Things to do if staying in Sheffield Tasmania
Sheffield Murals
Since its first murals were painted in the 1980s, Sheffield has established a reputation for its colourfully painted streets. Today, many of its buildings are adorned with murals that bring to life historical events and local personalities who have left their mark on the town. Pick up a guide from the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre before strolling the streets to discover the stories behind each of the artworks. Every year, the Mural Fest Painting Competition takes place in Mural Park and the works created are on display here for the following 12 months.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Sheffield Shopping
Sheffield’s town centre is clustered with unique shops and stores where you can find everything from collectibles to country-inspired clothing and groceries. Hunt for antique treasures at Doktor Mojo, browse the women’s fashions at Slaters.. Artists working in a variety of mediums call the town “home” and there are several galleries and workshops where you can discover their talents.
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Sheffield Cafes and Dining
Whether you’re after Devonshire tea, gourmet Italian cuisine or a quintessential RSL pub meal, Sheffield has you covered. Freshly baked treats are available at Bossimis while tea and scones are on the menu at the aptly named Lazy Tea Rooms. Also on the main street are the Epicurean Cafe and Mountain Mumma - both great places to grab a bite to eat in the middle of the day. In the evenings, you can choose between Italian cuisine at Basilico or paddock-to-plate Chinese at T’s Restaurant before mingling with the locals at the ever-popular Sheffield Hotel or RSL.
Sheffield Museums and Art Gallery
History buffs can delve into Sheffield’s past at the Kentish Museum, which explores the people and events that have made the town what it is today. Browse the pioneer artefacts and old agricultural equipment on display, then learn about the impact of the Mersey-Forth hydroelectric scheme on the surrounding region. Adjacent to the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre is the Pioneer Gallery, which is run by Working Art Space Sheffield. It promotes and showcases the work of artists living in the Kentish region, with many of the arts and crafts available for purchase.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Kelly Slater
Heritage buildings
First settled by Europeans back in 1859, Sheffield oozes historic charm. Its main street is lined with heritage buildings that date from its early years, including the ornately decorated shopfront of York Schmidt and Co. On a self-guided walking tour of the town, you can learn about the occupants of Sheffield’s most prominent architectural icons and the industries that took place here.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Kelly Slater
Sheffield Steam and Heritage Centre
If you’re visiting on the first weekend of the month, head to the Sheffield Steam and Heritage Centre where the Redwater Creek Steam and Heritage Society offers nostalgic train rides. During the event, beautifully restored steam locomotives haul heritage carriages from the restored Sheffield railway station. Aside from the model railway that’s a hit with young and old, a range of vintage machinery is also on display.
Credit Tourism Tasmania
Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails
Together with Latrobe and Railton, Sheffield forms part of this impressive network of mountain biking trails that first opened to riders in 2018. Taking you beneath rugged peaks, along the banks of the Mersey River and through spectacular countryside, there are trails to suit all experience levels. If you don’t have your own gear, mountain bike hire and shuttle services are available in Sheffield for accessing the Wild Mersey Mountain Biking Trails.
Credit Revolution MTB
Sheffield Walks
There are a number of short and long walks in Sheffield and listed at the bottom of the page.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Kelly Slater
Mount Roland
Mount Roland is seen from all over Sheffield and a magnificent mountain. You can climb to the summit on a well maintained trail. All the trails are listed below.
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Tasmazia
Located in the village of Promised Land, this family-friendly complex features eight different mazes, a working lavender farm and the intriguing Village of Lower Crackpot. Tasmazia’s model village was designed by local artist Brian Inder at a 1/5th scale and features an assortment of colourful buildings with unique stories to tell. You can stroll through the Embassy Gardens or shop for sweet treats at the Honey Boutique before feasting until you’re full at the Pancake Parlour.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Lake Barrington
Originally built in 1969 as part of Tasmania's hydro-electric program, Lake Barrington stretches north to south along the edge of Sheffield. It’s a popular destination for water skiing, trout fishing and canoeing, as well as boasting an international-standard rowing course. You can stretch your legs on the Billet Creek Nature Way and marvel at the 84-metre-high Devils Gate Dam or just take advantage of the lake’s picnic and barbecue sites.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Kelly Slater
Cradle to Coast Trail
Taking in cellar doors, farm stalls and small producers throughout Tasmania’s northwest, the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail is a “must” for foodies. Sample some of the finest produce the Apple Isle has to offer while meeting the makers and exploring the region’s glorious countryside. Credit Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Railton
Affectionately dubbed the “Town of Topiary”, Railton lies just 10 minutes drive or an easy cycle from Sheffield. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town to discover its eclectically clipped creations and browse the handmade goods for sale in the craft gallery. Nestled in its very own hop garden is the Seven Sheds Brewery where you can refresh with a craft beer or mead.
Credit Tourism Tasmania & Kelly Slater
Latrobe
Latrobe is reached after Railton and is possible to cycle to Latrobe on the mountain bike trails. The House of Anvers contains a real chocolate taste sensation. It is located at Latrobe, Tasmania, in the property formally known as "Wyndarra Lodge", a stylish Californian bungalow house which was built in 1931. Set in 1.12 hectares of old tree gardens, the property features trees from around the world.
