Today I thought I’d share with you the top 10 things to do & see in the Tamar Valley.
The Tamar Valley located in Northern Tasmania, running from Launceston to Bass Strait, includes lots to see and do.
1. Starting in one of Australia’s oldest towns – George Town on the North East of the Tamar River. There is so much to see and do here I could fill the list just in this area. There’s Low Head with the lighthouse, Pilot Station Museum , the penguin tours and lovely beaches. In George Town itself there’s the Bass & Flinders Centre with the replica Norfolk, the watch house and you’ll often see whales frolicking in the cove.
2. Do the wine route. Boasting a wide range of high quality and award winning wines, the Tamar Valley Wine route will take you around some gorgeous scenery with the bonus of some great tasting wines
3. Like strawberries? Make sure you stop in to to the Hillwood Berry Farm. Buy already picked or pick your own or just enjoy some of the berry goodies in the cafe.
4. Heading across the iconic Batman Bridge, go north and find yourself in Beaconsfield. Here you can check out the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre. Learn about the history of the town, the mine and more. There is an interactive experience presenting the story of the 2006 ANZAC Day mine rock fall and rescue of the 2 miners trapped underground.
5. Just up the road in Beauty Point is Seahorse World and the Platypus House. Seahorse World is an amazing place to learn all about these tiny creatures. A short walk away and you can meet some of our more unusual animals. Watch the platypus swim in their tanks and get up close and personal with a couple of echidnas.
6. Go south a bit and it will bring you to Glengarry and the Glengarry bush maze. I’ve never been but my kids have and say it is a great afternoon.
7. Keep heading south towards Launceston and you can visit our own little Swiss Village at Grindelwald resort. Play a spot of mini golf or enjoy a meal. For a cheeky treat pop into the Chocolate shop and enjoy some delicious Tasmanian chocolates.
8. A few minutes outside of Launceston is Tasmania Zoo, showcasing some of our native animals, as well as animals from interstate and overseas. Plus there’s also the dinosaur trail. You can also get up close & personal with some of the animals by doing an Animal Encounter.
9. This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Cataract Gorge in Launceston. It’s a gorgeous spot for a walk, take a picnic, go for a ride on the world’s longest single span chairlift, wander across the suspension bridge, check out the peacocks and wallabies, enjoy a meal at the Café or restaurant. There’s so much to do in just the one area.
10. Finally, just up the road from The Gorge is the Trevallyn & Duck Reach Hydro Power stations. Duck Reach was the first publicly owned generating electricity plant in the Southern Hemisphere. Trevallyn power station was commissioned in 1955 and took over from the Duck Reach power station that started operation in December 1895. Take a tour of Duck Reach or head to Trevallyn Dam for a picnic. While your there have a go at the Cable Hand Gliding.