Holiday houses in Scottsdale

Framed by the undulating waves of the Blue Mountains, Scottsdale is a picturesque northeastern town on the island of Tasmania known for its fertile soils where lavender, eucalyptus, and poppies flourish. Many local farmers have set up here, and a stroll through the area will take you past fragrant fields of pine and herds of dairy cows grazing. The area is known for its dairy and potatoes, and the menus at the quintessential country restaurants around town pay homage with regional comfort food.

Wandering through the centre of Scottsdale is like taking a step back in time, with late 19th century cottages perfectly preserved with their brick facades. However, despite being steeped in small-town, nostalgic charm and the widely agrarian way of life here, there’s still room for some contemporary flair. You’ll now find a folk museum and restaurants where the post office and church once were, and between traditional shop windows and old-school farm kiosks, you’ll also find offbeat microbreweries and independent businesses.

Most people opt to travel here in the summer months of December, January, and February, when the weather is at its hottest and driest and the lavender fields at their fullest. To really get a sense of the pastoral atmosphere at a time when there are fewer visitors, come a few weeks earlier in October or November, when a colourful display of poppies, rhododendrons, wisteria, and camellias fills the town’s heritage-protected gardens. With slightly crisper temperatures but still plenty of sun, this is also a good time for hiking, mountain biking, and playing golf amongst the lush scenery here. While the weather is fairly mild all year round, the winters do get a bit chillier with chances of rain and even snow, so pack accordingly.

Lavender Fields

One of the world’s largest producers of pure lavender oil calls this region home, and it has the sprawling purple fields to prove it. Come in December and January when the fields are in full bloom for a truly magical scene that’s a treat for all the senses.

Biking an Abandoned Railway

To get a real taste of the local scenery, rent a mountain bike in town and cycle the abandoned railway line between Scottsdale and Billycock Hill. Zoom past dairy farms, thick eucalyptus forests, and industrial sites, and stop for a photo at valley lookout spots along the way. You can pick up a map at the railway station, which also includes historical information about your route.

Hiking up Mt. Stronach

Rising up 412 metres into the sky, the peak of Mt. Stronach offers breathtaking vistas of the valley, towns, and farmland below. Hiking the trail to the top and back again will take about 2.5 hours and involves fairly steep inclines, but it’s well worth it for the panoramic photo op.