Scottsdale (pop ~2000) is the largest town in north-east Tasmania. Vegetables grown in the north-east are processed at Scottsdale. Near Scottsdale is Nabowla , where the largest lavender farm in the southern hemisphere can be found. The lavender is in flower between December and January and is one of the area's major tourist attractions.

Another major industry of the area is forestry, and true to this, there are several mountain forestry reserves close to Scottsdale. South Springfield Forest Park and Mt. Maurice Forest Reserve are both to the south of Scottsdale. The Sidling Range lookout is a short drive to the east of the town, and give wide-ranging views of the area. Cuckoo falls and the Tonganah hopfields are even closer to the town.

Approximately 30 minutes drive to the north of Scottsdale is the coastal town of Bridport, where fishing is a popular recreational activity.

Scottsdale has two 4-star and one 3½-star accommodation venues (RACT rated).