TOURS ATTRACTIONS GREENS BEACH

The Bass and Flinders Centre is centrally located in George Town on Tasmania's Tamar River. In 1798, the explorers Bass and Flinders were dispatched to 'Van Diemen's Land' to ascertain if Tasmania was an island or not. They sailed with a crew of eight in Her Majesty's Colonial Sloop Norfolk right into the Tamar River and anchored off what is now George Town. In 1998, Bern Cuthbertson in the replica Norfolk, re-enacted the Bass and Flinders journey. Like Bass and Flinders, Bern established a relationship with George Town and asked if she could be berthed on the banks of the Tamar at George Town. Bern and his team of volunteers in Hobart constructed the replica Norfolk. The hull is Huon Pine and the mast and deck are made out of Celery Top Pine. Not a screw or a nail was used - trunnel's or treenails hold the vessel together. The Bass and Flinders Centre is now the home of the replica sloop 'Norfolk', together with the 'Elizabeth', a replica of the whale boat rowed by James Kelly around Tasmania; the ex-naval cutter 'Kenneth Dickenson'; two old racing 'fours'; a banana boat surfboard and the gentle Melanie and many more wooden boats.

Coffee Shop open 7 days!

The Low Head Foghorn, at the mouth of the Tamar River, is a unique piece of Tasmania's maritime history. The Foghorn was installed in 1929 and decommissioned in 1973. It was restored in early 2000 by a group of volunteers and is sounded each Sunday at noon. It is the only operational G-type diaphone in the world. The building also houses a very rare Gardner kerosene engine. Enjoy the beautiful sea views from the headland and feel free to have a chat with the volunteers in attendance every Sunday at noon. Under ideal conditions the Foghorn can be heard approximately 20 kilometres out to sea. Hearing protection is advised. Come and join us on Good Friday, the Foghorn is sounded as the leading yachts in the Three Peaks Race enter Bass Strait. The associated Lighthouse was built in 1888, replacing the original 1833 convict-built structure. With an elevation of 43 metres, it dominates the headland. Nearby there is the Low Head Pilot Station, being the first pilot station to operate in Australia. Commencing in 1805, it continues to provide pilotage for visiting ships. You can visit the Maritime Museum and a have a light meal at the café.

Tamar Valley Art Shack is a working art studio and gallery at Clarence Point, Northern Tasmania. The building was originally constructed as a beach house and it rests on the edge of the Tamar River. A unique waterfront setting. With its combination of proximity to water and the clarity of natural light, the Art Shack's surrounds are a continuing source of inspiration for the owner/artist Dan Villiers. Light and water form continuing themes throughout his work. You can talk with Dan about how he selects his subjects, see how he prepares his work, and discuss other aspects of art technique. See him at work in his studio, which is part of this charming beach inspired art gallery, and find art, ceramics and craft by other Tasmanian artisans. This is not a formal gallery in a hushed environment. Echoing its origins as a family beach house, you will find large airy rooms flooded with sunshine. Step outside into a naturally landscaped seaside garden. Relax in and around the gallery, and share in the simplicity and pleasure of art and life at the waterside. Clarence Point is a 52 minute drive (57 kilometres / 35 miles) North-West of Launceston.

Greens Beach Golf Course is a nine-hole course situated by the sea, in Tasmania's north-east. Situated by the sea on Bass Strait, this course (par 70) features undulating, heavily tree-lined fairways with many strategically placed bunkers. This popular course is maintained in excellent condition all year round. Social groups, visitors and new members are welcome. Clubhouse bar and barbecue facilities are available seven days a week. Greens Beach is a take-off point for Narawntapu National Park. If you are staying in the area, be sure to explore the impressive national park and beaches of the northeast region. Greens Beach is approximately 60 kilometres (37 miles) north-west of Launceston and at the mouth of the Tamar River.

The Watch House at George Town in Northern Tasmania is the historic old Gaol site. The Watch House features a range of display's conveying the regions rich history. The present building was built in 1843 and was reopened in 2004 as part of George Town's Bicentenary of European settlement. It features a wonderful model village which allows visitors to imagine what early nineteenth century life was like in George Town. The acclaimed 'Departures & Arrivals' display describes the Female Factories and links to the convict experience. Visitors can enter a primitive cell to get an idea of the tough life of prisoners awaiting trial. There are changing displays featuring the best in Tasmanian arts and crafts. The Community History Room contains a wealth of local information for historians and those researching their ancestry. Whether you are a local, former resident or first-time visitor to George Town, you are sure to find something of interest at The Watch House.

The George Town to Low Head Walking and Cycling Trail follows the River Tamar. Suitable for walkers, runners and cyclists, this free and easily accessible trail was opened in 2011 and was designed to be used by people of all abilities. It is 6 kilometres in length and begins at York Cove in George Town. Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the trail, and bicycle hire is available from the George Town Visitor Information Centre for use on the trail and around the George Town area. The trail links together key historical sites and areas of natural beauty and wildlife interest, such as Lagoon Bay, York Cove, Windmill Point and the Low Head Pilot Station. You will learn lots along the way about Tasmanian wildlife, colonial and convict history and how Tasmania communicates with the rest of the world. Did you know that where the River Tamar meets the sea is one of the deepest points of the entire Bass Strait? This makes it popular for shipping and also highly rich in biodiversity, providing you with plenty to see whether it be marine vessels or wildlife.

Forty minutes along the East Tamar Highway from Launceston you will find one of Australia's most dramatically located light houses and its oldest pilot station, established in 1806. The Low Head Pilot Station Museum oozes old world ambience and tells the story of the Port of Launceston. Once Australia's third busiest port, its merchants controlled whaling and sealing along the south coast of Australia. Our volunteers will tell you the story of the pilot station: how our first pilot became a pirate; and how our second harbour master turned to bushranging, and got away with it. Discover the treacherous Tamar River with its dangerous reefs and strong currents. See the relics of the age of sail and steam. Visit the room from which the telegrams were transmitted by the first submarine telegraph cable in the southern hemisphere. Afterwards, walk around the grounds of the station past the other heritage buildings. Grab a bite from the Coxswain's Cottage Café and watch the pilot boat leave to guide ships through the dangerous entrance to the river. Later visit the Low Head Light House. If visiting on a Sunday, be at the lighthouse at noon to hear Australia's only regularly sounding fog horn.

George Town Golf Club is a nine-hole course located in George Town, Northern Tasmania. A tough opening hole is your introduction to this challenging par 68 course. With 18 tees adding variation to the second nine, you can also enjoy scenic views of the Tamar River. This well maintained course provides for an enjoyable round and challenges well-suited to new golfers through to experienced players. George Town can claim to be one of the earliest European settlements in Tasmania. While you are in the area, visit the Old Watch House Museum (circa 1843) and The Grove, an elegant stone house built around 1829. Just five kilometres north of George Town you will find Low Head, a sheltered harbour which is now a classified historic town. Visit the pilot station (the oldest in Australia, completed in 1835) which houses a maritime museum where you can find memorabilia salvaged from the many shipwrecks on the north coast as well as some interesting, early diving equipment. George Town Golf Course is approximately 40 minutes' drive (53 kilometres/33 miles) from Launceston.