Beauty Point: A Destination for the Conscious Explorer
Tucked where the Tamar Valley meets the sea, Beauty Point is a town in Tasmania shaped by water. It's a place where time slows, stories deepen, and the journey becomes as meaningful as the destination. For over 150 years, the wharf has shifted with the tides, its fortunes rising and falling, its history becoming part of the town’s fabric. This is a place for travellers who seek sustainability, authenticity and real connection.
Just under an hour from Launceston and less than an hour from the Devonport Spirit of Tasmania terminal, Beauty Point is an easy beginning to any Tamar Valley itinerary. And yet, once you arrive, you'll understand why many visitors end up staying longer than they planned.
The river has done more than shape the land. It has carved out a rhythm of life. As you follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route, perhaps in a low-impact electric vehicle, vineyards and farm gates appear like gentle invitations to pause. This is a region proud to be part of a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, where food and wine reflect a strong sense of place. The air carries the scent of salt and the promise of discovery.
For those with a taste for the local, Beauty Point delivers in abundance. Sip crisp Rieslings and cool-climate Pinot at cellar doors like Small Wonder. Order seafood fresh from the source at The Chef’s Catch, or enjoy a slow meal at the foreshore’s Waterfront Hotel, where classic pub fare is elevated with Tamar-sourced produce. Wherever you dine, the views are constant companions - wide river vistas, gently shifting tides, and the warm glow of golden hour.
Maritime heritage runs deep here. You can hear it in the quiet of Seaport Village and feel it in the presence of the Commercial Diving Academy, where marine skills are still taught and practised. These are living stories of resilience, craftsmanship and enduring ties to the sea.
The seasons shape life in Beauty Point, sometimes generously, sometimes with challenges. Yet they always offer something nourishing. From cool-climate wines to fresh local produce, the land rewards those who pay attention. Stay at Wingtons Glamping in a luxurious safari tent beside the river, where the rhythm of water becomes your nightly lullaby. Ease into the evening with a soak in a private outdoor bath or linger in the wood-fired sauna overlooking the Tamar before plunging into the seawater pool. As the stars emerge, unspoiled and unfiltered, you’ll be reminded of life’s quieter magic.
Wildlife is everywhere, above and below the surface. At Seahorse World, meet these delicate marine creatures and learn about efforts to protect endangered handfish. Platypus House offers a rare glimpse into the quiet lives of monotremes. Venture out to Narawntapu National Park, where you may spot wombats and Tasmanian devils in the wild.
Beauty Point draws a certain kind of traveller - thoughtful, curious, and eager to leave a light footprint while gaining a deeper connection to the places they visit. Stop for a chat with maritime students from the Australian Maritime College. Lend a hand in the gardens at Beauty Point Cottages. You won’t just pass through. You’ll become part of the story.
This is a town shaped by its past and inspired by its future. At the Sculptured Gallery, admire handcrafted works made from local timber. Support conservation efforts, meet the people behind what’s grown and crafted, and contribute to a local culture that values care for the land, the sea, and one another.
Take your time. Let the road bring you here. Maybe you’ll stay for a while. Maybe you’ll carry something of Beauty Point with you long after you leave - a memory, a flavour, a feeling.
This is Beauty Point. Made by the river.
How to spend your days here…
At the northern end of the Tamar Valley, where the Kanamaluka /Tamar River meets the sea, you will find Beauty Point.
When planning your trip to Lutruwita / Tasmania, you might have disembarked from the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport or landed at Launceston Airport. Either way, you’re only about an hour from this riverside destination.
As you make your way there, you won’t want to rush. And if Lonely Planet’s recommendations aren’t enough to convince you, let the region’s gastronomic and viticultural experiences, part of the Tamar Valley Wine Route or the Tasting Trail, tempt you to take your time.
By the time you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll be instantly charmed, ready to settle into your stay.
Day One
Morning Nourish
From 6:30am
Mornings in Beauty Point come easy. Especially if you’ve spent the night soaking in a riverside hot tub at Wingtons Glamping, snuggled into a garden suite at Beauty Point Cottages, or tucked up in a campervan at the Tourist Park, where EVs recharge as easily as their humans do.
