See Sheffield
The beating heart of Tasmania's North West.Is Sheffield Tasmania worth visiting?
Sheffield has an air of adventure about it. Like everyone’s in town preparing for some bigger purpose…
An epic road trip through the North West, Central Plateau or Western Wilds… A life changing, multi-day hike on the Overland Track. A one-of-a-kind farm stay to decompress.
It’s ground zero for adventure because there are loads of services here. You’ll find a supermarket, petrol station, post office, chemist, bakery, cafes, and a bottle’o.
Sheffield positions itself as the gateway to Cradle Mountain. It’s a 40 to 50 minute drive to Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair Visitor Centre and a popular spot to base yourself for a Cradle Mountain day trip.
But there’s far more fun to be had around Sheffield than just Cradle Mountain.
And this is exactly why Sheffield is worth visiting, on the way to your next escapade. Time to explore the action-packed things to do near Sheffield and in the Kentish area.
Sheffield’s Gateway to Adventure
Sheffield brands itself as the Town of Murals. And there are plenty to check out while you’re in town. The street art and beautiful old buildings along the main street give Sheffield it’s much loved rural charm.
But it’s also a buzzing centre point.
Because the surrounding areas of Cradle Mountain, Lake Barrington, Mt Roland, Railton are a hive of activity, if you know what to look for and where.
So bring on the adventure.
A Rich farm-scape reminiscent of it’s english namesake.
Framed by Imposing Mount Roland.
Sheffield is laid-back. unbothered by the natural riches that surround it. And in all that nature, there’s a Tonne of fun to be had…
Top 5 Things to do in Sheffield Tasmania
1. Get quirky on main street
Quirky shops adorn Sheffield’s main drag, reflecting the alternative, artistic character of the town. Take a walk along Main Street and check out the curios.
2. Put the horse before the cart
Catch a ride through town with two gorgeous Clydesdales & get down with the colonial charm.
3. Follow the mural trail
The art in Sheffield tells the town’s story. 160+ pieces in all. Grab the self guided audio tour at the Information Centre and take a walking tour of town. Don’t miss Mural Park.
4. A pub meal with a view
The views of Mt Roland from Sheffield are gob-smacking. Head into the Sheffield Hotel and grab a table in the back room. There’s a giant picture window that frames Mt Roland like a dream.
4. Fuel up and get wild
It seems like everyone in Sheffield is getting fuelled up on their way to somewhere exciting. The first stop is coffee or the bakery. Grab a decent cuppa jo at the Blacksmith Cafe or for something more refined, Epicurean.
Explore A While
Things to do near Sheffield
10 coolest things to do near sheffield Tasmania
Sheffield is ground zero for getting wild in the North West.
Rowing, swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, truffle hunting, maze running, stargazing, mountain climbing, berry picking …. It’s all waiting for you.
Here’s a list of the 10 coolest things that we can think of to do near Sheffield:
1. Stunning Cradle Mountain
What everyone comes for and the No 1 on anyone’s list. Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is a Tassie bucket list destination. Cradle Mountain day trips, Cradle Mountain in winter
2. Truffle hunting
Head to the Truffledore at Barrington to get some high end truffle oil and partake in one of their tours. Farm experiences vary by season.
3. Splish splash
It all happens at Lake Barrington. A world class rowing course is just the start. You can swim, fish, water ski, jet ski, kayak, or just go boating on this popular & picturesque freshwater lake. Get to the lake from Staverton (rowing), Barrington (boating), or Wilmot.
4. Hikes & Waterfalls
There are beautiful hikes waterfalls near Sheffield waiting to be explored.
Kimberley Lookout and Badgers Lookout give sweeping views over the town to Mt Roland. Walk the Billet Creek Track to explore Lake Barrington.
Venture to Forth Falls via the Forth Falls Trail behind Wilmot or kayak across the lake. Further afield on the way to Cradle Mountain, Champagne and Bridal Falls are spectacular – worth the drive in. The Castra Falls Circuit is a hidden trail through lush forest with a fun scramble for the adventure seekers.

Mountain Bike Trails
Sheffield’s very berry summer
5. Stargazing
Big open country around Sheffield is ideal for big open skies full of twinkling stars. The best place to spot them is from around a firepit. The second best is from a sky window above the bed. You get both at our Tiny House accommodation near Cradle Mountain.
6. Maze running
Tasmazia is everything weird, fun & wonderful about Tassie, all in one little tourist destination. Take the kids and don’t read anything more until you get there. It amplifies the weird.
7. Mountain biking & e-biking
Wild Mersey Mountain Biking Trails snake their way through the rugged bush landscapes between Sheffield and Latrobe. There’s tracks for all riders, from ‘black-run-near-death-experience’ kind of tracks to the ‘wheeeeee-down-the-hill-you-go’ kind.
⚠️ Inside Tip! You can hire kayaks, mountain bikes, e-bikes, paddle boards from North West Safaris. They also run tours.
