The Smithton area was first explored by Europeans when Bass and Flinders passed along the northern coast of Van Diemen's Land in 1793. By 1825 the area was occupied by the entrepreneurial Van Diemen's Land Co.

There is some dispute about the origins of the town's name with some sources suggesting Peter Smith, a policeman who arrived in the area in 1855, while others claim that James 'Philosopher' Smith, who was responsible for the development of much of western Tasmania, was the inspiration.

The Duck River, after which Duck River Butter was named, was explored in 1826 but the river banks weren't settled until the 1850s. It was shortly afterwards that the town's prosperity was given a major injection by the Victorian gold rushes when local produce, particularly timber, was shipped across Bass Strait to meet the huge demands of the miners who were pouring on to the goldfields.

Smithton is in the forefront of the area's dairy farming and vegetable growing activities, and processing of these products is an important part of the local economy. Other industries on which Smithton is based include forestry and fishing.

Smithton has thrived in recent years, despite its remote location compared to the major cities, towns and highways.

Woolnorth is located near the northwest extremity of Tasmania. It is still owned by the Van Diemen's Land Company which acquired the land in 1825. It is the last Royal Charter Company in the world. There are bus tours from Smithton. You can also view the wind farm, where large turbines harness energy from the Roaring Forty winds.

Allendale gardens are located on the road to Edith Creek, Allendale Gardens are an interesting mixture of rainforest, botanic gardens and pleasant walkways. They also serve terrific devonshire teas all day long.

The Lacrum Dairy Farm (open for public viewing summer & autumn afternoons) has regular milking demonstrations, cheese tastings and sales.

From Smithton, you can visit Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp. At this sunken blackwood forest you can slide down a tube to the forest floor or take a stroll or buggy ride down to the fertile swamp below. Head out to Marrawah and keep an eye out for game surfers taking on the wild Southern Ocean.

Smithton has an average summer day time temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and is around two-hours’ drive (135 kilometres) from Devonport and 86 kilometres from Burnie.