When you’re travelling around Australia you’ll most certainly come across places with weird and wonderful names. Tasmania, originally called Van Diemen’s Land, has several classics. From Doo Town to Nowhere Else, here are some of our favourite places to visit in Tasmania with the most unusual names.
1- Nowhere Else
Nowhere Else is a community south of Devonport in northern Tasmania. Located on the picturesque Kentish Plains, the origin of where the name came from is unclear.
One local thought is that the road from Barrington ended at a farmer’s property, so you had nowhere else to go.
Lake Barrington is a man-made lake popular for rowing, water skiing and canoeing.
There’s a recreation area with visitor shelter, picnic tables, BBQ’s and a grassy lawn perfect for watching the action on the water.
2- Bust-Me-Gall and Break-Me-Neck Hill
These three unusually named hills can be found as you drive north towards Tasmania’s eastern coast, a short distance from Hobart. While I wouldn’t necessarily put these on your things to do in Hobart list, they’re a fun diversion.
The hills were crossed by settlers and their heavily laden bullock drays.
Many had great hardships negotiating the steep and often damp and slippery tracks hence the names Bust-Me-Gall and Break-Me Neck hills.
But the reason for the name Black Charley’s Opening may never be known.
Some say it could be named after a bullock or a bullocky (bullock driver).
Today, the road you travel is a much easier one.
The fully sealed bitumen Tasman Highway passes through rural farmlands to Orford then onto Triabunna where the Maria Island ferry departs.
3- Doo Town
What is there to do in Doo Town? For starters, see the quaintly named houses in this little seaside village.
Most, and we say most of the houses, have a Doo theme such as Doo Little, Love Me Doo, Doo Us, Xanadu, Rum Doo, Doodle Dee, Gunadoo.
Though there is one house called Medhust that breaks the tradition – a brave act indeed.
You’ll find Doo Town south of Eaglehawk Neck almost surrounded by the Tasman National Park.
Within the park, there are walking trails, such as the iconic Three Capes Track, and short scenic drives.
The natural rock formations of the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole are well worth a visit.
4- Eggs and Bacon Bay
Deliciously named and an enticing destination for a lazy Sunday morning, this unusually named bay is located south of Hobart near the mouth of the Huon River.
The region is off the main tourist drives in Tasmania. Some people think that the reason for the bay’s name is that Lady Jane Franklin ((the wife of Captain Sir John Franklin, Lieutenant and Governor of the then Van Diemen’s Land from 1837-1843) ordered or was served a meal of eggs and bacon here.
Nearby is Garden Island. Now, how did that island get its name?
5- Cape Grim
Far from grim, this historic region on the far north-west tip of Tasmania is abundant with wildlife and home to the Woolnorth Wind Farm and prime Cape Grim Beef Cattle.
Add to that some of the most astounding coastal views over rocky cliffs, where relentless surf continuously pounds, sheltered sandy bays and the Tarkine, a deep ancient rainforest, and you have one awesome area to discover.
The list of intriguing, whimsical and creative names goes on. Here are a few more to put on your Tasmania itinerary:
- Suicide Bay
- Flower Pot
- Snug and Hook
- Dismal Swamp
- Fern Tree
- Flower Gully
- Cramps Bay
- Adventure Bay
- Detention Point
- Promised Land
- Hollow Tree
- Garden of Eden
- Penguin
One thing we have learnt when touring Tasmania is that no matter what the place is called there will either be a beautiful landscape, a fascinating village, fresh local food and interesting people to meet.
When travelling around Tassie, never take anything for granted as there is always a surprise awaiting.
Discover Tasmania
For more to see in Tassie go to:
- Things to do in Launceston
- Tasmania Aurora watching
- Where to see Tasmanian wildlife
- Tasmanian devil facts
Plan Your Trip
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