tin era as well as the great floods of 1929. The Tin Dragon Centre sits alongside the captivating Schoolhouse Museum which houses a fascinating collection of mining and community artifacts. Derby itself is a unique heritage town with strong sense of history and wilderness.

Derby-Schoolhouse-Museum-Blinds-300x225 Derby Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre Trail of the Tin Dragon

Outside of Bridport the region contains a number of fantastic walking options ranging from light to more difficult. You have many opportunities to touch the wilderness. These range from walks around Mt Cameron, Mt Victoria- including Ralphs Falls – and Mt Stronach. The north east is famous for its waterfalls including Cookoo and St Columba Falls. There is also the Briseis water Race forest walk at Branxholm and Mt Paris Dam near Derby. For full details of the number of accessible bushwalking and picnic sites visit the Scottsdale Visitor Information Centre or the Bridport Visitors Pavilion in Main Street
Mt. William National Park in the North Eastern corner of the state near Musselroe Bay is approximately one hours drive from Bridport. Here you can view native Tasmanian wildlife such as wombats and the endangered Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) also known as the Great Grey Kangaroo or Forester Kangaroo, which can be seen grazing at dusk. You can also explore the untouched beaches such as the Bay of Fires which was voted #1 by the Lonely Planet in 2008.

The North East has an Aboriginal heritage that dates over 35,000 years. The coastal plains nation lived on these lands and there are many significant indigenous sites in the region.

Plant fibres for basket making Aborginal Baskets Welcome to Bridport Country

Arts and Culture

If the arts are your thing then check out local creativity and the award winning Scottsdale Art Gallery. Other places to visit are the Bridport Pavilion, the Bridport cafe and the many small outlets in Derby. A north east arts trail is currently being developed.

Events

Significant community events are staged throughout the year. These range from regular local sporting competition through to live music events. Details can be viewed on the Dorset Council website or North East Tasmania Tourism (NETT) site. Some highlights are: The June Long Weekend Community Arts Festival in Scottsdale the Blue Dragon Mountain Bike Competition in February . The Bridport Splash is held on Australia Day at Croquet Lawn beach. The Bridport 10 is held in October as part of the North East Rivers Festival. The iconic Derby River Derby is also part of the Rivers Festival