It was great to relax at the Tamar Yacht Club marina, Beauty Point, after our Bass Strait Crossing. And during our three weeks here, we hired a car to explore the Tamar River region.
I thought I’d keep this blog simple, highlighting some of the sights we enjoyed.
Beauty Point
There are two great tourist attractions at Beauty Point, Seahorse World and the Platypus House, both of which are well worth a visit. There’s also a couple of cafes and the Beauty Point Waterfront Hotel. All of these are within walking distance of the marina. Since we enjoy going out for meals, we went to the pub on several occasions! I was impressed with the variety of vegetables they serve with meals, for example, chilli zucchini, braised cabbage, mashed carrot and swede, the latter reminded me that the only other place I’ve had this was my family home as it’s something my mum used to make. But my sister and I also cook this vegetable dish.
I’ll let the photos speak for the tourist attractions, but it’s hard to get a good photo of a platypus.
Launceston and Cataract Gorge
There’s a bus from Beauty Point into Launceston so we used this service a few times to explore the area and pick up/drop off our hire car. The trip takes about an hour and it’s a great way to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Here are some photos taken around Launceston. We had considered cruising the Tamar River and staying in Launceston on our boat, but after seeing the boats sitting in the mud at and nearby this marina, we decided to explore by car instead.
Cataract Gorge
A day trip to Bridport
One of our sightseeing days was a trip to Bridport. There are many wineries around the Tamar River, and although I gave up drinking wine over a year ago, we decided to enjoy some champagne at Piper Brooks vineyard!
We also went to the Mermaids Pool, but they weren’t swimming that day because the tide was out. There’s a world class golf course in the vicinity of Bridport but we missed it!
Beaconsfield and Brady's Lookout
There are two IGA supermarkets in Beaconsfield with only a couple of shops between them! Despite asking many locals, no one could tell me why there are two so close together. There are also two side by side in Exeter, another small town between Beauty Point and Launceston. While there’s nowhere to provision in Beauty Point, it’s only about a 12km round trip from the marina to Beaconsfield, so I used my bike to get a few groceries.
There’s also an interesting Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre museum. We enjoyed our visit, not only for information about the gold mining era and the 2006 rescue of miners after the mine collapse, but also the other items they had on display.
Brady’s lookout, named after Mathew Brady (story in photo below) provides wonderful views of the Tamar River, and at low tide you can clearly see the mud flats. It’s a river that you need to use the tides to explore. And the other day we heard on our VHF radio that another boat had run aground.
George Town and Low Head
George Town and Low Head are on the east side of the Tamar River and you can cross over the Batman Bridge to explore this area. The Low Head Pilot Station Museum provides an interesting insight to the life of pilots and the history of the Tamar River in the 19th century.
Tamar Yacht Club
There’s a large tidal range at Tamar Yacht Club, and obviously along the Tamar River, most evident when looking at the water levels against the poles/rocks and when wheeling supplies down the ramp!
Shortly after our arrival I thought my mint and basil had been damaged by very strong winds that occurred overnight (and maybe the cooler climate). After some inspection, turned out there were six very fat caterpillars along for the ride.
Where to next
We’re heading east along the north coast of Tasmania, with a little backtracking, and then rounding Cape Portland before heading south. To answer a question we’ve frequently been asked, we’re progressing in a clockwise direction.
6 Responses
I think that “Misty Morning” is a beautiful photo. Enjoy exploring Tasmania. xx
Another great tour! Hope you get to enjoy some oysters at St Helens. Bought a dozen then we chipped off a bagful at the fishermens wharf and took them with on ice in the sink of the camper. Yum! Freebies always seem to taste better!
Wonderful to see the Sea Horses up close, also platypuses. Are the Sea Horses bred for the aquarium trade I wonder?
I remember the Beaconsfield Mine disaster. It was the first time that Bill Shorten came to notice.
Best wishes for you east coast adventure.
Great photos, great weather!
I like your philosophy – I’ve given up wine but still drink bubbles. 🤣
Looks like some more adventures to come. Take care. D
Wonderful summary of your travels once again. As someone who goes almost exclusively for the great pinot, chardonnay and sparkling wines, it most refreshing to see that there are so many other things to do. (Slight exaggeration; we have been to Beaconsfield Mine, lunched at the golf course you mentioned and walked Cataract Gorge 😁)
Continue your fantastic reporting and safe travels.
PS. Is that the furtherest south you’ve been.
🤔🤣
Yes, it’s the furthest south we’ve been in the boat!