Holiday houses in Bridport

A popular summertime holiday town overlooking the shimmering blue waters of Anderson Bay on Tasmania’s northeast coast, Bridport is a great place to slow down and relax. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, tranquil coves, coastal reserves, and the sloping vineyards of Pipers Brook wineries, Bridport is particularly popular with golfers thanks to its classic seaside links course widely considered to be among Australia’s best. It’s one of three golf courses in Bridport, and as you explore the town you’ll notice businesses named in a nod to the town’s golfing culture.

Bridport also boasts good fishing, with charters available for visitors. Bridport’s seafood specialty, however, is scallops — look out for the tasty morsels on local menus. Nearby nature reserves are particularly well known for their wildflowers, which bloom in spring. Also nearby is one of the world’s largest lavender oil producers. Open to the public, the lavender farm offers another beautiful setting for flora photography.

Bridport’s population of nearly 2,000 grows when summer holidaymakers enjoy Tasmania’s warmest months (December to February) by the beach. Other visitors prefer to book their accommodation for spring, when the Granite Point Conservation Area (home to the Bridport Wildflower Reserve) to the northwest of town blooms with wildflowers of every hue. Bridport also hosts several fun festivals throughout the year, including the Bridport Summer Party in February, with food stalls and family-friendly entertainment; and August’s Tassie Scallop Fiesta, which attracts seafood fans far and wide with its food stalls, scallop splitting, and cooking classes.

Pipers Brook wineries

Less than 20 minutes’ drive southwest of Bridport are five wineries clustered in Pipers Brook, all of which have cellar doors. While a number of vino varieties are produced in these rolling hills, the region is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Not all cellar doors are open every day, and some require advance bookings, so be sure to check before you embark on a day trip.

Bridport Walking Track

The 11-kilometre loop trail encircling Bridport known as the Bridport Walking Track is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the town. Slicing through the centre of town, the trail weaves westward along the Brid River before heading north past the Bridport Golf Club and into the Granite Point Conservation Area, then meandering southward along the coast back to the town centre.

Old Pier and Mermaids Pool

At the northern end of town, there’s a tranquil cove known as Mermaids Pool that makes for an idyllic, sheltered swimming spot at high tide. It’s about 500 metres north of the old pier. With its two rows of wooden pylons stretching out to sea, the 1916 pier — destroyed by fire more than half a century ago — makes for some moody photography.