Tamar River

Follow the beautiful Tamar River from Launceston to Bass Strait and visit picturesque vineyards, orchards, diaries and more.

WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST?

Tamar River

Tamar River

Region and Getting There

The Tamar River is a bit misleading. It stretches from the city of Launceston to the Bass Strait in northern Tasmania, but it is not a river. It’s actually a saline and tidal estuary. That means the entire body of water is salty, and it rises and falls with the tide of the Bass Strait to the north.

This tidal estuary is incredibly important for the city of Launceston. Ships carry freight down the estuary to the town of Bell Bay near George Town which serves as Launceston’s port. This allows the inland to have access to the Bass Strait and beyond.

Length and Geography

This title estuary is 70 kilometres long. It is formed by the collision of the North and South Esk Rivers in the city of Launceston, which sits in the middle of the Tasmanian island. There is only one crossing for this body of water and you can find it in the rural town of Sidmouth. Batman Bridge connects the Batman Highway across the Tamar River using modern suspension architecture.

Tamar Valley Wines

The western banks of this tidal estuary are home to some of Tasmania’s most intriguing hamlets and towns. You’ll find an incredibly laid-back atmosphere as well as some of Australia’s best vineyards and wineries. The Tamar River is a centerpiece to one of Australia’s best cool climate wine regions, and the towns along its banks, driven by a wine economy, have accommodated tourists with cute and quaint hamlets worth a weekend visit.

History

If you perform an Internet search for the Tamar River, you’ll likely find it in the south of England. That’s because Colonel William Patterson named the Tamar River after his familiar hometown river in Britain in 1804.

Launceston’s importance as a port town has waned over the years, but the Tamar River played an important role in the inland Tasmanian city’s history. Launceston’s port no longer accepts large ships and the SeaCat Tasmania no longer makes George Town a destination. But smaller freight ships continue to come down this tidal estuary to George Town to fuel some of Launceston’s economy.

Attractions and Things to Do and See

Dalrymple Vineyards , Tasmania, AustraliaThe Tamar River Valley is worth exploring for its orchards, wineries and vineyards. The west Coast of this tidal estuary is dotted with some of Australia’s best cool climate wineries.

Follow the Tamar River until it hits the Bass Strait. At the western edge of the mouth, you’ll find the impressive Narawntapu National Park. Known as the Serengeti of Tasmania, this is one of the world’s best places to view wildlife in its natural habitat. The grasslands are full of marsupials at dusk including the Tasmanian devil, kangaroos, wallabies and wombats. Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Ilona Schneider

What to do

Tamar River

Go Behind The Label

Launceston - Josef Chromy Wines

Go behind the label and explore the wine making process from grape to glass and finish with a wine tasting and two course lunch at one of Australia's Top Vineyard Restaurants.

AU$150

2 - 3 Hour Tour

AU$150

2 - 3 Hour Tour

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It only takes 2 minutes

The Art of Sparkling

Launceston - Josef Chromy Winery

Go behind the scenes at the Josef Chromy winery, learn how traditional method Sparkling wine is made and create a sparkling wine to your own flavour profile.

AU$250

2 - 3 Hour Tour

AU$250

2 - 3 Hour Tour

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It only takes 2 minutes

Where to Stay

Tamar River

Aspect Tamar Valley Resort

Grindelwald - North

This family-friendly Grindelwald motel is located in a rural location, 2 mi (3.2 km) from Bradys Lookout State Reserve, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tamar Island Wetlands Centre and Velo Winery. Native Point Nature Reserve and Stoney Rise Vineyard are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Star rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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It only takes 2 minutes

Tamar River Apartments

Grindelwald - North

Situated in a rural location, this hotel is 1.2 mi (2 km) from Bradys Lookout State Reserve and 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Native Point Nature Reserve. Velo Winery and Stoney Rise Vineyard are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Star rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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The River House Launceston Tamar Valley

Dilston - North

This luxury guesthouse is situated on a river.

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Tamar River Villas

Riverside - Launceston

Located in Riverside, this aparthotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Royal Park, Queen Victoria Museum, and Cataract Gorge.

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Hendersons - Gravelly Beach, Tamar Valley

This family-friendly Gravelly Beach vacation home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Stoney Rise Vineyard and Native Point Nature Reserve. Bradys Lookout State Reserve is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.

Star rating: 0 out of 5 stars
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Rosevears Hotel

Rosevears - North

Situated in Rosevears, this hotel is 1.3 mi (2 km) from Native Point Nature Reserve and 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Bradys Lookout State Reserve. Velo Winery and Stoney Rise Vineyard are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Threetwentyseven - Gravelly Beach, Tamar Valley

Gravelly Beach - North

Situated by the ocean, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Native Point Nature Reserve and Stoney Rise Vineyard. Bradys Lookout State Reserve is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.

Star rating: 0 out of 5 stars
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Hazelcreek Cottages

Exeter - North

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 9 mi (15 km) of Stoney Rise Vineyard, Bradys Lookout State Reserve, and Mount Careless Regional Reserve. Winter Brook Vineyard and Moores Hill are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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It only takes 2 minutes

Riverside Hotel

Riverside - Launceston

Located in Riverside, this motel is 1.5 mi (2.3 km) from Tamar Island Wetlands Centre and within 6 mi (10 km) of Velo Winery and Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area. Cataract Gorge Reserve and 1842 Gallery are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Star rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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It only takes 2 minutes

Peppers Silo Hotel

Invermay - Launceston

Located in Invermay, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of University of Tasmania - Inveresk, Launceston Tramway Museum, and 1842 Gallery. Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Boags Brewery are also within 15 minutes.

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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It only takes 2 minutes

Peppers Seaport Hotel

Located in Launceston CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Queen Victoria Museum, 1842 Gallery, and Royal Park. Boags Brewery and Launceston College are also within 15 minutes.

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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The Sebel Launceston

Launceston - North

Located in Launceston CBD, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Boags Brewery and Queen Victoria Museum. University of Tasmania Stadium and Cataract Gorge are also within 2 mi (3 km). East Tamar Junction Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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1 night stay

Star rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Rooms available

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It only takes 2 minutes

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