Top Activities In The Tamar Valley
Launceston is Tasmania's second larvgest city. A great starting point for any holiday, this region offers fresh produce, nature and heritage trails and access to some of the states best wildlife experiences. There are so many activities to do in Launceston and its surrounds.
Here Are Our Top Activities For The Region
Launcestons City Park. This park has it all: a playground, level paths to scoot on, and magical flower gardens fit for fairies and elves. The kids will love the huge open spaces and will be thrilled to see the monkeys at play. You can easily spend a whole day here! If you are travelling on a budget then this is the perfect place to bring the family for a picnic, and its all free!. Read more about the park, here.
The Thomas Train, at Christmas.
The Thomas Train, at Christmas.
Platypus House at Beauty Point. Nestled on the water in the beautiful Tamer Valley, Platypus House offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch live Tasmanian Platypuses and Echidnas in daylight conditions and undercover! Wet and cold days are not a problem! Enjoy a great coffee from our café overlooking the Tamar River or have fun browsing for a gift for someone special. Click here to go to their website.
Seahorse World Tasmania at Beauty Point. The working seahorse farm gives you unique access to these magical creatures. An educational tour will lead you through The Cave of the Seahorse, working Seahorse Farm and the Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium, ending with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hold a beautiful seahorse in the palm of your hand! Click here for their website.
Seahorse World. Image curtesty of Seahorse World.
Seahorse World. Image curtesty of Seahorse World.
Greens Beach for a walk or swim. Located in the north of the state, Greens Beach is a great spot to head to for a swim in the warm weather. A popular shack spot, there is a general store, toilets, change rooms and plenty of space at the large beach. There is even a playground for the little ones. Head up the Tamar River on the western side from Launceston to get to the beach.
Greens Beach in the summer.
Take a scenic drive to Narrantapu National Park. Located off Bakers Beach; this is a top spot to find wombats and eagles. One walked casually between my legs last time I was there! Its the perfect spot to spend the morning.
The historic Low Head Pilot Station. Low Head also offers
Low Head Penguin Tours (seasonal) and we highly recommend them! At the Coastal Reserve, Low Hea one of highly trained and friendly guides will meet you. After a short wait the Littler Blue Penguins or Fairy Penguins as they in some areas will begin to swim to the surface, stand up and preen and waddle up the beach. The number of penguins you will see will vary depending upon the season. Between November and February 100 to 200 penguins will come ashore each night. Between March and October 10 to 100 penguins. Head to their website for bookings and more. CLick here.
Image curtesy of Low Head Penguin Tours
Hillwood Berry Farm for some delish strawberries that the kids can pick and get strawberry faces from. Located in beautiful Northern Tasmania, just 30 minutes north of Launceston, Hillwood Farmgate provides direct -from-the-farm produce from the berry farm as well as selected producers from the local area. Their philosophy is to open up some of the farm to the public so you can get hands on and select your very own produce to enjoy when you get home. Click here for their website
Mmm delish!
Cataract Gorge in Launceston. The Gorge is a fantastic free destination for the whole family. I spent so much time there every summer as a kid, as did my mum and dad, and those before him.⠀Today, families can enjoy the the extensive walks through gardens and forest, cross the famous swinging bridge or go for a swim in the free pool in the warmer summer months.⠀One big attraction is the Chairlift. Travelling from one side of the Basin to the other, the chairlift provides a great view of the Gorge itself. ⠀On the upper side of the Gorge are the popular peacocks and Bennett wallabies. Kids can play in the horse and coach playground under the shade of the old English trees, then spot the magnificent colours of the peacocks as they strut their stuff around the gardens. There are two cafes onsite, the Basin Cafe and The Gorge Restaurant. There are toilets and changing facilities. There are plenty of great places to have a picnic, as well.⠀
The Gorge. Image courtesy of Cataract Gorge, Launceston.
Tamar River Wetlands Reserve at Riverside, the The Tamar Island Wetlands is a unique urban wetlands reserve just a ten-minute drive from Launceston. A short (500 metre) walk from the interpretation centre takes you to a bird hide with seating where you can observe wetland birds on the lagoon and enjoy a restful break.
Image curtesy of Discover Tasmania
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk (free) where many of Launceston's old trams and locomotives are on display. There are also a lot of great activities such as the science area, the animals, history and heritage and an outdoor play area. A cafe is inside the museum, and there is also Blue Cafe across from the main entrance.
Checking out the animals in the museum.