Nestled in the northern region of Tasmania, the Tamar Valley is a picturesque destination filled with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming townships. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, the Tamar Valley offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore some of the best that Tasmania has to offer. In this article, we will outline a 4-day itinerary for exploring the Tamar Valley, including must-see attractions, delicious dining options, and unforgettable experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.
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Summary of our 4-Day Itinerary Tamar Valley
Day One
Arrival at Launceston Airport
Pick up a rental car and drive to The Basin for breakfast
After breakfast head to Josef Chromy Vineyards for wine tasting and lunch
Head to Clarence Point – Airbnb Accommodation Stargazers
Day Two
Breakfast at The River Cafe Beauty Point
Clover Hill Winery
Pipers Brook – Wine tasting and lunch at Nadines
Small Wonder Winery
Day Three
Moores Hill Estate Winery
Swinging Gate Winery
Marions Vineyard for lunch
Drive to Launceston – Accommodation Windarra on High
Dinner Cataract on George
Day Four
Breakfast at Windarra on High
Wander Launceston Town
Lunch at The Basin
Return to Airport
Day One – 4 Day Tamar Valley Itinerary
Arrive at Launceston Airport and collect your car rental. We use Discover Cars who have a range of cars to suit all travellers and budgets.
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North West of Launceston Airport is Cataract Gorge and the first place we visited on our 4-day road trip from Launceston to the Tamar Valley.
The Basin is the ideal spot for breakfast, morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea. There is the Basin Cafe and The Gorge Restaurant to choose from. The chairlift takes you across the gorge to the Gorge Restaurant. The Chairlift spans 457 metres. After taking the Chairlift across the Gorge you can take a short walk to the Alexandra Suspension Bridge.
The First Basin swimming pool is open from November through to March. There are a range of hiking trails e.g. Cataract Gorge and Gorge Walk, Duck Reach Walk and Zig Zag Track. You can kayak on the river.
There are BBQ facilities available too! You do need to pay for parking.
Josef Chromy Wines
A visit to Josef Chromy Wines for wine tasting and lunch at their hatted restaurant was high on our wish list for visiting the Tamar Valley region of Tasmania. So many of our friends and family had recommended the winery. You do need to book both the cellar door and lunch in advance. We visited on a Tuesday and the restaurant was nearly full.
Our cellar door tasting was unique, not only did we have the tough decision of which flight of wines we were to taste but we had a very interesting conversation on the history of Josef Chromy.
The story of Josef Chromy is an interesting one. He arrived in Australia in the 1950s when he was in his 20s on the Helenic Princess and was a butcher by trade. Josef’s first job was cutting asbestos sheets, he quit after the first year. After purchasing a bike he travelled around visiting butchers. During this time he met his wife, it took them 4 years to save $1000. He borrowed the same amount of money and opened his first butcher shop – Blue Ribbon Meats.
In 2007 he ventured into the wine industry in Tasmania and hasn’t looked back. The 61-hectare vineyard has 60% Noir Noi, 25% chardonnay and the rest is Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris plantings. Sparkling wine has put Tasmania on the map and the second popular is Pinot Noir. As Tasmania is a cool climate the reds are lighter here than on the mainland. There are 7 regions of wine growing in Tasmania.
The Sparkling Tasting Flight
We enjoyed the Josef Chromy NV Tasmanian Cuvee, Josef Chromy 2018 Brut Finesse, Josef Chromy NV Sparkling Rose and 2017 Josef Chromy Brut Finesse Rose.
We were a party of four travelling on this road trip and 3 of us enjoyed the Sparkling Tasting Flight. Such a great range that we purchased 6 bottles each of their sparkling range and Pinot Noir which was enjoyed on the Classics Tasting Flight.
The Classics Tasting Flight included Josef Chromy NV Sparkling Cuvee, Josef Chromy 2023 Pinot Gris, Josef Chromy 2022 Chardonnay and the Josef Chromy 2021 Pinot Noir.
The other two available flights are:
Reds Tasting Flight: Pepik 2022 Pinot Noir, Josef Chromy 2021 Pinot Noir, Josef Chromy 2022 Zweigelt and Josef Chromy 2022 Cabernet Merlot
Aromatics Tasting Flight: Josef Chromy 2023 Riesling, Josef Chromy 2023 Pinot Gris, Josef Chromy 2023 Sauvignon Blanc and Josef Chromy 2023 Rose
It was time to head into their restaurant. There are two or three set courses available.
