Tamar Island Walk – A Wetland Trail a Stone’s Throw From Launceston, Tasmania

Whether you’re after a quick stroll or a full afternoon of picnics and birdwatching, there’s something for everyone on the Tamar Island Walk. Here’s Jasmine’s guide on how to get the most out of your visit (and which wildlife to look out for!).

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Facts

Distance: 4km return from the car park
Duration: 1.5 hours
Closest town: Launceston

Quick Overview

The Tamar Island Walk is a 4km, 1.5 hour return trail along boardwalk through the Tamar Wetlands. The walk is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and is only a ten-minute drive from Launceston. You can expect stops at the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre, a birdwatching observatory, and a picnic area overlooking the lagoon.

About the Tamar Island Walk

The Tamar wetlands is a network of islands inside the Tamar Conservation Area. Paperbark trees and tall reeds line the sides of the walk across the Kanamaluka / Tamar River.

Sediment build-up and erosion have led to an intricate network of mudflats, channels, and vegetation adapting to sea-level change over the past two million years. These habitats are home to numerous waterbird and reptile species that can be viewed from the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre observation deck.

Tamar Island History

Tamar Island forms part of the Tamar Conservation Area and is located in the Kanamaluka / Tamar River. The estuary was used by First Nations People for over 40,000 years as a food source, meeting place, and home.

Following European settlement, dredging occurred to improve ship access to the Port of Launceston, and some machine parts are still visible today. In the 1980s, Tamar Island was included in the Tamar Conservation Area, and remains a vital ecosystem worth preserving.

How to Get There

By Car

Tamar Island Walk is a ten-minute drive from Launceston CBD – drive north along the A7 West Tamar Highway, past Riverside. Parking is available at the start of the walk.

By Bus 

You can catch a bus (#780) from Launceston CBD to the Tamar Island Wetlands.

Where to Stay Near Tamar Wetlands

Launceston Holiday Park is the closest accommodation to Tamar Island, with cabin, caravan, and campground options available. There are also plenty of hotels and caravan parks in Launceston and Riverside.

Where to Eat Near Tamar Wetlands

Riverside Shopping Centre is a five-minute drive away, so you can stock up on picnic food beforehand. Banjo’s Bakery also has a variety of pies and sandwiches.

Skill Level

Beginner

No experience needed! The boardwalk is flat and wide enough for both wheelchair and strollers.

Essential Gear

• Hat
• Water bottle
• Picnic rug
• Snacks
• A camera
• Binoculars for birdwatching
• Gold coin donation for the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre

What it’s Like to Visit Tamar Islands Walk

We stopped off at Tamar Wetlands for an afternoon walk. Staying in Launceston to do fieldwork, we were keen to use our day off for an easy nature walk and to hopefully see some of the 60 bird species that frequent the wetlands.

Meandering through the boardwalk, we took a side trail down to a bird hide hidden in the paperbark forest to try our luck at spotting the abundant birdlife, including Black swans, egrets, cormorants, and maybe even a White-bellied sea eagle.

Crossing over the creek bed, we watched the swans scavenging along the bank –  including some baby chicks following along! Another eagle-eyed hiker let us know that off the trail there was a Lowland copperhead snake – one of Tasmania’s three snake species – basking on the creek’s edge.

We continued around the main island, passing by a picnic and BBQ area with views looking across the water towards Launceston, before returning to our car.

Tamar Island is perfect for a short walk with a picnic stop halfway. For a longer trip, drop into the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre to learn about the area and how scientists are helping to conserve these vital ecosystems.

Tips For Tamar Island Walk

• Bring a picnic rug and snacks for ideal sunset viewing over the Kanamaluka / Tamar River
• Take your time and keep an eye out for reptiles and birds
• And remember to leave no trace!

FAQs Tamar Island Walk

Where is this walk located?

Tamar Island Walk is located in the Tamar Conservation Area, ten minutes north of Launceston, Tasmania.

How do you get to Tamar Island Walk?

This ultra accessible walk is a ten minute drive north along the A7 West Tamar Highway, past Riverside. There’s parking at the start of the walk. You can also catch a bus from Launceston.

When is Tamar Island Walk open?

This trail is open during daylight hours and the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre is open 10am to 4pm each day.

When is the best time of year to visit Tamar Island Walk?

The walk is best enjoyed between September and April.

Photography by @stephtennessee