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Scottsdale accommodation, restaurants, history, things to do

Scottsdale is a town in the north-east of Tasmania, Australia. It lies on the Tasman Highway, around 63 kilometres north-east of Launceston and 22 km south-east of the coastal town of Bridport.

Scottsdale was named after explorer James Scott who extensively explored the region in the mid 19th century who described as, "the best soil on the island ... well watered, with a mild climate" .

It must also be recognised that twenty years before, in the months between October 1830 and October 1831,the Scottsdale area had been visited by another European explorer.

George Augustus Robinson, like Scott, was an excellent bushman capable of living in the inhospitable bush. He was also a man of courage, stamina and perseverance. James Scott was a surveyor, bushman.

The early pioneers migrating from Scotland, England and Ireland often arrived together on the same ship and first settled in the Longford district before coming to the North East armed with very little more than faith. Their courage and resource, together with the rich chocolate soils and luxuriant forest laid the foundations of Scottsdale's prosperity. Self reliance was encouraged by the barrier of the sidling ensuring resourcefulness, ingenuity and inventiveness and fostering independence.

Just west of Scottsdale, Nabowla is famous worldwide for its lavender. Visit the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm which produces the finest quality lavender flowers and lavender oil. The rolling lavender fields are a spectacular sight during flowering in December and January.

Scottsdale offers visitors facilities including a 9 hole golf course, bowls, a heated swimming pool and large recreation ground used by a variety of sporting clubs.

The Forest EcoCentre is a focus for forest-based tourism and recreation activities in the North-East and acts to inspire visitors to explore and enjoy the diverse forest types of the region. The distinctive shape of the Forest EcoCentre creates an environment designed for maximum energy efficiency.

One of the most exciting features of the attraction is the greenhouse-style interpretive centre on the ground floor, featuring species from the major forest communities of North-East Tasmania.

Additional interactive interpretive displays focusing on local forest history and the hardwood and softwood plantations that are so important to the economy of the North-East is also a major feature of the centre.

Spectacular lookouts are to be found at many points along the road from Launceston to Scottsdale, with particularly fantastic views to be had from the Sidling Lookout, 16 kilometres west of Scottsdale. You will find the stunning beauty of Cuckoo Falls south east of Scottsdale, near Tonganah.