DORSET HEART OF THE NORTH EAST

REGION	If Tasmania provides a visit to the past, then Dorset presents a glimpse of the "good old days". Visitors drive through splendid mountain scenery, rainforest, green pastures, past the patchwork fields of poppies, pyrethrum, peas and potatoes, past graceful hop fields to villages like Branxholm and Derby nestled in the valleys. The people of Dorset are down-to-earth, hardworking and kindly. Surrounded by mountains and sea, they have needed to be self-reliant and independent even for their leisure. Visitors, too, will appreciate Dorset as independent travellers. Excellent freshwater fishing is available in a number of lakes and rivers. Blackmans Lagoon, Little and Big Waterhouse Lakes, the Little Forester, Brid and Ringarooma Rivers are favourite fishing spots. Accommodation in Dorset ranges from backpackers hostels to four-star accommodation. Local hotels offer country hospitality at budget prices. There are motels at Scottsdale and Bridport and bed and breakfast and farm-stay operators throughout the district. There are caravan parks at Derby, Branxholm, Scottsdale, Tomahawk and Bridport. With a happy blend of natural environment and twentieth-century amenities, a camping holiday at Bridport is a seaside holiday "like it used to be". Dorset offers challenging bushwalking and rock climbing in Mt Victoria Forestry Reserve with its forests and breathtaking views. A well-signposted walking track leads to picturesque Ralph”s Falls. You can «talk to the animals” at Mt William National Park or go birdwatching along the coastline and in forest reserves at Mt Victoria and Springfield. Dorset is paradise for gemstone enthusiasts and fossickers. Seek help from the locals to find the most fruitful spots to fossick for gemstones (sapphire, topaz and agate). Gladstone, Lisle and Pioneer are good places to start. (This piece was kindly supplied by the Dorset Council)
TOWNS IN THE REGION	Branxholm Derby Scottsdale	Bridport Gladstone
WHAT TO SEE & DO
SERVICES
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO EAT