SHEFFIELD

Sheffield is one of Tasmania’s most colourful and creative country towns, tucked beneath the dramatic peaks of Mount Roland. Nicknamed the “Town of Murals” due to its artistic streets, it’s located in the heart of the Kentish region - the gateway to Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

Over the years, Sheffield has transformed into an open-air gallery, with dozens of huge murals celebrating local history, pioneering families and the landscapes of Tassie’s northwest. But there’s more to Sheffield than its murals, with everything from art galleries and studios to craft stores and cafes dotting the town.

Surrounded by fertile farmland, Sheffield makes an appealing base for exploring the wider Kentish region, with its waterfalls, forests and spectacular mountain scenery.

Below is a list of the most popular things to do in Sheffield and recommended accommodation options for all budgets.

Best things to do in SHEFFIELD

  • Since the first mural was painted in 1986, Sheffield has developed an impressive collection of large-scale artworks depicting everything from early settlers and farming traditions to native wildlife and local landscapes. Most can be discovered on a self-guided walk around the town. 

    Along the way, stop to read the stories behind the paintings and spot some of the smaller sculptures and artworks that dot the streets. A great place to begin your walk is Mural Park, where you can learn more about the artists involved and Sheffield’s annual Mural Fest.

  • For a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past, visit the Kentish Museum on Sheffield’s Main Street. It’s a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in understanding how farming, forestry and small-town life shaped the region, before tourism and the arts became such an important part of Sheffield’s identity.

    The Kentish Museum’s collection includes historic machinery, household objects and agricultural equipment, as well as old photographs and other artefacts. Highlights include the world's first coin-operated petrol pump and a Boer War cannon.

    • Opening hours: 10:00-15:00 Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

    • Entrance fee: By donation

  • The Sheffield Steam and Heritage Centre is a volunteer-run organisation that preserves historic locomotives, machinery and the town’s railway heritage. 

    Its main attraction is the Redwater Creek Railway, where a century-old Krauss steam locomotive pulls heritage carriages along a section of restored track. On running weekends (check dates before visiting), trains depart every half hour between 11:00 and 16:00. 

    During your visit, you can browse the vintage machinery on display and admire the model railway, then grab a bite to eat or a hot drink in the old Sheffield railway station. The centre also hosts SteamFest, Sheffield’s annual celebration of steam machinery, heritage skills and rural history.

    • Opening hours: 10:00-16:00 on select days of the year

    • Entrance fee: $10 for adults and $8 for children (under 5s are free)

  • Sheffield’s creative spirit extends well beyond its murals, with plenty of galleries, studios and small boutiques to discover throughout the town. It has long attracted artists inspired by the surrounding mountains and rural landscapes, including painters, ceramicists, woodworkers and textile artists. In between gallery-hopping, you can grab a coffee or bakery treat at one of Sheffield’s many eateries.

  • Rising above the surrounding farmland, Mount Roland is a constant presence as you explore the streets of Sheffield. Keen walkers can get a closer look on a range of bush walks, with several trails winding through native forest and up to the summit itself. Conditions can change quickly at elevation, so it’s important to be properly prepared and check current track conditions before setting out.

  • Just outside Sheffield, Tasmazia & The Village Of Lower Crackpot is a wonderfully eccentric attraction featuring a series of elaborate hedge mazes, themed gardens and family-friendly activities. After getting lost in one of the many mazes, be sure to explore the whimsical Village of Lower Crackpot, filled with playful buildings and larger-than-life characters. There’s also a cafe serving pancakes and other treats.

    • Opening hours: 10:00-16:00 daily

    • Entrance fee: $34 for adults and $16 for children (under 4s are free)

  • Surrounded by forested hills and farmland, Lake Barrington is a beautiful spot for enjoying the outdoors. Its eastern shore is around 15 minutes’ drive from Sheffield and is popular for kayaking, rowing, fishing and picnicking, as well as swimming in the warmer months. The surrounding recreation area provides opportunities for walking and cycling.

Best places to stay in Strahan

LUxury aCCOMMODATION

Tanglewood House is an Edwardian-era home in the heart of Sheffield that has been beautifully restored. It’s surrounded by gardens and features a wraparound veranda, formal dining room and atmospheric drawing room. In keeping with the property’s boutique feel, there are only a handful of luxuriously appointed rooms, including queen and king-bed suites. A continental breakfast is available each morning.

Glencoe Country Bed & Breakfast occupies a historic farmhouse surrounded by rolling farmland around five minutes’ drive north of Sheffield. It features four individually furnished guest rooms, all with e ensuite bathrooms, and a generous breakfast is included in stays. At the end of a day touring northern Tasmania, you can relax beside the log fire in the communal lounge, wander through the gardens or meet the resident farm animals, which include Highland cattle, sheep, ducks and chickens.

Mid-range accommodation

Kentish Hills Retreat offers a peaceful country stay just to the west of Sheffield’s town centre. Set across five acres of rural land, it features a range of self-contained accommodation, including standard and deluxe studios, a spa suite and family apartments with cooking facilities. While staying here, you can can relax in the gardens, meet the resident alpacas or even try your hand at trout fishing in the nearby private lake.

Sheffield Motor Inn is conveniently located on Main Street and just a short walk from the town’s shops, cafes and famous murals. Its accommodation options include ensuite motel rooms, studio doubles and twins, as well as family rooms, one-bedroom apartments and larger two- and three-bedroom apartments. Several rooms include kitchenettes with a microwave, toaster and kettle, making this a great option for travellers who want to prepare their own meals.

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

Sheffield Hotel is a traditional country pub on Main Street and offers an atmospheric place to stay in the centre of town. Aside from its budget-friendly rooms with shared or private bathrooms, there’s an onsite bistro serving pub-style meals. It’s a good fit for travellers who like a social atmosphere and want to be within easy reach of Sheffield’s shops and eateries.

Railton Hotel is a heritage pub about 15 minutes drive from Sheffield. The hotel has a long history, with the original property dating back to 1858 and the current building reconstructed after a fire in 1910. Accommodation includes seven standard rooms with shared bathrooms and one room with a private bathroom. There’s also secure bike storage and camping facilities at the rear, making the hotel popular with visitors exploring the nearby Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails.