What is the Tamar Valley known for?
The Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania is known for cool-climate wines, especially sparkling wine, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It follows the Tamar River from Launceston to Bass Strait.
The valley's cool climate and long, mild growing season suit grapes that ripen slowly, giving wines with fresh acidity. Tasmanian sparkling wine from the region has won international awards and is often compared with Champagne.
The Tamar Valley Wine Route links more than 30 cellar doors along both banks of the river. Many wineries also serve local food such as cheese, berries, salmon and oysters.
Towns and attractions
Beauty Point is home to Platypus House and Seahorse World, where visitors can see platypuses, echidnas and seahorses up close. The Batman Bridge, opened in 1968, crosses the river near Deviot.
Beaconsfield is a historic gold-mining town. In 2006, two miners were rescued after being trapped underground for two weeks after a rockfall, in a story followed around the world.
Low Head, at the mouth of the river, has a historic pilot station and lighthouse, and little penguins come ashore there at dusk. The Tamar Island Wetlands near Launceston offer boardwalks and birdwatching.
Did You Know?
The Tamar River is actually a tidal estuary about 70 kilometres long.