Launceston is the area’s major centre, straddling the Tamar River 60 km inland from the mouth of the river. The banks of West Tamar, from Launceston in the south to the coastal holiday town Greens Beach in the north, are lined with vineyards. Greens Beach and Kelso are coastal fishing resorts, and as you head south, Beauty Point offers a pleasant stop to relax and enjoy the surrounds. Following the West Tamar Highway (A7) south, you pass through Beaconsfield. It was here that the regions future took off, when gold was discovered at Cannage Tree Hill in the late 1870’s. Mining continues today in one of the old shafts  in Beaconsfield. The other two are closed and now house the Grubb Shaft Museum.

At Exeter drop into the Tamar Visitor Centre for information about the region and heading south at Rosevears where you can go wine tasting at the Strathlyn Wine Centre, as well as bird spotting at the Waterbird Haven Trust.
 

At Exeter drop into the Tamar Visitor Centre for information about the region and heading south at Rosevears where you can go wine tasting at the Strathlyn Wine Centre, as well as bird spotting at the Waterbird Haven Trust.

On the east side of the Tamar River is Low Head, one of Australia’s earliest settlements and with its many navigational lead lights and aids for ships, with some of them dating back to around 1881. You can also visit the Pilot Station and the Maritime Museum. South of here is George Town. Unless you are travelling from Launceston, the only other route across the western side of the Tamar River so via the Batman Bridge, located just south of Beaconsfield and George Town. Check out some of the Georgian and other historic buildings around town.

Other townships on-route down the East Tamar Highway include Hillwood, Mt Direction Swan Bay, Windermere, and Dilston.

If you are keen on fishing, there are shore access pontoons located along the riverbanks. From here you can fish for a variety of saltwater fish as well as freshwater fish in some of the nearby inland streams and lakes. The quiet waters and sheltered shores also provide a perfect environment for many species of waters birds. Take the time to visit Tamar Island Wetlands, only 8 km from Launceston town centre. Boardwalks take you across the wetlands, giving you opportunity to see the birds in their own habitat. There is Notley Gorge with it’s deep fern glades, rainforest and waterfalls. At Low Head, you can see fairy penguins nest in the coastal scrub and Australian fur seals breed on Tenth Island.

For up-to-date information visit the tourist information centre. For Tamar Valley accommodation click here: