Tamar Island Wetlands

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.​

Don’t miss the excellent interpretation centre, where you can learn about the cultural and natural values of the site, before continuing along the boardwalk to Tamar Island. On the island you’ll find picnic tables and a beautiful view down the renowned Tamar Valley towards the peaks of Ben Lomond​.

​Located in the Tamar Conservation Area, the wetlands are a superb site to see bird life in Tasmania with around 60 species being identified in the area. There are several species of duck, black swans, egrets, cormorants and swamp harriers, as well as occasional visitors such as the white-bellied sea eagle, and northern hemisphere migrants such as the common greenshank. Many can be observed from a bird hide about 500 metres from the start of the boardwalk.