Whether it’s a vibrant farmer’s market, a fun-filled family festival in the heart of Launceston, or a lazy day spent touring cellar doors, the Tamar Valley is a delight. Add it to your self-drive road trip itinerary and see for yourself!

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Stretching from the soft, sandy beaches, penguins and maritime history of Low Head in the north, along the vine-draped banks of the Tamar River to Launceston in the south – the Tamar Valley region is a great place to base yourself for at least a few days, if not a week or more if you can squeeze it in!

Launceston – ‘Launnie’ to the locals – is Tasmania’s second largest city and not only is it a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, but it is also your gateway to the wineries, restaurants and natural beauty of the magnificent Tamar Valley.

The festival scene in Launceston is absolutely epic, with family-friendly Festivale, the up-beat vibes of Party in the Paddock, eclectic excitement of Junction Arts Festival, and chilled out New Year’s celebration at Beerfest – it’s easy to see why Launceston is one of Australia’s most exciting small-cities.

Keep reading to find out more about Launceston and the Tamar Valley, and how to include it in your Tasmanian road trip itinerary!

Things to See & Do

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)

The artistic heart and soul of Launceston, QVMAG provides a fascinating insight into Tasmania’s prehistoric, aboriginal and colonial histories. The kids will love Phenomena Factory – a hands-on interactive science centre that won’t cost you a penny.

Cataract Gorge

As you make your way out of Launceston up the West Tamar Highway, put aside a half-day to explore Cataract Gorge.

Multi-coloured peacocks strut their way through the cool gardens on the northern side, while the southern side is perfect for a picnic or dip in the water at Launceston ‘beach’. The graceful arches of Kings Bridge link both sides, or you can take the scenic route via the longest single-span chairlift in the world!

Tamar Valley Wine Route

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a veteran wine taster or you simply love the occasional glass of sparkling – dozens of little wineries hide among the rolling hills of the Tamar Valley waiting for you to pull up and have a taste of their delicious cool-climate wines.

The Tamar Valley Wine Centre in Exeter should be your first port of call to pick up a map and plan your Tamar Valley road trip.

Chris and Cassie are the lucky owners of Glendale Vineyard, one of the Tamar Valley’s most picturesque wineries. There is something special about the light as it filters through the vines and illuminates the rolling hills. Your photos are going to be spectacular, and the wines even better!

Moore’s Hill make a smashing riesling and are at the forefront of sustainable wine making in Tasmania, while further up the valley you’ll find Pinot ‘d’ Pig – unofficial GM at Holm Oak Winery when he isn’t consuming apples by the bucket load! A tasting flight in their sun-dappled tasting room is the best way to experience some of Tassie’s finest pinots.

Keen for a glass of sparkling as good, if not better than anything you’ll find in France?

The sunny east bank of the Tamar Valley is where you need to be – at wineries like Jansz, Clover Hill and Dalrymple.

They are all amazing, but my personal recommendation is to try the wines from Clover Hill. Whenever my wife and need to celebrate we always try to track down one of their high-end releases – they are simply delish, with a fine bead, incredibly balanced flavours, and not overly sweet.

Of course, don’t forget to stay safe and assign a designated driver!

Hazelbrae Hazelnuts – Orchard and farm store

Located in the tiny hamlet of Hagley, just off the A1 highway about 25mins drive from Launceston, Hazelbrae Hazelnuts is a wonderful destination for the whole family that flies way under the radar!

It is a beautiful farm, surrounded by row upon row of hazel trees that look stunning in autumn when the leaves start to turn colour.

Self-guided tours are a great way of exploring the beautiful orchard and gardens where you will discover information plaques detailing the history and stories behind this amazing farm.

Whether you are based in Launceston or passing through on your way to/from Cradle Mountain, a visit to Hazelbrae is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Tassie road trip!

George Town and Low Head

Fancy a penguin tour? Want to learn more about Australia’s oldest pilot station from the early 1800s? Or maybe you want to experience the earth-shattering tone of the Low Head Foghorn that can be heard up to 30km out to sea?

