WALKS IN THE TAMAR VALLEY
If you’re a lover of exploring sneaky little wilderness treasures, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best short walks that you can explore as a day trip from Launceston and all are great walks for kids - some pram friendly too! The Tamar Valley is perfectly situated within spectacular driving from Launceston and the mix of wilderness and history on a bushwalk is always a perfect combination!
The easiest and most accessible walk is the Tamar Island Wetlands through wetlands teeming with birdlife. It’s not unusual in the warmer months to see a snake - never on the boardwalk but in the grass beside the boardwalk. Don’t worry, there is quite a distance between the boardwalk and the grasses where the snakes live and it is quite a treat to watch these beautiful creatures in their own habit, uncaged and most importantly, safely out of their way! They are drawn to the wetlands because it is a breeding ground for native birds and snakes, just like Pete Evans are always big fans of eggs for breakfast! The walk crosses over expanses of river, to Tamar Island where there are toilets, historical artefacts and great places to explore and have a picnic. From the island, there are great views of the Tamar Valley through to Launceston and the mountains beyond. It is probably one of the best places in the valley to get this sense of place.
The Supply River walk, just north of Exeter an easy short walk with great historical interpretation set amongst a gently flowing river and peaceful bushland. Without giving too much of the history away, the walk takes you along a river that was crucial for the life of the early British settlers in Tasmania - Supply River aptly named due to being a source of fresh water running into the estuarine and tidal, Tamar River. Ships would travel up the Tamar Valley and then up the Supply River to collect their fresh water for the journey ahead- whether carrying goods for export or returning to Sydney for stock and supplies. The frequent ships that visited meant that development soon followed with a water mill being constructed. The remains are here for you to explore today along with great interpretation that paints a picture of the significance and importance of fresh water for a young colony.
Further down the Tamar Valley the roads twist and turn through vineyards and cellar doors and the landscape shifts to mossy green forests, fresh crisp air and dainty fungi hidden in nooks and crannies. The track crisscrosses the creek and weaves under giant maidenhair ferns, over small bridges, down into the gorge with the sound of the gentle tumbling of water over rocks- if you are lucky you might spot some of the locals; a platypus, wallaby or a kookaburra sitting in the ole gumtree. One of the highlights is a huge tree which you can walk inside which is claimed to be a hideaway for local bushranger Matthew Brady and his gang. As far as wilderness a short drive from Launceston, Notley Fern Gorge is a perfect place for a day trip from Launceston where you can get lost in the lush greenery that Tasmania is celebrated for.
One of the best ‘bang for your buck’ for native wildlife it is hard to go past the Narawntapu National Park - this coastal national park has great wildlife viewing and a few great short walks - our favourite is the Archers Knob walk - funny name we know, but some spectacular views, a great ‘sense of achievement’ climb and a plethora of wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons, wombats, echidna’s, birds and snakes to be seen along the way. The return back the car is along the windswept beach that looks out over bass strait- this is where the Tamar Valley ends and the surging ocean begins - on a good day you might even spot whales, killer whales and seals - be sure to keep your eyes peeled!