7 Of The Quietest Tasmania Towns

Tasmania whispers its magic through its quiet, laid-back corners, where life is slow and relaxed, and where close-knit communities are ensconced in nature’s warm embrace. While there is a time for a big and buzzy city, nothing beats the intimate feel of small towns with big hearts. So, which are the quietest Tasmania towns? From the coastal calm of Dodges Ferry to Longford and its beautiful river views, discover seven of the quietest Tasmania towns. Whether wearing the cap of a resident or a visitor, these towns offer the soul-calming peacefulness that we all need.

Dodges Ferry

A short, 30-minute drive from downtown Hobart, Dodges Ferry is a quiet suburb with white-sand beaches, walking tracks, and a neighborly spirit. If seeking a mix of rural charm and urban convenience, Dodges Ferry checks the box. Tucked away on the eastern shore of the Derwent River estuary, Dodges Ferry is all about relaxation and nautical charm. Park Beach is a long, sandy beach with surfing waves, while Carlton Beach, near the mesmerising mouth of Carlton River, features the thrill of a curling left-handed wave. Also, you can often saddle up and ride the Dodge's Ferry—Carlton Loop, a scenic route with beautiful views on every side.

Youngtown

Youngtown is a quiet, slow-paced suburb in the northern flanks of Tasmania, loved for its serene environment, well-maintained parks, and shopping opportunities. Kings Meadows, Launceston's most prominent commercial district, is just 5 minutes down the road. Not just that. This clean, little country town has the Youngtown Regional Park, an outdoor gem with some beautiful intact bushland and abundant wildlife. It has a bike path, shade areas, and a playground. Then there is Franklin House, an interesting landmark built by a former convict in 1838. This property, once among the colony’s leading private schools, offers a glimpse into 19th-century life in Tasmania.

Deloraine

With its scenic river views and a real community feel, Deloraine is the antidote for the high-pitched hassle and bustle associated with big, rowdy cities. Here, you will feel the charm of the countryside, explore (or utilize) some of Tasmania's most productive farmland, and just take everything soft and slow. If looking for a good day out, spots such as the Deloraine Golf Club, a fine example of a great country golf club, are at your doorstep.

Also, it does not get the attention it deserves, but the Platypus Viewing Platform is such a pleasant woodland stroll with heart-melting scenery. Bonus point? If you time your visit well, you can lock eyes with one of the most unique animals in the world: Platypuses. Keep in mind that there is always the chance to float down the aptly named Meander River or see ducks at the Deloraine Rotary Park Reserve.

Richmond

Richmond is a clean and quiet suburb ideal for those craving a picturesque, peaceful escape. The good thing is that it is a heartbeat away from downtown Hobart, which is just 25 minutes down the road. If it is your first time, you will be mesmerised by Richmond’s beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and feel transported to the rhythm of the early 19th century.

Although several landmarks sway the eyes, nothing stands out like the iconic Richmond Bridge, Australia's oldest bridge still in use. It was built in 1823, a good ten years before the British Empire abolished slavery in all its colonies. Richmond also hosts St. John's Richmond, Australia's first Catholic church. It was opened on 31 December 1837, when Tasmania was still known as Van Diemen's Land. On a different note, you may want to feel the emotions of a 19th-century convict at Richmond Gaol, the oldest intact gaol in Australia.

Queenstown

Queenstown reclines in a valley at the bottom of Mount Owen and has a beauty that is rugged and untouched. It is on the Lyell Highway, about 40 km northeast of the port of Strahan in Tasmania’s west coast hills. Within its serene environs is one of the most pristine outdoor venues in Tasmania: The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Besides featuring one of the most amazing white water rivers in the world, this park hosts varied wildlife, including the Tasmanian devil, the world's largest carnivorous marsupial.

Several lakes surround the town, including Lake Burbury, which offers picturesque camping locations and great fishing. Named for a former governor, Lake Burbury is among the best angling destinations in Tasmania. The Queen River also runs through the town, imbuing it with a layer of rustic charm and allure. That said, nothing prepares you for the kind of adventure that West Coast Wilderness Railway provides. You will hear interesting stories, pan for gold, and even taste honey.

Bicheno

Bicheno is a beach town, but not like any other beach town on the East Coast. With the waters of the Tasman Sea, which separates Tasmania and New Zealand, Bicheno is one of the best places for ocean activities. You can snorkel at Waubs Bay, inhale some of the best coastal scenery on the East Coast at the Bicheno National Whale Trail, or catch a peaceful sunset at the Whalers Lookout Scenic Reserve. If you have a thing for incredibly fresh seafood with a view, Lobster Shack Tasmania is the place to note down. The meat is tender and melts in the mouth, while the outdoor tables offer beautiful views of the water and rocks.

Longford

Don't miss out on the lovely Longford, a tiny, country-style suburb just 15 minutes from Launceston. Although it has a population of less than 5,000, Longford has almost all the conveniences a small town needs to thrive. A case in point is Hill Street Grocer, which is loved for its fantastic selection of local fresh produce. And with rivers such as the South Esk and the Macquarie flowing within its precincts, chances to kayak or paddle are abundant. Plus, these water bodies give the town a noticeable feel of rustic charm and appeal, features that any visitor or resident cannot overlook. In addition, Choi's Kitchen, a clean, lovely space on Marlborough Street, probably serves the best Chinese food in Northern Tasmania.

In a world that does not stop and seldom pauses, a quiet, slow-paced retreat is often a much-needed balm to the soul. You get stillness. You get clarity. You get to rediscover yourself. Fortunately, Tasmania is dotted with a sizeable number of such places and towns where you can kick off and lose yourself in nature’s therapeutic rhythm. From Deloraine to Dodges Ferry, you will not fail to find a town with your name on it.