All across the island of Tasmania, towns with quirky names highlight the rich culture and history of this Aussie state.
From east to west, coast to country, here are seven Tassie towns with weird and wonderful names that should definitely be on your list.
Eggs and bacon bay
A quiet, friendly part of the Huon Valley, Eggs and Bacon Bay is a great destination for those who love the beach.
The area is said to be named after a wildflower called “eggs-and-bacon”, which blooms on the slopes of the bay around November and December. This also happens to be the best time to visit, as the warmer weather is perfect for those hoping to splash around in the tranquil waters, or launch a kayak from shore.
Nearby, there are plenty more beautiful places to explore. Tranquil Point is popular for families, yoga-lovers, and those after a picnic or bbq with a view. Plus, the Tranquil Point Retreat is a 6 bedroom guest house situated on 3 private acres, with views stretching across the ocean. The property also has private beaches and a fruit orchard.
Doo Town
This small community is found at the southern end of Pirates Bay, near the Port Arthur Historic site. The town is known for the hilarious names that locals have given their homes, including ‘Doodle Doo’, ‘Love me Doo’, ‘Doo Me’, and the holiday shack that started the trend, ‘Doo Little’.
While there aren’t heaps of attractions in town, Doo Town is picture perfect in every way. Take your dog down to Pirates Bay for a wander, or head to the pier to try your luck at fishing. The world record Bluefin Tuna was caught in Doo Town, weighing an impressive 108 kilograms.
Cape Grim
In the far left corner of Tasmania, Cape Grim is a small locality known for its air pollution research station and prized beef. In fact, as the first location that the Roaring Forties, a swirling weather system powering the Southern Hemisphere’s climate cycles, touches on land, Cape Grim boasts the cleanest air on earth. It’s why the research station is installed here, as a vital monitor for climate change research.
The area also produces beef served in some of the best restaurants in the world, due to the excellent grazing conditions. Tour the Woolnorth Wind Farm, and take in beautiful views of the open ocean.
Ouse
History buffs will love the town of Ouse, known for its 19th century buildings including a two storey Georgian stone house and the Millbrook Water Mill, dating back to 1843.
The town had a brief period of literary fame when Australia’s first major playwright, David Burn, came to stay near Ouse in a country house.
Bust-Me-Gall and Break-Me Neck Hills
Driving along Tasmania’s east coast, only a short distance from Hobart, you will find these comically named hills, which were traversed by early settlers and their heavy bullock drays as they crossed the slippery tracks from Hobart to Orford. The name of the hills is a call back to the difficult times many of these settlers had on their journey.
Tomahawk
Tomahawk is a coastal town overlooking the Bass Strait. Visitors often come here for beautiful beaches, tall sand dunes and isolated stretches of countryside. It’s a slow, peaceful destination for those wishing to enjoy a quiet holiday.
Tomahawk has a population of around 100 people, but gets busier during summer due to its caravan park and boat ramp, as well as its proximity to world class golf links.
Penguin
It’s easy to guess what the major attraction of this seaside town is…penguins!
Located on the edge of the Bass Strait, Penguin was named after the nearby rookery where Little Penguins come in from the sea each night. Visitors are invited to take a photo with the 3 metre high ‘giant penguin’ statue, and keep an eye out for the penguin-themed artistry around every corner.
There are plenty of places to stay here, as well as popular restaurants and an undercover market on Sundays. Scanning the QR codes in town, you can traverse the Penguin Heritage Trail, which takes you past 26 important historic landmarks including the Penguin General Cemetery.
Honourable mentions
Of course, this is only a brief look at these Tassie towns with weird and wonderful names. We couldn’t wrap up without also mentioning Promised Land, Elephant Pass, Snug, Milkshake Hills and Flowerpot.
Next time you’re in Tasmania, why not visit some of these great places for yourself.
To read our guide to the top experiences in Tasmania, click here.
