Major city · Australia
Smithton
Use Smithton as a one-night base for the far northwest: the Tarkine, Arthur River and Stanley are the draw, not the town itself.
Smithton is a town of about 3,900 people on the Bass Highway (A2), roughly an hour west of Burnie, and it is the practical base for Tasmania's far northwest — the Tarkine rainforest, the wild Arthur River coast and the Nut at Stanley. There is almost no public transport out here, so a car is effectively required. Most travellers sleep one or two nights, use the town for fuel, food and a bed, and spend the daylight hours in the surrounding country.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days)
- Airports
- BWT · DPO
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Smithton000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Smithton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA small, quiet town and generally safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (About 50 min east by car on the Bass Highway; small regional flights from Melbourne.).
- Getting aroundA car is the only realistic way to see the region; there is no useful public transport between Smithton, Stanley and Arthur River.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedHostel or cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$170 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$200 (≈ US$140) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BWT Burnie Airport (Wynyard) (About 50 min east by car on the Bass Highway; small regional flights from Melbourne.) · DPO Devonport Airport (About 1 h 45 min east by car; the main northern gateway with the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Aug
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Sep
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jun (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Smithton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Feb
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
14 rd
Jul
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
Aug
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
15 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Dec
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the only realistic way to see the region; there is no useful public transport between Smithton, Stanley and Arthur River. Fuel up in Smithton before heading south — the next reliable fuel is a long way off. Roads to Arthur River and the Tarkine are sealed but narrow and wildlife-active at dawn and dusk.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 30 min by car
Chairlift or steep walk to the Nut summit; go early before the wind picks up.
Arthur River and the Tarkine edge
goDoor to door: About 1 h
C214 south from Smithton, about 1 h by car
Cruise or forest walk; a full day, and check road and weather conditions first.
Door to door: About 1 h
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 1 h by car
Fine as a through-stop on the way in or out, not worth a return day.
Door to door: About 40 min
Bass Highway (A2) east, about 40 min by car
Airport and a tabletop tulip farm in season; a short stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Smithton town centre
Motels and the pub on and around Smith and Emmett streets; walkable to food, best for one night.
Stanley (30 min east)
Smaller, prettier base under the Nut; book ahead in summer.
Arthur River (about 1 h south)
Remote cabins and camping for the Tarkine edge; no services, bring supplies.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–300 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 1 night × A$170 | A$170 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$200 | A$400 |
| Car hire, one day1 × A$90 · check | A$90 |
| Fuel, about 200 km of driving1 × A$40 · check | A$40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$20 | A$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$74 |
| Trip total≈ A$407 per person per day, bed included | A$814≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub or café meal | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Takeaway pizza | A$15–25 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Motel double room, per night | A$120–260 (≈ US$80–180) (check) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Wildlife on the road at dawn and dusk: wombats and wallabies cause real damage.
- Phone coverage drops out fast south and west of town; download offline maps.
- Fuel and food options thin out beyond Smithton; carry water and supplies.
- Many Tarkine and Arthur River experiences need booking ahead in summer.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
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SmithtonSmithton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No consulates in Smithton; the nearest are in Hobart, with embassies in Canberra.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Smithton → Stanley by car: about 30 min, 35 km (22 mi)about 30 min, 22 mi (35 km)
- Smithton → Burnie by car: about 1 h, 75 km (47 mi)about 1 h, 47 mi (75 km)
- Smithton → Arthur River by car: about 1 h, 60 km (37 mi)about 1 h, 37 mi (60 km)
Say or show
- Where is the fuel station? — Where is the fuel station?
- Is there phone coverage here? — Is there phone coverage here?
- How far to the next town? — How far to the next town?
Fuel up and buy supplies in Smithton before heading south or west.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Smithton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Smithton
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