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Main photo gallerys are below Information.
TAMAR ISLAND
SMALL PHOTO & INFORMATION PAGE
TAMAR ISLAND is a picturesque, wetland bird sanctuary on the north western edge of Launceston. Access is very easy, as the trail is boardwalk all the way and it is totally flat. The trail gives great views of the Tamar River and many opportunities to see the many birds of the wetlands. There is a restaurant and shop at the start of the walk. The other attractions of Launceston are also discussed in the LAUNCESTON-CITY, LAUNCESTON-TREVALLYN, LAUNCESTON-CATARACT GORGE and TASMANIA ZOO pages.
From LAUNCESTON you are 20 minutes from EVANDALE, LONGFORD, CARRICK, EXETER, TASMANIA ZOO & GRINDELWALD.
You are 40 minutes from BEACONSFIELD, BEAUTY POINT, LILYDALE, GEORGE TOWN, WESTBURY and DELORAINE. Nearby places are described in the TAMAR REGION page.
View Region Tamar in a larger map
FACILITIES: There is a cafe and tourist shop in the Wetland Centre. The telephone is (03) 6327 3964 Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania. There is a huge shopping precinct in the Launceston CBD. There are more shopping precincts in the suburbs. There is much accommodation in GREATER LAUNCESTON.
SIGHT: The Tamar Island is a wetland bird sanctuary just beyond the north western edge of LAUNCESTON. A 3 kilometre walk takes you to the edge of the Tamar River, but the walk is dead flat and it is on a raised wooden path, which is suitable for wheel chairs.
You will see a huge variety of water birds in the creeks and the swamp grasses. This vista is very different from what you will normally see in Tasmania. It is a wonderful place to have a relaxing walk and many local people visit it regularly.
ROUTE: Drive north on the western side of the Tamar River on A7 West Tamar Road. You will see it just beyond the north west edge of the City.
To LARGER TAMAR ISLAND PHOTOS
- ISLAND
- BIRDS
1/ The Tamar Island wetland bird sanctuary is on the north western edge of Launceston in north east Tasmania. The trail begins at the Visitor Centre, where you can view the nearby birds with binoculars.
2/ The entire 3 kilometre Tamar Island trail is on flat raised wooden paths. This make it an easy journey even for wheel chairs.
3/ The ponds of the Tamar Island allow you to get close to a variety of birds.
4/ From the bird hides on the Tamar Island, you can view birds without disturbing them.
5/ This is the view to the south of the Tamar Island across the grass lands. The flat mountain on the centre left is the Ben Lomond Plateau.
6/ The grass lands of the Tamar Island wetlands are interrupted by small clumps of isolated trees.
7/ This is the view to the east of the Tamar Island. You can vaguely see the eastern suburb of Mowbray on the far horizon.
8/ The creeks on the sides of the Tamar Island show a variety of mud flats, which fill with water when the tide returns.
9/This view shows the mud flats of the Tamar Island slowing filling with water as the tide returns. It was quite enchanting to watch.
10/ At the end of the Tamar Island walk you come to a small hill, where a local grazier once had a home. These European trees are the last remnant of his homestead.
11/ This is the peaceful Tamar River on the eastern end of the Tamar Island walk.
12/ This shows the channel of the Tamar River used by boats. That day it was very calm and still.
13/ This was the lovely view of the Tamar River , as the sun was setting that day.
14/ The rills were shimmering in the setting twilight, as I left the enchanting Tamar Island that day.
1/ A wider variety of wetland birds can be seen, These two ducks are probably a "married" couple.
2/ A rare action shot of a swan demonstrating her dominance over her chicks.
3/ A swan peacefully swims with ducks in the still water of the Tamar River.
4/ Plovers on the lawn. These birds dominate flat lands and are very aggressive during their breeding time.
5/ A native hen nonchalantly walks by. These birds are very fast runners.