8. Berry picking & eating
If you haven’t gorged on Tasmanian berries have your really lived? Summer is berry season in the North West and the good news is you can get your fill for way cheaper than the supermarkets. Pick your own and don’t forget to eat as you go! Plump Berries & Sheffield Berry Gardens is where you’ll find them.
9. Brews & Burgers
Seven Sheds Brewery tucked away at Railton is hidden gem near Sheffield that most travellers don’t know about. But the brews are awesome🍺 and you can BYO food. So nick around the corner to Railton Bikes & Burgers on the way.
10. Aurora spotting
Yessssss, you can see the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) from around here! Just get up high for the best view. Our fave lookouts are at Kimberley’s Lookout, Wilmot Lookout and Back Road Lookout (also in Wilmot).

Tasmania’s Outdoor Gallery
It’s like living inside a mural here. That’s why they call Kentish & Sheffield Tassie’s Outdoor Gallery.
Launceston to Sheffield Tasmania - best road trip itinerary
8:30AM Breakfast at Bread & Butter, Launceston
Your day starts with a delish breakfast at Bread & Butter Cafe in Launceston CBD. I dream about their Walnut Croissants and the coffee is quality too.
9:30Am Launceston to Evandale
Just 17 minutes out of Launceston your first stop is the heritage town of Evandale. Stroll the town & admire it’s charming streetscapes, heritage buildings and bougie boutiques. Sunday markets in Evandale are epic if your timing lines up!
10:30AM Evandale To Longford
Just a 12 minute drive away, Longford is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historic charm, picturesque Georgian architecture & cool antique shop JunkerJane.
11:30AM Longford to Western Tiers Distillery
From Longford head north to the Western Tiers Distillery near the town of Westbury. It’s time to indulge. Lunch & a sneaky whiskey flight is on the menu.
2:00pM Deloraine & The Truffle Farm
Stop into to Deloraine to explore the main street before an easy drive west to The Truffle Farm Tasmania. Visit their farm gate shop or do a tour. For an adventure alternative, we recommend spelunking at the Mole Creek Caves.
4Pm Van diemans Creamery or Ashgrove Dairy door
It’s back to the Bass Highway and just a short jaunt further north you hit Van Diemans Creamery. Detour alert! This is a must stop for Tassie’s creamiest ice cream. If you prefer savoury, another 15 minutes north is Ashgrove Cheese’s Dairy Door. Well Worth a visit.
Sheffield
It’s time to cut west off the Bass Highway and inland through rolling green hills and pretty paddocks to Sheffield.
Sheffield FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Sheffiled?
We hate to say it, but the restaurants in Sheffield are uninspiring.
There’s a Chinese restaurant called Ts Restaurant which is borderline ok on a good day. Then there’s the RSL, which serves good value counter meals.
The Sheffield Hotel is a popular spot typical pub fare and drink or two after a day exploring Kentish. There’s a pool table, lounge area with giant chesterfields, and a huge picture window framing imposing views of Mount Roland.
Moo Choo is the local takeout for standard things like burgers.
Are there cafes in Sheffield Tasmania?
Yes there are. Sheffield’s cafes are a whole lot better than it’s restaurants. Main Street houses 5 cafes and a bakery that also makes coffee.
Our favourite cafes in Sheffield are Paper and Cup and Epicurean for the discerning coffee palette, and Blacksmith Cafe for home-made favourites like scones with jam and cream. We’re less frequent flyers at Mountain Mumma and Bossini’s Bakehouse.
Are there any good walks near Sheffield?
Absolutely! The Kentish area aroudn Sheffield is famous for walks. There’s so many it’s hard to know where to start. Here’s a few to get you out and about:
For a panoramic view over Sheffield, hike up nearby Kimberley’s Lookout. Further afield are the more challenging walks / hikes such as Mt Roland Face Track and other Mount Roland trails, as well as the Tasman Trail.
There are more walks once you hit Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park and this is where to got to hit multiple trails in one day.
Check out alltrails.com with a search for “Sheffield TAS”, or visit Wild Mersey Trails Map.
What shops are there in Sheffield?
Sheffield is the service centre for the entire Kentish area. If you need something before heading out adventuring to Cradle Mountain or Mount Roland, this is where you’ll find it.
There’s a supermarket (IGA), a post office, a chemist, and 2 petrol stations, a hardware store and a fruit & veg shop. You’ll also find a couple of clothing stores, a gift shop, 2 op shops, a Vet and a bottle shop in the hotel.
Are there waterfalls near Sheffield?
There are 3 or 4 waterfalls within a 40 minute radius of Sheffield. Forth Falls, Bridal and Champagne Falls and the Castra Falls Circuit are the waterfalls we recommend closest to Sheffield.
There are many more within an hours drive – especially at Cradle Mountain.
⚠️ Warning! Sheffield is buzzing with travellers on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you’re planning breakfast, morning tea or lunch in one of it’s cafes, give yourself plenty of time or get in early!