Scottsdale (Tasmanien)

Scottsdale is a town in the north-east of Tasmania, Australia. It lies on the Tasman Highway, around 63km north-east of Launceston and 22km south-east of the coastal town of Bridport. It is part of the Dorset Council.HistoryThe area was first surveyed in 1855 and was described as, "the best soil on the island... well watered, with a mild climate" by the surveyor James Reid Scott, for whom the town is named. This rings true today as the town, as well as being the regional centre for other north-east towns, is a major agricultural centre.Ellesmere Post Office opened on 29 November 1865 and was renamed Scottsdale in 1893.IndustryPotato farming, dairy farming, pine plantations, poppy cultivation and mining are all major industries in the area. Hops were previously an important crop, however large hop farms have over the last few years been sold and/or turned into dairy farms and eucalypt and pine plantations.The setting of the town, surrounded by green fields and blue mountains, as well as increasing infrastructure and improved promotion for visitors, is giving the local tourism industry a boost. The Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm Golf Links and the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm are key local attractions.