A Guide To Tasmania's Tamar Valley

Tasmania is a state that is filled with hidden gems and unique experiences. It is a place where you can explore, meet interesting people and discover things that you never knew existed. If you are dreaming of a unique holiday where you can step away from the everyday, then we have the perfect destination for you. Tasmania’s Tamar Valley.

The Tamar Valley is around a 3-hour drive from the Cruisin Motorhomes depot in Cambridge, and only 30-minutes away from the city of Launceston. Centred around the River Tamar, the Tamar Valley is home to some of best food, wine and adventures that Tasmania has to offer, so we’ve compiled our list of favourite Tamar Valley experiences for you to add to your Tasmanian road-trip itinerary.

One of the best things about exploring the Tamar Valley via motorhome, is that you can set your own pace. You can take as much time as you like in each destination, soak up the amazing Tasmanian fresh air and truly experience what it is that makes Tasmania such a unique destination.

Wine tasting at Swinging Gate Vineyard

Tamar Valley has become renowned for its wide array of vineyards. If you can only fit a few on your itinerary, swinging Gate Vinyard is one that should not be missed.  Get a wealth of knowledge at this beautiful cellar door, as the humble makers themselves take you through their unique processes. It’s an unpretentious experience, from people who are genuinely excited over their wine. You’ll more than likely end up buying half a dozen bottles. So be sure to have some fridge or drawer space ready!

If you want an ultra-glamourous experience, park your motorhome, and book a 1-night stay in their extraordinary dome cabin, smack bang in the centre of the vineyard.

Image: Swinging Gate Vineyard - Swinging Gate Vineyard

Exploring History at the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre

There are so many things to do in Tasmania. Beaconsfield is one of them; it is a fascinating town with charm and important history.

Visiting the gold-mining town is an absolute must when making a Tamar Valley itinerary. Walk through the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, learning about the town’s extraordinary local stories, including the shocking 2006 mining disaster. There are hands-on exhibits and gripping artefacts that will take you on a fascinating historic journey.

Image: Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre - Tourism Tasmania & Tim Hughes

Berry Picking at Hillwood Berries

A wonderful experience for all ages, Hillwood Berries is a locally owned, family run business that lets you pick your own delicious berries. Depending on the season, you can fill your punnet with Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and/or Blueberries. It is the perfect fresh addition for your fridge - after no doubt filling it with wine and cheeses. The shop also sells coffee and cakes, fruit wines, jams, honey beer, balsamic and much more.

Image: Hillwood Berries - Hillwood Berries

Cruise Over (or under) the Batman Bridge

The iconic bridge is a must see while exploring the Tamar, however the very best way to experience it is on a cruise.  Most cruise options will take you across the region, to or from Launceston’s equally beautiful cataract Gorge.  Learn its history, admire its surrounding bushland beauty and if you’re lucky, spot a seal or a white-bellied eagle.

Image: The Bateman Bridge - Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

Relax at The Cabin for coffee in Exeter

A hip café in the heart of a small town, Cabin Coffee in Exeter stands out for all the right reasons. Stop here for what must be the best coffee and breakfast in the region.

Stopping here is the ideal way to start your day before sightseeing or filling up before a big drive. You might even find the perfect souvenir; they have an array of locally made gifts including candles and soap.

If it's a pleasant day, don't miss the opportunity to dine in their side garden, especially if you want the kids entertained while you enjoy your coffee. There is the sweetest little 'cabin' cubby house out there, perfect for the little ones to play!

Image: The Cabin in Exeter

The Platypus House and Seahorse World

Enjoy a unique encounter with some of our cutest mammals. You’ll get to meet Tasmanian Platypus and Australian short-beaked echidnas at Platypus House. There are short-films, sensory play, echidna feedings and a huge pool and a variety of tanks that you’ll want to spend hours next too, thanks to a clear and picturesque view of the platypus.

