Tasmania’s Tamar Valley

Unlike the British version of the Tamar River, Tasmania’s Tamar has a 70km long salt and freshwater estuary and drains approximately 10 000km2 of northern Tasmania, linking to several of the state’s longest river systems; the longest in Australia.

The valley itself is home to the Tamar Valley Wine Route – recognised as one of the top 10 wine routes in the world and is the best sparkling wine producer outside of the Champagne region, according to French Champagne House, Louis Roederer. 32 vineyards in 170kms may require a designated driver!

The river itself is a major attraction with a natural gorge at one end, Ramsar class wetlands midway and a National Park at the mouth – it’s a natural nirvana. There are walks ranging from 30 minutes to overnight, featuring waterfalls, wetlands, sea cliffs, marsupial lawns and at over 116 bird species recognised in the Narawntapu National Park.

5 star wines go best with 5 star foods and the valley is somewhat complacent of the great produce it offers. The growing cafe culture provides food sourced from their own garden with local honey, truffles, abalone, organic vegies, salmon, olive oil, pork, wagyu beef and even vodka.

There’s a wealth of accommodation providers, many located on or near the water who offer serene stays, engaged service and a quality that feels like home without pretention in stunning natural surrounds.

You can drive most of the river course discovering colonial history and bushranger haunts along the way – Brady’s lookout, aptly named, rising around 130 metres above the water. Legend has it when the redcoats came too near he hid away in the nearby Brady’s tree, large enough to house the entire gang at Notley Gorge.

There’s also an emerging arts scene with the Tamar Valley Arts Trail inviting you to join the artist in their studio and many progressive arts events such as the Tamar Valley Writers Festival in March and ArtentWine from October onwards.

Did you know?

The English cricket team used to holiday here in the 1940’s at historic Como as did Robert Menzies, Australia’s Prime Minister at the time. Local vineyard Velo has ex-Olympian, Giro d ‘Italia and Tour de France legend Michael Wilson at the cellar door. The valley boasts the world’s largest letter ‘A’ in the Batman Bridge, rising more than 90 metres high and spanning over 400 metres across. The river in 1806 saw Australia’s first female pirate, Charlotte Badger, steal the brig Venus and sail to New Zealand – on arrival, the Maoris cooked the men and she reportedly took up with a Maori chief!

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