Scottsdale has a rich agricultural and forestry history. Surrounded by green fields and blue mountains, its rich soil and mild climate are ideal for farming. The town is the administrative centre for the north-east of Tasmania and the largest town between Launceston and Tasmania's East Coast.
Hops were once an important crop, however over the past few years many large hop farms were sold or turned into dairy farms and eucalypt and pine plantations. Today, potato farming, dairy farming, pine plantations, poppy cultivation and mining are all major industries in the area. Of particular interest is Anabels of Scottsdale in King Street in the heart of Scottsdale.
Built in the 1890s, this National Trust Building is now a restaurant with accommodation and outstanding gardens. In spring, the garden is full of wisteria, rhododendrons and camellias in full bloom. Also in King St is St Barnabas Church, a small attractive building, and the Old Post Office, built in the 1880s and now the town's folk museum.
Nearby at Nebowla, 15 km west of Scottsdale, is the world famous Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm. The farm produces the finest quality lavender flowers and lavender oil and around December and January the rolling hills of lavender fields are a spectacular sight.