Scottsdale
The fields are awash with purple and green in the farmlands surrounding Scottsdale.
The green is supplied by potatoes and pine forests, while the purple comes from the famed Bridestowe Lavender Estate, a 20min drive east of Scottsdale. December and January are the peak flowering months for the Insta-stopping shots of curving rows of lavender, but there’s lilac-coloured lavender-flavoured ice-cream and lavender lattes all year round.
Mountain biking is hot in this part of the state, especially in nearby Derby, a 30min drive west. From the centre of Scottsdale, bike riders can hit the 26km North East Rail Trail to Billycock Hill. The family-friendly trail passes through farmland and forest, burrowing through a deep railway cutting near Tongenah. The Scottsdale Art Gallery Café hires bikes (including e-bikes) and offers a pick-up service along the trail.
Scottsdale farm
Tourism Tasmania & Scott Sporleder, Matador
Road cycling around Scottsdale
Tourism Tasmania and Heath Holden
Road cycling around Scottsdale
Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Little Rivers Brewing Co.
Flow Mountain Bike
Little Rivers Brewing Co.
Flow Mountain Bike
Little Rivers Brewing Co.
Flow Mountain Bike
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Jarrad Seng
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Luke Tscharke
Where
Scottsdale is a 1hr drive (61km) north-east of Launceston.
Insider tips
- Take to the hills on the walk to the summit of Mount Stronach (2.5hr return, 5km) for views of the town, forests, farms and even Bass Strait.
- It’s not all lavender and old lace. After a hard day’s touring, grab a pale ale or dark lager at Little Rivers Brewing Co, a craft brewery in town.
