Tasmania’s Forgotten Towns: A Road Trip into the Past
Tasmania’s Forgotten Towns: A Road Trip into the Past
Tasmania has a reputation for wild beauty and quiet charm—but some of its best-kept secrets aren’t on the tourist trail. They’re tucked between valleys, perched on windswept coastlines, or nestled in hillsides where public transport doesn’t quite go. To reach them, you’ll need a set of wheels—and that’s half the fun.
This is your guide to the coolest little towns in Tassie you can only get to by car. Expect local stories, roadside surprises, and scenery worth slowing down for.
Table of Contents
Why Driving is the Best Way to See Tasmania
Tassie’s public transport is limited, especially outside the major hubs. That’s not a downside—it’s an invitation to slow down, take the backroads, and see the side of Tasmania that doesn’t show up in guidebooks. Hiring a car gives you access to places that still feel untouched, and where the journey is part of the experience.
How These Towns Stayed Off the Radar
Many of Tasmania’s small towns have flown under the radar because they’re out of the way—sometimes just an hour or two from bigger centres, but tucked down winding roads or surrounded by forests, mountains, or coast. What they lack in traffic, they make up for in atmosphere.
Towns Worth the Detour
Derby
Once a logging town, now a world-famous mountain biking destination. Derby is a fusion of rugged landscape and laid-back energy. Even if you’re not riding, the town’s lake, breweries, and cafés make it a cool stop for drivers chasing a new kind of vibe.
Stanley
Perched on the northwest coast, Stanley is dominated by “The Nut”—an ancient volcanic plug that you can hike or cable-car up for sweeping views. The town itself is full of heritage cottages, seafood shacks, and a windblown charm that’s hard to beat.
Franklin
Just south of Hobart, Franklin sits along the Huon River and feels like time slowed down here. Wooden boat builders, sourdough bakeries, riverfront pubs—it’s the kind of town where you stop for a coffee and stay for the view.
Pyengana
In the state’s northeast, Pyengana is famous for its cheese factory (don’t miss the cloth-bound cheddar), but it’s also near St Columba Falls and home to the Pub in the Paddock—a country pub where the beer is cold and the pig drinks, too. Really.
Cygnet
Tucked away in the Huon Valley, Cygnet draws creatives, musicians, and artists with its rolling hills, calm waters, and markets packed with produce and handmade goods. It’s laid-back and friendly, with a strong cup of coffee on just about every corner.
Bicheno
On the east coast, Bicheno blends chill surf-town energy with natural drama. Think blowholes that explode at high tide, cute cafés, and after-dark penguin tours. It’s the kind of town where beach towels hang over fences and people wave from the bakery line.
Evandale
Just outside Launceston but a world away in feel. Evandale leans hard into its heritage charm, with cobbled streets, antique stores, and a famous Sunday market. If you time it right, you might even catch the National Penny Farthing Championships.
Tips for Driving to Tassie’s Smaller Towns
Fuel up regularly: Some rural areas have limited petrol stations.
Go slow: Tassie’s winding roads are beautiful but narrow—especially at dusk.
Download maps: Phone reception drops out in a few of these places.
Book ahead in peak season: Some towns have limited accommodation.
Respect the locals: These are lived-in communities—support small businesses, smile, and enjoy the pace.
Hit the Road with YesDrive
To really discover Tasmania’s personality, you’ve got to get off the main roads. YesDrive’s comfortable, reliable hire cars give you the freedom to explore the hidden corners—from coastal gems to inland surprises—at your own pace.
Book your YesDrive car today and unlock a side of Tasmania most travellers miss.