Credit Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
Ashgrove Cheese
Clustered with heritage buildings, Latrobe is connected to Railton and Sheffield along the Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails and hosts the annual Chocolate Winterfest. Throughout the year, you can sample truffles, fudges and pralines at the Anvers Chocolate Factory, which occupies a California bungalow dating from 1931. Learn about the town’s past at the Latrobe Court House Museum or browse the antique stores that line the main street. Latrobe is also home to the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, which celebrates the biggest names in competitive woodchopping.
Credit Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Devonport
Serving as the gateway for visitors arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania, Devonport is a bustling town at the mouth of the Mersey River. Its rich history is explored at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre while the Devonport Regional Gallery showcases works by local artists. For a family day out, enjoy a ride on the steam-pulled Don River Railway or discover the impressive collection of the Tasmanian Arboretum. Devonport offers a wide choice of eateries, ranging from classic fish and chip shops to fine-dining restaurants and globally-inspired cafes.
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Sheffield Walks
Sheffield serves as a gateway to walks both short and long that explore some of northern Tasmania’s most picturesque natural areas.
Redwater Creek Falls
Time: 30 minutes
This picturesque cascade comes to life after heavy rains and can be accessed along a section of the Tasmanian Trail that links Sheffield with Railton. Stone walls associated with the region’s railway history dot the route.
Stoodley Forest Walk and Arboretum
Time: 1 hour
This forested trail takes you through an arboretum that was established by Tasmania’s early forestry industry to see how well introduced species grew in the island’s conditions. Aside from its remnant plantations, it’s home to one of the first sawmills to be built in the region, as well as a wooden water trough that dates from the early 1900s. Keep an eye out for Dick Lowe’s Bridge, which was built in 1877 with a bluestone archway and is now hidden under several metres of road.
Mount Roland
Time: 3 to 6 hours
Mount Roland is the spectacular peak you can see from all over Sheffield and the climb to its summit is on the bucket list for many visitors to the region. It rises to 1,234 metres in height to the south of the town and can be accessed along a couple of different trails. The shorter of the two is the Face Track (3 to 5 hours return), which is very steep in places and requires some boulder clambering. The longer (but easier) trail starts at Gowrie Park Village (4 to 6 hours return) and gently rises up to the plateau and summit. No matter which trail you take, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views towards Bass Strait, Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff.
Kimberley’s Lookout
Time: 1.5 hours
Offering spectacular views of Mount Roland and Sheffield below, this 90-minute trail has some short, steep sections but is otherwise moderately demanding. You can either walk up and down the same trail or follow the circuit route, although this can become slippery after heavy rain.
Forth Falls
Time: 2 hours
This series of picturesque cascades tumble along Forth Falls Creek, just a short drive west of Sheffield. The scenic trail meanders through a lush forest peppered with ferns while offering glimpses of Lake Barrington through the trees.
O'Neill's Creek Nature Trail
Time: 15 minutes
O'Neill's Creek Nature Trail leads to the start of the Mount Roland Regional Reserve walking tracks and can be accessed from O'Neill's Creek Picnic Reserve. The creek provides habitat for yabbies, frogs and freshwater crayfish, as well as the elusive platypus. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for tree stumps with notches cut out that are evidence of decades-old logging.
List of Sheffield Restaurants and Cafes
Basilico
49 Main Street. 0434 119 813
5pm – 8pm. Open Tuesday to Saturday
A very popular Italian and very authentic.
Lazy Teas
43 Main Street. 0417 626 961
11am - 6pm. Open Saturday and Sunday
Famed as the best Devonshire Tea in Tasmania and features on the Tasting Trail Cradle to Coast.
Sheffield Hotel
38 Main Street. 03 6491 1130
11am – 8pm. Open every day
One of the legendary country pubs of Tasmania, Sheffield Hotel features traditional country cooking that attracts diners from around the region,
RSL
77 Main Street. 03 6491 1393
5.30pm – 8pm. Open Wednesday to Saturday
Pub style menu and popular bar.
T’S Chinese Restaurant
85 Main Street. 03 6491 2244
5.30pm – 9pm. Open every day
A Chinese restaurant that features paddock to plate.
Epicurean Café
68 Main Street. 03 649 12410
8am - 4pm. Closed on Tuesdays
The café is home to aromatic coffee, quality food, a selection of providore goods and one of Sheffield's iconic murals Echo of the Mountain.
Moo Choo
76 Main Street. 03 6491 1709
6am - 7.30pm. Every day
Moo Choo has a good variety of hot take away foods including chicken, fish, souvlakis, hot chips, and hamburgers, steak sandwiches and pizzas as well as milk, bread and some grocery lines are available.
Blacksmiths Café
63 Main Street. 03 6491 1887
8am - 4pm. Open every day
Blacksmith's Gallery cafe, which combines traditional style country food in a heritage building that was once the town's blacksmith, and featuring a wonderful selection of local art and craft.
Mountain Mumma
60 Main Street. 0400467317
8.30 - 3pm. Tuesday - Thursday
8.30 - 7.30pm. Saturday and Sunday
Café during the day and pizzas in the evening.