The 9 best things to do in Tamar Valley

From skydiving to frolicking with the local penguin population, there’s a lot to explore in Wild Tamar with adventures for every kind of traveller.

Look beyond the wineries, and you’ll find plenty of things to do in Tamar Valley. Find the historic hamlet of George Town, a coastal treasure in Wild Tamar (and the country’s third-oldest European settlement, behind Sydney and Hobart) some 40 minutes north of Launceston.

George Town water front, things to do in Tamar Valley, Tasmania — Enjoy the beauty of George Town’s waterfront, any time of day.

Although it would be easy for George Town to pull on its looks alone, (the town features easy access to the Bass Strait, and along with it, striking sea and river views from seemingly every corner), it ultimately delivers with personality and spades of attractions for visitors to enjoy.

Need a few ideas? We’ve got you covered.

1. Enjoy a kayaking adventure

Whether you’re into gentle river paddling or strenuous ocean experiences, George Town, with its swift access to Bass Strait and a plethora of calm coves juxtaposed with rocky headlands, is a haven for lovers of watersports.

You can opt for a guided Tamar River Kayak Tour with Launceston Kayak Tours or, if you have your own, take it out along Low Head, York Cove, East Beach or Town Beach. During the summer months, these waters (with the exception of Low Head) are calm enough for SUP boarding adventures too.

Launceston Kayak Tours, George Town, things to do in Tamar Valley — Opt for a guided Tamar River Hobie Kayak Tour with Launceston Kayak Tours. (Image: Ideasbanq)

2. Tour George Town Watch House

If you’ve ever wanted to know what life on the inside is like (without the associated rap sheet), take a tour of George Town Watch House ; a historic prison which features a model village demonstrating what 19th-century life was like in George Town. There’s also a display on the female convicts who were imprisoned here between 1824 and 1834.

You can even take a little break from all the seriousness by heading over to displays shining a light on the state’s finest arts and crafts.

3. Meet the Low Head penguin population

At any one time, there are between 2,000 and 4,000 penguins who call Low Head home. Come sunset, up to 200 Little Blue Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins) waddle in from the sea to the coastal reserve.

You could read about it, but why not book a one-hour guided tour with Low Head Penguin Tours and see it for yourself instead? The tours run daily and all you have to do is pre-book, rug up in something warm (it can get chilly on the viewing platform) and wait for the magic to begin.

Low Head penguins, things to do in Tamar Valley — Join a tour to meet the Low Head penguin population.

4. Stay at Low Head Pilot Station

Of course, if you can’t get enough of the flippered critters, you can extend your stay in Wild Tamer by checking into Low Head Pilot Station ; a collection of shacks and cottages suitable for couples, families and large groups.

Built by convicts in 1805 as a way to guide ships into kanamaluka/River Tamar, the property is also home to Low Head Lighthouse, the state’s second-oldest light station, a rustic Seafood Shack and the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum .

Keen to fit in a leisurely walk to the lighthouse? The foghorn sounds every Sunday at noon and can be heard from over 30 kilometres away – so hearing protection is recommended.

Low Head Pilot Station, things to do in Tamar Valley, Tasmania — Stay by the water and learn some local history at Low Head Pilot Station.

5. Take a hike through George Town

While the Kanamaluka Trail mightn’t be a ‘hike’ in the traditional sense, it’s a scenic six-kilometre walk along the coastline, running from George Town to Low Head.

Whether you opt to walk, jog or cycle (you can pop in at the visitor centre to enquire about hiring a bike), the trail will introduce you to the prettiest sites of the region – from isolated beaches and nature reserves and past historic buildings and museums.

You’ll even see a range of quirky shops and cafes, including Don Marios Italian Restaurant which hosts a monthly classic car show.

Low Head, George Town Tasmania — Take a leisurely coastal walk, jog or cycle from George Town to Low Head. (Image: Rob Burnett)

6. Tackle Tasmania’s best mountain bike trails

With 70 kilometres of riding to be done across two trail networks, George Town is fast earning a reputation as the top place to go mountain biking in Tasmania. From easy gradients and smooth surfaces to physically demanding routes suitable for those who love a challenge, the George Town mountain bike trails cover all.

What’s more, shuttle bus options are available. You can look at trail maps, read trail descriptions and plan your route through George Town Mountain Bike Trails .

Bike trails around George Town — Hit the bike trails around George Town. (Image: Flow Mountain Bike)

7. Skydive over George Town for a different view

There’s no better place to admire the region’s spectacular coastal landscape than as you freefall some 10,000 feet from a plane.

Tasmania Skydivers (Tasmania’s only all-inclusive Tandem Skydive) will fly you over George Town, River Tamar and the historic Low Head Lighthouse before ‘dropping you off’ mid-air. You’ll even receive over 100 photos, plus a video edit with music to capture your bravery.

Skydive over George Town, things to do in Tamar Valley — Skydive over George Town for an adrenaline rush.

8. Find the best diving spots in Tasmania

Provided you’re okay with bracing cold water (this isn’t the Mediterranean after all), the Wild Tamar area near George Town is celebrated for having some of the best diving in Tasmania.

From diving the wreckage of The Avon – a tugboat that sank after it was abandoned – to observing the colourful sponge gardens and marine life (everything from seahorses to octopuses) at The Monument, plus the wonders of Kelso and the Farewell Beach off the river mouth, the sites are super-accessible. Schedule a dive trip through Tasmanian Divers (or learn how to scuba dive).

colourful sponge gardens and seahorses at The Monument dive spot, George Town,things to do in Tamar Valley — Find colourful sponge gardens and seahorses at The Monument dive spot.

9. Go fishing, visit underwater worlds and more

Whether you’re into fishing (this area is noted for its bream, flathead and snapper) with a local charter, visiting the local seahorses at Seahorse World , or prefer the company of the ever-elusive platypus at Platypus House , George Town offers a multitude of things to do all in kinds of weather.

fishing in George Town, things to do in Tamar Valley — The Wild Tamar offers anglers the opportunity to chase a plethora of salt and freshwater species.

10. Visit a winery

Don’t forget to leave some time to tour the wineries of the Tamar Valley region. There’s a winery everyone. Sparkling lovers will be taken by a bubbly glass of Jansz at their cellar door. Or, explore the diverse offerings at Josef Chromy, where you can sample everything from a delicate rosé to a refreshing riesling.

the lush vineyards in Josef Chromy Wines, Tamar Valley — Josef Chromy Wines is a wine lover’s paradise in the Tamar Valley. (Image: Andrew Wilson)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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The 10 best things to do in Tamar Valley