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
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
The 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.
2 - 3 Hour Tour
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.
2 - 3 Hour Tour
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).
1 night stay
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).
1 night stay
The River House Launceston Tamar Valley
Dilston - North
This luxury guesthouse is situated on a river.
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay
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).
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay
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).
1 night stay
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).
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay
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.
1 night stay