The Tamar Valley offers visitors the chance to explore the gateway to Tasmania - the Apple Isle.

Here are the Top 10 must see places in the Tamar Valley (in random order):

1.  LAUNCESTON - Northern Tasmania's largest city offers the visitor many things to see; including the spectacular Cataract Gorge and First Basin, where only 15 minutes walk from the CBD you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the natural gorge from the heights of the First Basin Chairlift.  The Basin has always been a favourite of people young and old, enjoying the wide open spaces and the free swimming pools.  On the other side in the Cliff Grounds, under the many shady trees you can enjoy a picnic, or dine in the Gorge Restaurant or at the more casual Kiosk.

2.  BOAG'S BREWERY - (brewing beer in Launceston since 1853) - offers tours of its complex from the brewhouse to the packaging line, and includes information on the brewing process and the history of James Boag. So if you enjoy the finer qualities of a great beer made from the finest Tasmanian hops and purest water, then Boag's Brewery is a must see.

3.  FESTIVALE - is Launceston's annual opportunity to showcase a myriad of local gourmet food and wine producers over a 3 day long event. In 2008 the event will be held on the 8 9 and 10th of February and will feature more than 70 exhibitors as well as a variety of entertainment. In 2007 the entertainment included the Robbie Williams tribute band, street performers, local dance groups amongst others. Held in the Launceston City Park, families and couples can pull up a patch of grass and picnic all day and night - soaking up the festival atmosphere.   There is an entry fee but it is well worth it.

4.  BREAKFAST -at Stillwater Restaurant, on the banks of the Tamar River in Launceston.  French toast or Eggs Benedict amongst other breakfast staples are generously served with your Latte or Cap, both indoors and out all morning.  At night the restaurant transforms into a fine dining establishment, worthy of awards, and offering a degustation menu of gourmet regional cuisine.  Upstairs at The Mill Providore you can stroll around browsing the many local and internationally produced condiments and kitchen accessories. Better still,  grab a baguette some Tassie cheese and a bottle of Pinot Noir from the deli and make your way to Launceston's own 'beach' - the Cataract Gorge and First Basin. (see Number 1).

5.   TAMAR RIVER -  the Tamar River is 76km long and known to be " ...Australia's longest navigable tidal estuary."  To experience it from the water take a morning, afternoon or lunchtime cruise with Tamar River Cruises.  Their boats first take you up the narrow beginnings of the Cataract Gorge before leisurely travelling along the river, until the  Batman Bridge comes into sight  - "one of the world's first cable-stayed truss bridges ...dominated by (an) 100 metre high steel A-frame tower." If boats make you feel a little queasy then a leisurely drive along the Tamar Valley Route is a must.

6.  TAMAR VALLEY WINE ROUTE - extends west to Rowella, east to Piper's River and as far south as Relbia, and encompasses around twenty-four (24) vineyards.  The cool climate of the Tamar valley is perfect for the production of Tasmania's best sparkling wines, rieslings, pinot gris, sauvignon blancs, and the most famous of them all, the Pinot Noir.  If you head south towards the airport, veer off to Relbia and visit Josef Chromy Wines where at the Cellar Door you can sample their wines and take the time to indulge in a cheese platter or something more substantial at the Josef Chromy Cellar Door Cafe - overlooking the vineyard, lake and English garden.  In the opposite direction, heading north along the West Tamar Highway, stopping in at Rosevears, you will come across Daniel Alps at Strathlynn - a restaurant headed by the acclaimed Tassie chef, Daniel Alps, set amongst the vines of the Ninth Island Vineyard.  Dining is available both indoors and outdoors on the deck, overlooking the stunning views of the vineyard and the Tamar River beyond.  Daniel Alps offers a menu of modern regional cuisine using the finest local produce, matched with the selection of Ninth Island and Piper's Brook wines which are also available for tasting at the Cellar Door. If you like cooking as well as dining, then Daniel offers cooking classes throughout the year, featuring special guests of the Australian culinary world.

7.  HILLWOOD - a tiny hamlet located on the Eastern shore of the Tamar river.  Here you will find tranquility on the pontoon - if you like to fish this is one of the many pontoons scattered along the river from where you can catch flat head (no, that's not a disease, but a fish), amongst other many types.  If fishing is not your thing then maybe strawberries are more to your taste.  At the Hillwood Strawberry Farm you can pick your own strawberries and raspberries, taste some great Tassie Cheeses and wines in season between November and May.  The Hillwood General Store located by the riverfront is the local point, where you can grab a bite to eat in the cafe, fill the car up with fuel, and buy the daily national newspapers. Hillwood is hidden only two (2) kilometres off the main East Tamar Highway and only approximately twenty six (26) kilometres from Launceston.   

8.  TAMAR ISLAND WETLANDS RESERVE -  is a natural haven for birds, fish, frogs, reptiles and mammals as well as an "...historical landmark in the early settlement of Launceston."  Located a short ten (10) minute drive from Launceston on the West Tamar, it features a three (3) kilometre long boardwalk that stretches along and out to Tamar Island, where along the way you can spot the native bird life in their natural habitat  while enjoying a different perspective of the river.

9.  SEAHORSE WORLD/PLATYPUS HOUSE -  at Beauty Point on the West Tamar SeaHorse World  is a "..world first... an excellent educational experience as well as leading the world in research and development to alleviate the plight of wild seahorses."   Platypus House offers a unique opportunity to see the unusual Tasmanian Platypus and Echidna in an indoor setting. Extensive guided tours are offered at both complexes with 'access without assistance' for the disabled.

10.  GREEN'S BEACH - approximately sixty (60) kilometres from Launceston at the mouth of the Tamar River you will find a great stretch of beach for the family.  Located only 270metres from one of the entrances to the West Head Lookout of the Narawntapu National Park,  there are clifftop views westward along the north-west coast of Tasmania to Table Cape.  

Tasmania's Tamar Valley has something for everyone and this Top 10 only begins to describe the many sights and discoveries that await you here. Enjoy!