Hike at a Glance

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:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 12m

Min elevation: 1m

Total Ascent: 30m

Start: Tamar Island Carpark

End: Tamar Island Carpark

Tamar River Conservation Area

Tasmania

Nearby town: Riverside

From state capital: 207km

Latitude: -41.3910527

Longitude: 147.07359372129568

Overview

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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

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.

Walk 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

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

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Tamar River Conservation Area.

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

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Kings Meadows, Launceston, Longford, Riverside, Rosevears

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Tamar River Conservation Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Tamar Island Walk (4.3km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance