The Tamar Valley runs approximately 50 kilometers along both sides of the kanamaluka/River Tamar, a tidal estuary formed by the meeting point of the North and South Esk Rivers. A trip to Launceston isn’t a trip to Launceston without a cruise along the river, which, much like the Derwent River in Hobart, is a part of the fabric of local life.
So, what to do in the Tamar Valley?
Well, a day in the Tamar begins with the toughest of all questions… Do you want to go along the east bank, or the west bank first? Whichever you choose, don’t fret, you’ll cross the Batman Bridge at some point and come back down the other side. There are wineries on both sides, so whichever you choose, your day will end with either a pinot noir or a chardonnay, depending on your fancy (and perhaps the weather – a glass of pinot in front of the fire in winter is so much more romantic than a chardonnay)!
To the east, families will love the valley, with experiences for the whole family so close together. Check out Platypus House, Seahorse World and Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which is the antithesis of a museum and has very few ‘don’t touch’ or ‘be quiet’ signs. Instead, you’ll be encouraged to touch the exhibits and really understand what the still active mining town that has produced literally tonnes of gold is like to call home. Not just for the kids, this place is also lots of fun for the grown ups.
Quirky Aspect Tamar Valley Resort in Grindelwald also caters to the family, offering a golf course, plenty of kids activities and, of course, swiss themed resort accommodation. Because Switzerland is a really, really long way away, so this is a good option when you wake up craving fondue (actually, we don’t think that they serve fondue, but if you do wake up craving it, let us know and we’ll point you in the right direction!).
Nature lovers will find peace at the Tamar Island Wetlands, one of the state’s 60 Great Short Walks and a mecca for native bird life. Bird watching in Tasmania is always an accessible natural past time and the Tamar Island Wetlands certainly doesn’t disappoint. Book at least a week in advance if you’d like a guided tour to learn more about the region’s raptors, birdlife, biodiversity and native wildlife.
For a view of the whole region, check out Brady’s Lookout, a great little picnic spot as well as having played host to scores of bouldering enthusiasts in the past. Brady’s Lookout has public toilets, BBQ facilities and viewing platforms that offer views almost as far as the east coast and out to Bass Strait in the north. The spot is famed for having been a hiding spot for ladies man and bush ranger, Matthew Brady, who is said to have made many female friends whilst on the run from the government in the 1820’s. Brady was originally a gentleman’s servant in northern England before being transported to Sarah Island in remote, western Tasmania (then known as Van Diemen’s Land) before escaping with a group of 14 other men in 1824. He spent a couple of years hiding out in and around Brady’s Point and was well known for his fine horsemanship and impeccable manners, which he utilized whilst robbing his victims, before he was captured and hung in 1826.
Whether it be Brady’s Lookout, a local café serving homegrown produce, or a gastronomical experience, after lunch you might want to check out a couple of nearby wineries. There are over 30 wineries in the region, many of them with cellar doors and ready to share their stories and experiences with you. If you asked us to name a favourite, we probably could, but you’d probably get a different answer from each of us, such is the variety within the region! Suffice to say that for the best experience, take an experienced wine guide with you who can help recommend a good variety based on your likes and dislikes (and will also most likely be able to access one or two wineries that are often open only be appointment) and consider making a full day (or two) of it. Enjoy!
Image credits: Tourism Tasmania & Tim Hughes (Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre), Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy (Wedge Tailed Eagle), Richard Strong (Brady’s Lookout), Lauren Bath (Picnic at Josef Chromy Tasmania)