Wherever you’ve laid your head, chances are your nose will lead you straight to The Cupboard Bakery.
Located in the heart of Beauty Point, this small family-run bakery is known for its fresh baked goods and strong coffee and is an early morning hive of activity for locals and visitors alike. Take your pastries to-go or sit down to soak in the warmth and aroma of the morning rush.
From here, it’s a short stroll or drive to the foreshore where there’s plenty of free parking for RVs, EVs and everything in between, making it the perfect base for your day ahead.
Conversations and Conservation
From 9.30am
Down at Inspection Wharf, a trio of unique experiences awaits. Discover the fascinating worlds of Seahorse World, Platypus House, and the Creation Discovery Centre. We recommend allowing about an hour at each experience to fully immerse yourself in all they have to offer.
Both Seahorse World and Platypus House are open daily year-round, offering guided tours or the freedom to explore at your own pace.
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In addition to visiting the working Seahorse farm, Seahorse World now features a room dedicated to showcasing the fascinating world of the critically endangered red handfish and spotted handfish. This exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the conservation efforts focused on preserving these unique marine species.
In partnership with CSIRO and IMAS, the Hands of Hope exhibit is not just an attraction, but a symbol of hope for the future of these critically endangered fish. Visitors will learn about the groundbreaking research and conservation programs that are helping to save these remarkable creatures from extinction.
Seahorse World is the only tourist attraction in the world where you can get up close to both the red and spotted handfish. Each ticket purchased contributes directly to the conservation of these rare fish.
When you visit Seahorse World, you're not just exploring marine life, you're actively supporting the preservation of one of the world’s most endangered species.
Explore this awe-inspiring addition at Seahorse World via a 50-minute guided tour - advance bookings recommended.
Taste the Region, Support the Community
Lunch before 2pm
By now you’ll be ready to refuel, and The River Café is your go-to for lunch. Choose to sit inside beside a mural painted by a local young artist, or outside in the fresh Tasmanian air.
The café’s free Wi-Fi means you can post a picture of the morning’s discoveries, check in with the kids at home, or plan your next move using local tips on the Discover Tasmania app.
Wooden arts, historic sites & organic gardens
Between lunch and 4pm
This afternoon, take a short drive to discover The Sculptured Gallery, a hidden local gem founded in 2015 by wood sculptors who’ve brought their love of natural forms to Tasmania.
Explore their gallery, filled with intricate wooden pieces, and wander through the adjacent two-acre sculpture garden, where unusual outdoor structures are nestled among park-like plantings. You never know, you might just find a handcrafted piece of Tasmania to take home.
On the way back to Beauty Point, stretch your legs at the York Town Historic Site, the fifth oldest settlement in Australia.
If you’re after some fresh ingredients for your next meal or road snack, drop into York Town Organics, Tasmania’s premier organic market garden. Established almost 30 years ago by Bruce and Clare Jackson, it’s a must-stop for seasonal produce and a glimpse into sustainable small-scale farming.
Views and Seafood
From 4pm for dinner
As the sun begins to set, take a gentle stroll along the Beauty Point foreshore. Along the way, read the fascinating stories of the area’s maritime history on the interpretive signs dotted along the path. These tales bring the river’s past to life and offer a deeper connection to the place.
After soaking in the riverside atmosphere, it’s time to dine with a view. Follow the shoreline to the Waterfront Hotel, a much-loved local gem serving up hearty pub meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce sourced right here in the Tamar Valley. It’s comfort food done well.
If seafood is calling your name, wander a little further to The Chef’s Catch, where the catch of the day is as fresh as it gets. Grab your meal to go and settle in at one of the new foreshore picnic tables or shelters. With the river as your backdrop and the scent of salt air around you, it’s the perfect way to end the day.
With your belly full and the night sky emerging, head back to your accommodation. On a clear night, the stars above Beauty Point are truly breathtaking. Unwind, slow down, and take it all in.