For entrees we dined on 1) House made ricotta, grilled Yorktown Organics zucchini, smoked zucchini puree, toasted almonds, peach, vino cotto and 2) pepperberry cured ocean trout, shima wasabi, trout roe, kumara in vierge dressing, wasabi cream, Weston Farms paprika.
For mains it was roasted market fish (stripey trumpeter), Skull Island tiger prawns, sparkling veloute, saffron fregola, spring onion, baby spinach, and pickled onions 2) wood-grilled lamb rump, salsa verde, buttered cos lettuce, smoked potato, chives and white anchovies and caperberries and for the vegetarian in our group – open ravioli of summer vegetables, button mushrooms tapenade, Tongola goats curd, fried sage and brown butter.
For dessert Valhrona white chocolate mousse, blackberries, sparkling rose jelly, roast nectarine sorbet, macadamia and 2) toasted lime meringue, caramelised pineapple, passion fruit, Meander Valley creme fraiche.
What a great start to our Tamar Valley wine route road trip. It could not have been better. Josef Chromy has planted a small range of vines close to the restaurant where you can wander through them and taste the grape varieties straight off the vine.
The location of Josef Chromy Wines is spectacular with beautifully manicured gardens a lake with wildlife and a gazebo. The 1800s colonial homestead is a stunner!
Address: 370 Relbia Road Relbia Tasmania
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Tours and Bookings: You can book your wine tasting and 2-course lunch with wine pairing here
Go Behind The Label tour which includes a guided vineyard and wine tasting, behind-the-scenes access with the winemaking team and a two-course lunch with matching wines. Book here.
The Art of Sparkling Experience – Behind-the-scenes winery tour, customise a bottle of sparkling to your taste, learn how the traditional method sparkling is made and enjoy a 2-course lunch with wine pairing. Book here.
Our Journey from Josef Chromy Wines to our Accommodation – Stargazers at Clarence Point
As we had booked the Stargazers in Clarence Point for 2 nights we planned to pick up some groceries along the way. Beaconsfield had two IGA’s (local supermarkets) and a few cafes so we stopped en route. If you are heading from Josef Chromy we recommend that you shop in the first IGA on the left as you enter the town.
Beaconsfield is a former gold mining town. It is located on the west bank of the Tamar River and was once one of the richest towns in Tasmania due to its mining operations. Gold was discovered in Beaconsfield in the 1800s. The Gold Rush finished in 1914 due mainly to the local flooding of the mines. Today you can visit the Mine and Heritage Centre.
It was a short 13 minute drive to our accommodation for 2 nights at the Stargazers Luxury Cottage.
What a find! A 2 bedroom luxury cottage with stunning views towards the River Tamar. There is a hot tub, a movie room, plenty of space for us and our friends to enjoy for the next 2 nights. Such a quiet location. They had thought of everything that we would need for the perfect stay, even leaving a bottle of wine, Tim Tams and snacks to enjoy in the movie room.
Day 2 Wine Tasting in the Tamar Valley
Our recommended spot for breakfast/brunch is The River Cafe at Beauty Point. Stunning views over the River Tamar and excellent food. Our favourite dishes on the menu were Eggs Benedict Rosti, Smashed Avocado and Granola.
Address: 225 Flinders Street Beauty Point
Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm daily
Close by is Seahorse World where you can do a behind-the-scenes tour. Book here
“The mystical seahorse has always been a source of immense attraction and this Tasmanian-based experience is dedicated to uncovering the secrets and conserving the delicate environmental balance of these fragile yet beautiful marine animals. A trip to SeaHorse World will lead you on a journey to the unique facility that will provide you with an excellent experience to balance both entertainment and education for a great day out. You’ll be given a “behind the scenes” look at the world’s first working seahorse farm as well as hands-on opportunities in the touch pool. Seahorses aren’t the only animals on hand at the park – Seahorse World also has many other interesting creatures in their Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium. Great for families with kids of all ages, this is a personalised, friendly and informative experience to get you up close to one of the aquatic world’s true living treasures. The guided tour runs for a duration of 45 minutes from 9:30 am until 4:30 pm from September to April and every hour from 10 am to 3 pm between May and August. The park is open 7 days a week – except Christmas Day – and offers visitors an ample amount of fun!”