Low Head is all about slowing down, relaxing and soaking up the small-town vibes. The golden sands of East Beach and Bell Buoy Beach are fantastic at sunset, and snorkelling is popular in summer.

Just down the road you will find the historic town of George Town, and a visit to the Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum is an essential addition to your itinerary.

I can’t believe how many Lappers tell me just how much they enjoyed visiting this museum, especially the ones who aren’t nautically-minded. With so many fascinating stories to discover, and passionate guides to help explore the centre, there’s something there for everyone.

Seahorse World

With their curly tails and long faces seahorses are some of the cutest fish you’ll find in the world’s oceans. Unfortunately, many species are now endangered and rely on the amazing work done by organisations such as Seahorse World for their very survival.

With touch-pools for the kids, interactive displays and their very own aquarium, at Seahorse World in Beauty Point you’ll come face-to-snout with not only Tasmania’s own pot-bellied seahorse, but weedy seadragons and giant cuttlefish as well!

Platypus House

As much as we would all love to see a platypus in the wild, you can’t exactly snap your fingers and have one turn up exactly where and when you want it.

But the next best thing is a visit to Platypus House Tasmania!

You’ll find Platypus House in Beauty Point right next door to Seahorse World, about a 45 minute drive from Launceston, or 1hr from Devonport – and I can 100% guarantee that you will see a platypus here.

Rain, hail or shine, your ticket will provide you with a fantastic tour of their platypus ponds, where you get to meet Big Jupiter, Poppy, Dawn, Freya and Pumpkin! Combine this with Seahorse World and you’ve got the perfect day out for the kids.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

As you would imagine, a city the size of Launceston has an incredible range of accommodation. What a lot of road trippers don’t realise though is just how many amazing options are dotted up the Tamar Valley as well!

Launceston

Launceston’s size and central location make it an ideal base from which to explore the region and stock up on supplies before continuing your Lap of Tasmania road trip.

My wife and I have stayed at Hotel Verge a few times now, and it’s become our ‘go to’ option any time we head north. Their beds are like sleeping on clouds and the location is absolutely perfect for foodies – right next door to Harvest Market on a Saturday morning!

Families will feel right at home at Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments. Not only are you positioned adjacent Penny Royal Adventure Park – brilliant for the kids – but you are also just a 5min walk from King’s Bridge and the walking trails of Cataract Gorge!

I couldn’t possibly list all the options, but some more of my other favourites include:

• Mantra on Charles – Excellent value for couples and families, and located on one of Launceston’s best streets for restaurants and cafes
• Alice’s Cottages – Multi award-winning and easily some of the most relaxing boutique cottages you’ll find for couples anywhere in Tasmania
• La Banque – Plenty of room for the family to spread out across its three art-deco bedrooms, with full self-catering facilities as well
• Kurrajong House – Ideal if you prefer a cosy, comfortable B&B based on a beautifully renovated heritage property c. 1879

Tamar Valley

If you’re searching for serenity I know you’ll love the Tamar River Apartments at Rosevears, situated in the middle of the famous Brown Brothers Tamar Ridge Estate, or there is also the nearby Tamar Ridge Winery Apartments.

The quirky Tamar Valley Resort Grindelwald has plenty to keep the children occupied, including Swiss Village, mini-golf, paddle-boats, and indoor heated pool.

For a budget B&B, check out the lovely River Walk B&B in Robigana.

Caravan Parks

Campervanners and caravanners have a range of options up and down the valley. Discovery Parks has a fantastic park located in nearby Hadspen – 20% OFF with the LAPOFTAS code – while the Big 4 chain have caravan parks in both Launceston and Low Head. 

Beauty Point Tourist Park is also worth a look as it is one of the most beautiful in Tasmania – and it’s right next to Seahorse World and Platypus House.

Where to Eat & Drink

The fast-growing and vibrant dining scene of Launceston is reflected in the city’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

High praise, but well deserved, as you’ll see when you start reviewing all the options!

