After a lovely fresh fruit and yoghurt breaky at our BnB we headed north to the Tamar Valley in anticipation of beautiful scenery and delicious food and wine that the area is world renowned for. The rolling green hills of the valley and its rich agricultural land attracts many growers and producers including makers of artisanal cheeses, ciders, beers, truffles, walnuts, cherry delicacies and more, all committed to their craft- a providore’s dream. And we weren’t disappointed.

Our first stop was the Tamar Islands wetlands- a unique wetland ecosystem of mudflats gouged by tidal rivulets, vast lagoons teeming with wildlife and and tiny pockets of gnarled forest on the little islands that dot the landscape. Abundant with plant and animal life, the wetlands are a magnificent Tasmanian landscape and a haven for various birds, mammals, reptiles (snakes), frogs and fish. Along the boardwalk we wandered, flanked by tall native Tasmanian grass species… weaving through the grasses and over footbridges that reveal Kanamaluka/River Tamar in all its glory.

Our first stop was the Tamar Islands wetlands- a unique wetland ecosystem of mudflats gouged by tidal rivulets, vast lagoons teeming with wildlife and and tiny pockets of gnarled forest on the little islands that dot the landscape. Abundant with plant and animal life, the wetlands are a magnificent Tasmanian landscape and a haven for various birds, mammals, reptiles (snakes), frogs and fish. Along the boardwalk we wandered, flanked by tall native Tasmanian grass species… weaving through the grasses and over footbridges that reveal Kanamaluka/River Tamar in all its glory.

After a good few thousand steps it was time for wine (isn’t it always?). The Tamar Valley has been named one of the world’s top 10 wine routes and wineries line each side of the River Tamar on it’s journey to the sea. Dozens of magnificent little wineries (and gin distilleries- for the gin lovers in our group) hide along the valley’s rolling banks, offering gorgeous panoramic views and just waiting for us to pull up and have a taste of their delicious vintages and breathe in the essence of the Tamar. Tamar Ridge sparkling rose… yes please! I’m taking you home!

Stopped for a quick selfie at Brady’s lookout- once a hideout for the infamous Bushranger.

The views were gorgeous up and down the Tamar River with the vista extending over 120kms to Ben Lomond massif in the south and almost all the way to the coast and the Bass Strait to the north. Viewing platforms are set right on the cliffs edge with the escarpment falling away to the river below.

Headed over the Batman bridge and on to the little seaside town of Bridport on the recommendation of friends, to the Bridport Distillery for lunch of pizza, a delicious grazing platter and to die for date and prosciutto bruschetta- and more wine/gin.

Walked down to the beach briefly but it was cold and extremely windy so we quickly headed to our last stop for the day.

Over some pretty gravelly, pot-holed narrow back roads we made our way to Bridgestowe Lavender Farm where we (perhaps unrealistically) hoped there may be some flowers even though we knew it was not lavender flowering season.

Beyond a few pots, there were none! Oh well, it was worth a try- so we settled for a lavender latte and ice cream. No dinner for us tonight!