Tamar Valley Top 10 Things to Do

Wander * Explore * Discover
Feb 2, 2022
5 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

The Tamar Valley stretches 60 kilometres from Launceston to the Bass Strait along the Tamar River, making it one of Tasmania’s most diverse and scenic regions. It is the state’s oldest wine region, home to more than 30 cellar doors, as well as fascinating museums, beautiful wetlands, national parks, and world-class attractions.

As you drive through the Tamar Valley, you’ll be rewarded with rolling hills, elegant vineyards, and sweeping panoramic views at every turn.

Tamar Valley Top 10 Things to Do

Beaconsfield Heritage Centre

At the Beaconsfield Heritage Centre, visitors can learn about the dramatic and world-famous Beaconsfield Mine Rescue through immersive exhibitions, real artefacts, and powerful storytelling. Interactive displays bring the rescue operation to life, allowing you to better understand the bravery, technology, and teamwork involved.

Beyond the mine rescue, the centre also explores Beaconsfield’s early mining days, local community stories, and the broader history of the Tamar Valley. It’s an engaging and educational experience for all ages, offering a deeper appreciation of both the town’s resilience and its important place in Tasmania’s heritage.

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Platypus House

The Platypus House Tour is a fun, educational, and truly memorable experience for visitors of all ages. During the guided tour, you’ll have the rare opportunity to see platypus up close as they swim and play in specially designed ponds and viewing tanks. Knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts about their behaviour, habitat, and conservation, helping you gain a deeper appreciation for one of Australia’s most unique native animals.

After meeting the platypus, the tour continues to the echidna area, where these gentle, spiky characters freely wander around your feet while they feed. This close interaction makes the experience especially exciting for children and photographers alike. The Platypus House Tour is both entertaining and informative, offering a wonderful way to connect with some of Tasmania’s most iconic wildlife in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.

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Seahorse World

Seahorse World is a unique working seahorse farm and one of the Tamar Valley’s most fascinating family-friendly attractions. Guided tours take you behind the scenes to discover the remarkable life cycle of seahorses, from tiny newborns to fully grown adults, while expert guides share engaging stories and fun facts along the way.

Your tour begins in the Cave of the Seahorse, where you’ll learn about their natural habitats and delicate ecosystems, before moving through the Seahorse Farm, where hundreds of seahorses are carefully bred and raised.

Both educational and entertaining, a visit to Seahorse World offers a rare opportunity to connect with these enchanting creatures while learning about marine conservation in an interactive and memorable setting.

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Brady's Lookout

Brady’s Lookout is one of the Tamar Valley’s most scenic vantage points, offering sweeping views across the Tamar River, rolling farmland, and distant hills. It’s a peaceful place to stop, stretch your legs, and soak in the landscape, whether you’re visiting at sunrise, midday, or sunset. An interpretation sign on site tells the story of the famous bushranger Matthew Brady, giving visitors an interesting insight into the history behind the lookout’s name.

The area is well set up for travellers, with picnic tables, toilets, and grassy spaces that make it an ideal spot for a break. With its combination of stunning views, local history, and convenient facilities, Brady’s Lookout is a must-stop destination when exploring the Tamar Valley.

Explore Low Head

At Low Head, visitors can explore a fascinating collection of maritime attractions that showcase Tasmania’s strong connection to the sea. The historic Low Head Lighthouse and its impressive foghorn stand proudly at the river’s entrance to Bass Strait, offering spectacular coastal views and insight into the region’s early navigation history.

Nearby, the Low Head Pilot Station tells the story of the skilled pilots who guided ships safely through the Tamar River, while the Low Head Maritime Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, photographs, and displays that bring Tasmania’s maritime past to life. Together, these sites make Low Head a must-visit destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about the state’s seafaring heritage.

Tamar Island Wetlands

On the outskirts of Launceston lies the Tamar Island Wetlands, a unique estuarine ecosystem of mudflats, lagoons, and small islands teeming with plant, bird, and animal life. This serene natural reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, offering the chance to spot native birds, waterfowl, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Visitors can explore the 4-kilometre circuit walking track, which typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete and is recognised as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Along the way, interpretive signs provide insights into the wetland’s ecology, conservation efforts, and the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this fragile environment. With its peaceful scenery, abundant wildlife, and easy accessibility from Launceston, the Tamar Island Wetlands offer a perfect escape into nature without leaving the city behind.

Grindelwald Swiss Village

Grindelwald, Tasmania’s own “Swiss Village,” is a charming Alpine-inspired precinct just 15 minutes north of Launceston. Visitors can stroll past boutique shops, cafés, and lakeside gardens, indulge in treats at the ice creamery or bakery, and enjoy casual dining at the Alpenrose Bistro.

The village also offers family-friendly fun with mini-golf, paddle boats, and the quirky Splash Golf on Lake Serene. With its European charm and relaxed atmosphere, Grindelwald makes a delightful stop while exploring the Tamar Valley.

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Batman Bridge

The Batman Bridge is a striking modern landmark spanning the Tamar River, known for being Australia’s first cable-stayed bridge when it was completed between 1966 and 1968. Its sleek design and towering pylons make it an impressive sight from both the river and surrounding roads.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely picnic in the area below the bridge while taking in panoramic views, or stretch their legs on the walkway that runs across it, offering a unique perspective of the Tamar River and the surrounding Tamar Valley countryside. The bridge is a must-see stop for anyone exploring the northern Tamar region, combining engineering marvel with scenic beauty.

Narawntapu National Park

Narawntapu National Park, is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park features a rich mix of coastal heathlands, open grasslands, and dry sclerophyll woodlands, creating a diverse landscape that’s perfect for exploring.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of native birdlife, while keen eyes may spot kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and even the rare Tasmanian devil in their natural habitat. Several walking tracks of varying lengths allow visitors to experience the park’s scenic beauty up close, from coastal strolls along the rugged shorelines to longer hikes through woodlands and grasslands.

Visit Wineries

The Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s oldest wine region, home to more than 30 cellar doors set amid rolling hills and scenic river views. From cool-climate whites like Pinot Gris and Riesling to elegant Pinot Noir, the region offers a variety of wines to taste and savour. Many wineries also feature restaurants, cellar door experiences, and picturesque spots to relax.