Clover Hill Wines
Good to know: the road marked in dark blue was a dirt road when we travelled. B73, C12 and C11.
Address: 60 Clover Hill Rd, Lebrina TAS 7254
Clover Hill Wines is a maker of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines.
They are open from Wednesday to Sundays 11 am to 4.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday you can indulge intheir 4 course menu between 12 pm and 2 pm. Other times they offer cheese platters.
During our visit we thoroughly enjoyed all the sparkling wines we tasted on our 6 flight tasting:
- Tasmanian Exceptionnelle Multi Vintage
- Tasmanian Rose Multi Vintage
- Vintage Riche 2018
- Cuvee Foudre
- Noir En Bois NV
- Cuvee Exceptionnelle Rose
If you are a lover of sparkling wine definitely pay a visit to Clover Hill Wines. The views over the valley are stunning.
Good to know: If you are visiting on a weekend we recommend making a booking in advance
They offer a range of experiences as well.
Pipers Brook Vineyard and Nadines Restaurant
A short distance from Clover Hill Wines is our next destination – Pipers Brook Vineyard and Nadines Restaurant for lunch.
A flight of 4 wines can be chosen for $15.00 to enjoy with your lunch at Nadine’s or just as a tasting. You can choose from their range of white, rose and red and sparkling.
The outside courtyard was pleasant to be in, the temperatures were enjoyable at this time of the year. They are home to some of the best premium cool climate wines in Tasmania. Dining at Nadines is an experience with a small menu of locally grown products. Our group dined on Arancini Balls and Duck Rolls. Other dishes include Chicken Caesar Salad, Roast Pork Belly and a Trio of Seafood – wines are suggested with each dish.
After a very relaxed lunch and wine tasting we headed to our last vineyard for the day – Small Wonder Wines. Highly recommended by our son who enjoys good wines and food.
Address: 1216 Pipers Brook Rd, Pipers Brook
Opening Hours: 11 am to 4 pm
Opening times: Spring-Summer-Autumn Open daily 11am – 5pm
(Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday).
Winter Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday 11am – 5pm.
Address: 530 Auburn Road, Kayena
Cellar door tastings is the best value at $10 for 4 wines, redeemable on a bottle purchase.
The ‘wonder’ in the name Small Wonder relates to the wonder of Tasmania.
You can also order food from their menu:
“taken from their website:
Gourmet Vineyard Platter $65
Our gourmet platter is a generous serving designed for two hungry people but can be shared between more. It includes local cheeses, gourmet deli meats, smoked salmon, salmon rillettes, pesto, olives and fresh fruit. Served with fresh bread and lavosh.
Tasmanian Cheese Plate $35
Designed for two, our cheese plate offers a selection of four local kinds of cheese, served with quince paste, caper berries, rolada and lavosh.
Breads & Dips $15
Our fresh breads and local dips are ideal for a quick bite or to accompany our Gourmet Platter or Cheese Plate. Designed for 2-4 people.
Travel tip:
Something we learnt during our visit to Small Wonder was to ask what vineyards should we visit next. We were recommended to visit Moore’s Hill Estate the next morning.
Day Three Wine Tasting in the Tamar Valley
We had some time up our sleeves before we could visit the Moores Hill Estate and check out time at our accommodation at 10 am.
We decided to drive north to Greens Beach and visit the look out in Narawntapu National Park. The drive from the entrance to the National Park is a dirt road so take care. Once you get to the car park the 270 m walk is uphill to the lookout. It is worth the short hike for the stunning views across to Badgers Head Beach.
Moores Hill Vineyard
In 1997 Moores Hill Estate planted 3.6 hectares of vines – Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
2015 – Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were planted in their back paddock of 2 hectares.
2017 – They became Tasmania’s first off-grid winery, generating its power from 108 solar panels on the roof supported by 45 kW/hr battery storage giving the winery 100-tonne capacity. They capture their water and it is stored on-site. Winery wastewater is treated on-site. Bottling is carried out on-site too!
2022 – James & Constance Oliver became the third owners of Moores Hill.
There are two tasting options:
Summer Tastings $10 Blanc de Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (price is waived after purchase of one takeaway bottle per tasting
Whole Range $15 – Blanc de Blancs, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Merlot – price waived after purchase of two takeaway bottles per tasting
We have thoroughly enjoyed all the cold climate wines produced in the Tamar Valley of Tasmania.