Wine plays a big part in the Tamar Valley, and the region’s many quality restaurants make the most of this amazing bounty.

Launceston

Breakfast – Sweetbrew Coffee House have a couple of outlets (great for gluten-free dishes), while Florence Cafe gets fantastic reviews from the locals.

Fine Dining – You’ll find Brisbane Street Bistro and Stillwater to be among the best restaurants in Tasmania. 

Sensational Value – Stelo at Pierre’s is my favourite all-rounder, families and carnivores will love Jailhouse Grill, and small-plate grazing at Pachinko is also a fun way of spending your evening.

Lovely Lunches – Inside Cafe on Paterson Street is excellent for a light lunch, while Prospect Fish Shop is a local gem for amazing value fish & chips, and Samuel Pepy’s Cafe never fails to deliver.

Beer & Wine – Launnie’s craft beer scene is exceptional, and you could easily spend an afternoon between St John Craft Beer, Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall, and Tandy’s Alehouse. Looking for a wine bar? Havilah can’t be beaten!

Outside Launceston

Further afield, lunch is a picture-perfect affair alongside the blue waters and lush gardens of Josef Chromy Winery, while the sweeping Tamar views make Timbre Kitchen at Velo Wines another great lunch option.

Markets and Cooking Schools

Duck into Harvest Market on a Saturday morning in Launceston for delicious breakfast treats and the finest produce fresh from the farm.

On Sunday mornings the best market in the region is the Evandale Sunday Market, just a short drive south of Launceston, every Sunday between 8am and 1:30pm.

Festivals & Events

Festivale

The green lawns, elm trees and warm summer days make Launceston’s City Park the perfectly appropriate venue for the 3-day celebration of summer known as Festivale. Showcasing the very best food, wine, beer, arts and entertainment in Tasmania’s north, this is one event you can’t miss.

• Where: Launceston
• When: Late January / Early February
• Find out more: Festivale

Beerfest

The perfect way to bring in the New year with friends of family – Beerfest lights up Launceston’s waterfront across a couple of days full of local culture, talent, food, and of course beers!

• Where: Launceston
• When: 31 December – 1 January
• Find out more: Beerfest

Junction Arts Festival

Every spring, Junction Arts Festival transforms Launceston into a mesmerising kaleidoscope of Tassie art, music, and performance, creating a breath-taking celebration of life and nature.

IN an interesting twist, this festival spreads itself across two weekends, making it even easier for you to find a day that suits your Tamar Valley road trip itinerary.

• Where: Launceston
• When: September
• Find out more: Junction Arts Festival

Tamar Valley Folk Festival

A celebration of music, song, dance and poetry – the Tamar Valley Folk Festival is held mid-January in and around the centre of George Town in the beautiful Tamar Valley.

Concerts, workshops, children’s events, Poet’s Breakfast, Writers Circle, and more! This fun, family-friendly festival features artists from all over Australia and the world.

• Where: George Town
• When: January
• Find out more: Tamar Valley Folk Festival

Launceston and Tamar Weather

Launceston and the Tamar Valley experience a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons.

I always find it interesting to see how the local geography creates a micro-climate in Launceston and up the Tamar Valley. The reason for this is the Tamar River, and the moderating effect it has all the way up the valley, with morning fog, frosts and very brisk temperatures being more common during autumn and winter, followed up by stunning sunny days.

Summer temperatures vary from 10°C at night up to 25°C during the day, while winter temperatures range from 2°C to 13°C.

Essential Information

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip in Launceston and up the Tamar Valley!

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful for planning your road trip adventures in Launceston and up the Tamar Valley!

For more handy info and tips from a local, you’ll love my other regional guides covering the length and breadth of Tasmania:

• Devonport & Cradle Coast
• Hobart
• East Coast
• Bruny Island
• Derwent Valley
• West Coast
• Huon Valley
• North East Tasmania
• Richmond & Coal River Valley

Happy travels!

Andrew.