The town has a strong historical association with potato and dairy farming, forestry,[4] and poppy cultivation, industries that continue to support its economy.

In recent years, Scottsdale has expanded into tourism, with attractions such as Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links and the Bridestowe Lavender Estate farm drawing visitors.

[9] Scottsdale has long been an agricultural centre, with key industries including potato and dairy farming, forestry, poppy cultivation, and mining.

Developed by award-winning Hobart architect Robert Morris-Nunn and constructed in the late 1990s, it was the first facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere to incorporate innovative, environmentally sustainable design principles.

The centre’s distinctive conical structure was engineered to maximise passive heating and cooling, with a thermal chimney regulating airflow and temperature.

[14] The building was later sold, and in 2022, new owners announced plans to redevelop the site into accommodation with self-contained units and dormitory-style rooms for seasonal workers, tourists, and mountain biking visitors to North-East Tasmania.

Scottsdale is connected to Tasmania’s road network primarily via the Tasman Highway, which links the town to Launceston to the west and the north-east coast, including Bridport and St Helens.

Public transport services are limited, with bus connections provided by local operators linking Scottsdale to Launceston and surrounding towns.

[19][20] The town’s road infrastructure has been progressively upgraded to accommodate increasing freight and tourism traffic, with improvements made to the Tasman Highway and surrounding routes to enhance safety and accessibility.