Address: 3343 W Tamar Hwy, Sidmouth
Opening hours: 11 am to 5 pm closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday
Food available:
Selection of cheeses – Four cheeses served with crackers $25
Grazing Board – Four cheeses, selection of charcuterie, pickles, relish, walnuts, crackers (serves 2) $47
Seafood Plate – Smoked salmon fillet, salmon rillette, pickled octopus, relish, crackers (serves 2) $52
Good to know: we asked Kalina at Moore’s Hill where should we visit next. Her recommendation was Swinging Gate practically next door.
Swinging Gate Vineyard
Such a great recommendation to visit Swinging Gate. Winemaker Doug, his wife Corrie, his daughter Hannah and Nellie their dog offer a great wine experience and the best value $12 per person for 7 wines, waived when wine is purchased.
For wine tasting, we enjoyed their Sauvignon Blanc, Frontignac (muscat blanc) Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Friars Inn Riesling and Pet Nat Riesling.
They offer a 5-course dinner every month on the last Friday. This is booked out well in advance.
We even had the opportunity to taste a wine that daughter Hannah is producing under her own label – The Wild Child. A completely natural Pinot Noir aged in clay pots from Georgia.
Doug and Corrie purchased the property in 2014 and rejuvenated the wines that had been originally planted. In 2016 they opened the cellar door.
Looking for a place to stay in a vineyard? Check out their Domescapes in the Vines in their property here
Imagine sleeping in a fully insulated 28 sqm geodesic dome in the middle of their vineyard with mini bar and bar fridge, private ensuite, cellar door wine tasting, cheese and tasting platters, outdoor clawfoot bath and fire pit.
Good to know: They are very popular and are booking out well in advance. For bookings click here
Address: 103 Glendale Road, Sidmouth
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
Marions Vineyard
After a busy and fulfilling morning of wine tasting, we headed to Marion’s Vineyard for their famous and delicious cheese platters. Of course, you can enjoy a cellar door tasting but as we were heading off to Launceston for the night and dining at the popular Cataract on George we decided just to enjoy their cheese platters.
The summer of 1979 saw pioneer winemakers Marion and Mark creating their own vineyard in the heart of the Tamar Valley. Today they produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo and Cabernet. Come for the view and the wines and stay for their cheese platters where you choose your own cheeses and meats.
Address: 335 Deviot Road, Deviot
Opening hours: 11 am to 5 pm daily
Travel from Marions Vineyard to Launceston
As you can see anywhere you visit in the Tamar Valley is not that far from Launceston.
We chose to stay in the High Street area of Launceston. Previously on our East Coast Road Trip of Tasmania we stayed at Kurrajong House and to experience different accommodations this time we chose Windarra on High, next door.
Both properties enjoy a great location but Kurrajong House is superior with a better breakfast and accommodation. Windarra on High needs renovation, some of the rooms are tired. We did speak to them and they are in the process of renovation. We also felt that their breakfast was adequate.
For dinner, we tried to make a reservation for Stillwater Restaurant, another great recommendation from our son, but it was completely booked out. We managed to get an early booking at Cataract on Patterson.
Another great food experience in Tasmania. We thoroughly enjoyed our eye fillet on stone, surf and turf stone, jalapeno peppers and barramundi. Desserts included a creme brulee, a passionfruit mille feuille and a chocolate chip panookie.
Day 4 Tamar Valley Tasmania Itinerary
Unfortunately, all great road trips must come to an end. As our flight was departing mid-afternoon back to Sydney we chose to head back to The Basin for a picnic lunch and a ride on the chairlift to walk the suspension bridge. We spent an hour wandering around the town of Launceston before purchasing picnic produce. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed a few hours at the Basin before heading to the airport.
If you have more time to spend enjoying Launceston here are some tour recommendations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 4 day Tamar Valley wine experience is a truly unforgettable journey for any wine or good food enthusiast. From sampling award-winning wines at boutique vineyards to enjoying gourmet dining experiences and exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s thriving wine scene, a visit to the Tamar Valley promises an enriching and memorable experience that will leave you craving more. So pack your bags, raise your glass, and embark on this delightful exploration of one of Australia’s most beloved wine regions. Cheers!
General Travel Information for Visiting Tasmania
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