Next door is Seahorse world – it’s worth getting a double pass and experiencing both at a cheaper price. Seahorse World is a one-of-a-kind encounter. Enter via a stunning cave, watch the working seahorse farm, and even hold one in your hand! The kids and the kids at heart, will stay intrigued long after the adventure is over

Image: Seahorse World - Tourism Tasmania & Graham Freeman

Visit Marion’s Vineyard

You might recognise this vineyard if you’re a lover of reality television, but Marion’s Vineyard is more than just the backdrop for some weeknight television, it was founded in the summer of 1979 when a Cypriot and a Californian Dreamer began crafting the vineyard from an overgrown bush block filled with vegetation and rocks.

If you're a wine lover, this is an absolute must-stop vineyard. The view is to die for, so it’s worth taking a seat, getting a cheese board, and embracing your surrounds with a glass of pinot or two.

Image: Marion’s Vineyard - Marion’s Vineyard

Soak in the Views at Brady’s Lookout

Stop and enjoy some of the delicious treats you’ve found along the way with a picnic in front of one of the best views in the region. Find out about the lookout’s history of how the area was once the hideout for infamous bushranger Mathew Brady, all while enjoying the great parking and BBQ facilities, toilets, and safe viewing platforms. Surrounded by natural green beauty and the array of vineyards, it’s the perfect rest stop.

Image: Brady’s Lookout - Tourism Tasmania & Pete Harmsen

Explore the Narawntapu National Park

Make sure you fit in a short trip up to the very top end of Tassie; or even better, camp there! It’s roughly a 50-minute drive from the wine region. This national park and its surrounds are one that should be added on to everyone’s bucket list.

Whether it’s a beachside stroll or a bushy 2.5 hr hike, you’re surrounded by scenic coastal environments. You’ll be hard pressed not to spot a range of epic native wildlife. Surround yourself with some of the country’s most beautiful birds, pademelons, kangaroos and wallabies. Stay overnight and watch the friendly creatures come out to explore your campsite!

When it comes to things to do in Tasmania while on a campervan holiday, this is an absolute must. You’ll need a national park pass, so make sure you register.

Image: Narawntapu National Park - Tourism Tasmania & Sean Scott Photography

Wander Bridestowe Lavender

Don’t forget your camera for this one as epic Instagram images await. The lavender fields at Bridestowe are sprawled over 260 acres, making it the largest privately owned lavender farm in the world. While summer is the ideal time to visit due to the lavender being in full bloom, each season has its own unique qualities.

Have a rest on one of their outside picnic benches and you might be lucky enough to get smooched by the local cat!

Stop at the café and try their famous lavender ice cream or take some lavender fudge home for the road. Keep the kids happy with the purchase of a Bobby The Bear – which thanks to a hugely popular social-media influencer, once caught so much international attention, that Bridestowe were selling hundreds of thousands of them in a few short days.

Image: Bridestowe Lavender Estate - Tourism Tasmania & Luke Tscharke

Explore The Swiss Village, Grindelwald

Located at the Tamar Valley Resort in Grindelwald the Swisse Village is a wonderful addition to add to your itinerary while visiting the Tamar Valley. The village is set in the ground of the resort and includes a range of activities to enjoy as well as a range of dining and shopping options.

For those looking to expand their time in the Swisse Village, look at the Activity Centre, where you can take on their mini-gold course, splash golf and Games Arcade.

Image: Splash Golf at Grindelwald - Tourism Tasmania & Jess Bonde

Where to Stay

Camping in Tasmania is an incredible way to holiday! Tamar Valley and surrounds have a beautiful array of campsites, from national parks to holiday parks. The best thing to do is research and book ahead of time, especially in busier periods. If you’re more of the spontaneous type, remember to travel to the camp site early for the safety of yourself and our wildlife. Make sure it’s still light to have best visibility possible and stick to sealed roads.

If you plan on wine tasting all day, arrange appropriate transport to and from your motorhome or assign a designated driver.

Start Planning Your Road Trip!

Hire a self-contained motorhome from Cruisin’ Motorhomes and turn your holiday into the ultimate road trip.

Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!

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