Stay the Night: Your Accommodation Options
Wingtons Glamping – Our top pick! Nestled right on the water’s edge, this is luxury glamping with vintage flair. Think Persian rugs, steamer trunks, Egyptian cotton linen, and safari tents styled after the Grand Tours of the 1930s. After a day of exploring, relax in the wood-fired sauna and seawater plunge pool, offering panoramic views of the Tamar Valley. (Tip: Allow 2 hours here to really recharge.)
Beauty Point Accommodation – A charming boutique B&B perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Stay in a serene garden room or a cosy ensuite in an 1880s homestead. Enjoy breakfast on your private verandah overlooking the Tamar River.
Beauty Point Tourist Park – Set on seven beautiful acres with water on both sides, this park offers a range of options: from self-contained cottages to glamping tents and private powered campsites.
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Keep your ears open. Beauty Point is a hub for maritime students from around the world, training at the Australian Maritime College and the Commercial Diving Academy. You may find yourself in lively conversation with future ship captains and deep-sea explorers.
Local events are driven by our community, but they are worth noting if they occur during your travels.
Foreshore Art Prize
Day Two
Embrace the river’s edge and start slow
Wake to the gentle rustle of leaves and the call of birds. Whether you're staying at Wingtons Glamping, Beauty Point Cottages or the Tourist Park, let your morning unfold slowly. Meander through cottage gardens, enjoy a mindful soak, or wander to Redbill Conservation Area and greet the morning wildlife.
Fuel up with a homemade in-house breakfast or enjoy your self-catered produce from York Town Organics, then hit the road for a nature-filled adventure.
Narawntapu National Park – All Day Nature Immersion
Travel 20 minutes – Greens Beach or Badger Head
Just a short 20-minute drive, Greens Beach offers the best views for the least effort. From the car park, it's an easy 270-metre walk to West Head Lookout where sweeping clifftop views stretch across Badger Head Beach and toward Table Cape.
Prefer sand between your toes? Stay put and beachcomb, or take on the challenge of a full-day, 21km coastal walk that hugs the edge of the earth, through wildflowers, dunes and ever-changing seascapes as the Tamar River spills into Bass Strait.
Prefer to start from the other direction? You can reach Badger Head by looping through York Town, a handy detour if you didn’t get the chance to stop in yesterday. Just ten minutes off the highway, you’ll arrive at the trailhead, where the path forks. You’ve got two options: follow the coast east and finish up at Greens Beach, with the bonus of a corner store for a well-earned lunch break, or head west toward Copper Cove along the wilder stretch of the Coastal Walk. Either way, you’ll be tracing a coastline that feels wonderfully remote, with wildflowers on one side, the Bass Strait on the other.
Travel 40 minutes – Narawntapu National Park
Nicknamed the “Serengeti of Tasmania,” Narawntapu National Park is one of those places that sneaks up on you, with its wild stillness, sprawling views, and wildlife that seems to appear right on cue. Stretching from Greens Beach to Bakers Beach, this rugged patchwork of coastline, wetlands, grassy plains, and coastal heath is a haven for nature lovers.
During your visit, you'll find yourself in good company. Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats gather at Springlawn, creating a scene that feels more like a nature documentary than real life.
The main entrance at Springlawn is the perfect starting point, offering picnic tables, toilets, and a visitor centre with interactive displays and helpful advice. You can fire up the free barbecues for lunch or head deeper into the park to explore hikes like Archers Knob, the Springlawn Nature Walk, or the longer Copper Cove and Badger Head trails.
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Prefer to explore with an expert?
Tasmania Walking Tours offers immersive experiences through this ancient landscape, blending stories of Country with careful stewardship.
World Photo Adventures specialises in small-group photography journeys where you'll capture more than just snapshots. Think once-in-a-lifetime wildlife moments with expert guidance.
Choose your next Tasmanian Adventure
When you’re ready to move on, take one last deep breath of that salty Tamar air and point the car toward your next Tasmanian adventure. Whether you're winding inland through rolling farmland or hugging the coast to chase more ocean views, there’s always another story waiting just down the road. That’s the beauty of this island, every destination feels like a discovery.