Beautiful scenery comes right up to your doorstep in bayside Bridport, giving you plenty of reasons to go out and explore the town’s beaches, reserves and gorgeous rural areas. Have some fun in the sun by the beach, stretch your legs on a walking trip and sample the fresh seafood that the area is renowned for.
A huge draw in the summer are Bridport's beaches, expansive stretches of white sand framed by rocky granite outcrops. Go for a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and take a dip in the clear ocean water.
Experience more of Bridport’s natural surroundings by hiking along the Bridport Walking Track. The 11-kilometre (6.8-mile) circuit passes secluded beaches, through ancient forests and by the Brad River. Some sections of the route are wheelchair accessible. Wildlife enthusiasts will be kept busy spotting the diverse mix of animals the area supports, including platypus, brush-tail possums and bandicoots.
There is also a hard surface track through some of the 50-hectare (123.5-acre) Bridport Wildflower Reserve, part of the Granite Point Conservation Area. See orchids, juniper, grasses and much more in the heath, wetland and woodland areas. For more flora, head to nearby Nabowla to find the Bridestowe Lavender Estate Farm, where fragrant fields of lavender bloom in December and January.
Another way to explore the local environment is to embark on a quad bike adventure through a countryside of gullies, hills and open pasture.
When you are back in the town, stop in one of the restaurants and feast on local seafood specialties, such as scallops and lobster. The rainbow trout comes from a freshwater rainbow trout farm that lays claim to being the first in the country.
Bridport is an easy 1-hour drive northeast of Launceston, where there is an airport that connects to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.