Venture into Wild Tamar – just 35 minutes from Launceston – on a Tasmanian long weekend adventure.

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Lutruwita, the traditional Country of the Palawa people who occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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About Wild Tamar

Soak in the splendour of Wild Tamar in Tasmania’s north, with kayaking, cycling, fishing and wildlife adventures – all based around the kanamaluka / Tamar River. Stay at George Town or one of the many nearby coastal hamlets and be ready to explore the great outdoors and encounter the best of Tassie’s wildlife and sealife.

How to Get to Wild Tamar

George Town, the largest town in the region, is just 35 minutes’ drive north of Launceston – ideal for a weekend getaway in Tasmania.

If you’re travelling from interstate you can fly into Launceston and rent a car, or take the Route 772 bus to George Town or Low Head. Or, drive onboard the Spirit of Tasmania and you’ll dock in Devonport which is 80 minutes’ drive from George Town.

 

The Best Places to Stay in Wild Tamar

There are plenty of Wild Tamar accommodation options to choose as your base for adventuring.

For a romantic weekend getaway, cosy up at the York Cove Holiday Hotel with access to the onsite pool and spa. It’s at the beginning of the Kanamaluka Trail and is a great base from which to explore George Town.

To soak in the region’s history – and view Little penguins in the evening – book a stay at the Low Head Pilot Station. There are nine self-contained cottages to choose from, as well as a heritage museum and lighthouse to explore.

 

Relaxing Outdoor Activities in Wild Tamar

Water sports – Kayaking, SUP and Kiteboarding

The ultimate way to explore Wild Tamar is to get out on the kanamaluka / Tamar River. Bring your kayak or SUP to circle the rocky headlands and paddle across the calm coves. In the summer months the calmer waters of York Cove, Town Beach, and East Beach are great places to set out from.

 

 

For a kayaking tour with a difference, check out Launceston Kayaking Tours. You can give your legs a workout – instead of your arms – with their pedal-powered Hobie kayaks. Take a 90 minute guided river tour, or a day-long fishing tour.

 

 

When the wind picks up it’s time to grab the kiteboarding gear and head to the uncrowded beaches on the north coast. In particular, the exposed beaches at Low Head are a great place to launch. Try East Beach and Bellbuoy Beach during the summer months when there are onshore northerlies.

Wildlife and Sea Life Encounters

The small township of Low Head is famous for its Little Penguin Tours. Every night after sunset you can walk with your guide to the penguins’ nesting area in the sand dunes. Then wait and watch as these cute creatures return from the ocean and waddle across the beach right in front of you.

 

 

Lesser known – but just as impressive – is the Australian fur seal colony at Tenth Island. The granite islet is 6 kilometres from Tassie’s coast and can be accessed by boat. It’s home to a breeding colony of seals with around 400 pups born each year. It’s also a roost for Little Penguins and a breeding ground for black-faced cormorants.

On the opposite side of the kanamaluka / Tamar River from George Town you can meet some of the region’s wildlife and sea life in a more personal setting. Seahorse World is a working seahorse farm that gives you an up close look at these magical creatures.

Meanwhile, Platypus House is home to some fascinating monotremes – platypus and echidnas. Its all-weather facilities are an easy way to see these unique Aussie creatures up close.

Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing

If your idea of a perfect afternoon is throwing a line in – you’re in luck. For some Wild Tamar fishing you can head to either the beach or the river. Expect a nibble from bream, flathead, snapper, salmon and plenty more.

For freshwater fishing, head to Curries River Dam which is 5 kilometres south of George Town. The dam is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout.

 

 

Or, to fish with a local expert, Unique Fishing Tours have specialised Saltwater Bream and King George Whiting tours. Spend a day out on the kanamaluka / Tamar River – one of the best places in Tasmania to target these species.

Walking / Cycling the Kanamaluka Trail

The Kanamaluka Trail is a 6 kilometre paved track from George Town to Low Head. Starting out at York Cove you can cruise alongside the river with plenty of places to stop along the way, including Lagoon Beach for a chilly dip (if you’re brave enough!) The trail finishes at the historic Low Head Lighthouse with views out to Bass Strait.

 

 

The trail is perfect for cycling or walking and is also wheelchair friendly. You’ll likely encounter plenty of locals out enjoying the trail along the way. If you don’t have your own bike, stop in at the Visitor Centre in George Town to hire one.

If adventures like rock climbing and mountain biking are more your speed, check out Wild Tamar: Your Guide to Adventure in Tasmania’s North

Gear list for exploring Wild Tamar

  • Bikes and helmets
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Daypack
  • Kayak or SUP
  • Fishing gear
  • Kiteboarding gear
  • Camera

Tips For Visiting Wild Tamar

In addition to adventuring in the great outdoors, the Wild Tamar region has a host of cellar doors and farm gates to explore. You won’t regret stopping in at the award-winning wineries or visiting Hillwood Berry Farm as part of your trip.

 

 

Flying into Launceston is a great way to save time and have more adventures in Wild Tamar. There are regular direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane – making it an easy long weekend destination.

 

All photos thanks to Wild Tamar

Wild Tamar FAQs

How far is it from Launceston to George Town?

Launceston to George Town is a 35 minute drive along the East Tamar Highway.

What is kanamaluka?

kanamaluka is the original name given to the Tamar River in palawa kani – the language of First Nations Tasmanians.

Where are the best places to eat in George Town?

There are some great food options in the Wild Tamar region, including freshly caught seafood, seasonal fruits and local wines. We reckon you can’t go wrong refuelling with a pub feed at the Pier Hotel or grabbing some fresh fish (and chips) at the Pilot Station Seafood Shack.