Trail summary

7,309 Views

Quick overview: Experience a unique 4.3km return hike at Tamar Island, just a short 10-minute drive from Launceston. This Grade 1 trail, suitable for all abilities, takes you through wetlands, river channels and abundant wildlife like pelicans, swans, and lizards. Don't forget to check out the wetlands centre for informative displays during your 1.5-hour adventure.

Length: 4.3km

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Grade 1 (All Abilities)

Style: Return

Start: Tamar Island Carpark

End: Tamar Island Carpark

Location: Tamar River Conservation Area

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: Riverside

From state capital: 207km

Latitude: -41.3910527

Longitude: 147.07359372129568

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Check Weather

Reviews

Hike overview

Just 10 minutes drive from the heart of Launceston, you can walk through wetlands and across a river channel to the 7 hectare Tamar Island. For company you'll have pelicans, swans, cormorants and numerous other bird species as well as frogs, dragonflies and lizards. The wetlands centre has displays and information.

Highlights

The Tamar River Conservation Area is part of an estuarine wetland. Such wetlands are important habitats for a wide diversity of plant and animal life. It remains the stronghold for one of Tasmania's poorly reserved vegetation comunities - coastal paperbark forest.

Tips

Wetlands centre, water bird viewing and toilets located close to car park. Picnic area, gas barbecue and toilets on the island.

The boarded walkway to the island is level and will suit some wheelchair users and those with prams and strollers. Tracks on the island have natural surfaces and are generally not suited for wheelchairs.

Supervise children, tidal waters.

Pets, bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted.

Trail features

Map and GPX file

Tamar Island Walk (4.3km)

Total distance: 4319 m
Max elevation: 12 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 30 m
Total descent: -30 m

Download

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

Getting there

Tamar Island Walk (4.3km)

West Tamar Highway (A7) between the Launceston suburbs of Riverside and Legana. Signs indicate the turnoff.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Track grade

Grade 1 (All-abilities) - Perfect for Families and Beginners: Grade 1 on the AWTGS represents the easiest walking tracks, perfect for families with young children or those new to bushwalking. No prior experience is required. These gentle walks feature a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections. They are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance due to the even terrain. The total distance of a Grade 1 walk is typically no greater than 5 kilometers, making them a comfortable and manageable option for all ages and fitness levels.

About the region

On the outskirts of Launceston is a unique estuarine wetland ecosystem of mudflats, lagoons and islands. Abundant with plant and animal life, the Tamar Island Wetlands are a magnificent Tasmanian landscape and a haven for various birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, fish and invertebrates. The wetlands are best enjoyed by wandering along the accessible boardwalk, which is flanked by tall native Tasmanian grass species as it traverses the wetlands. The walk weaves through the grasses and over footbridges that reveal kanamaluka/River Tamar and its diverse birdlife.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Tamar River Conservation Area or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Tamar Island Walk (4.3km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Weather

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail summary