We departed Launceston in bright sunshine and blue skies on the Tamar Odyssey for a two-and-a-half-hour cruise of the Tamar Estuary through some important wildlife sanctuaries, past vineyards and the impressive St Matthias Church at Windemere. It was a perfect opportunity to take out my telescopic lens and photo the prolific wildlife along the shores.
Formed by the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers at Launceston, the River Tamar flows generally north towards its mouth at Low Head, north of the settlement at George Town, and into the Bass Strait via Port Dalrymple. It was named after the River Tamar in South West England by Colonel William Paterson in December 1804. More about Col. Paterson later.
Although referred to as the Tamar River, officially it is a 70-kilometre (43-mile) estuary.
Launceston used to be an important port but its use has declined over the years because of its tendency to silt up. There have been various attempts to dredge and slow the river flow by sinking vessels at various key bends but without great success. The Tamar is still used for shipping, with light and heavy industries at George Town including aluminium smelters as well as commercial boat cruises.
The cruise this afternoon took us some 40kms northwards along the estuary passing rich wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries as far as the St Matthias Church at Windermere. This Anglican Church overlooks the river in the small town of Windermere. The church was completed in 1843 and was consecrated in 1845 by Tasmania's first Bishop, Francis Russell Nixon. St Matthias was built by landowner Dr Matthias Gaunt as he had allegedly promised his wife before they emigrated from England that "if there was not a church close to their property, he would build one". The small whitewashed bluestone church is in the Gothic Revival style, featuring buttresses and lancet windows. The square tower has a pointed-arch entrance and is topped by a crenelated parapet and corner pinnacles. Screenshot and these notes courtesy of: https://ausmed.arts.uwa.edu.au/items/show/1046
I had no idea that this part of the Tamar Valley was such a popular wine region with numerous vineyards along the banks. Many of these vineyards are part of a Tamar Valley Wine Trail, offering a variety of wines and experiences. It includes some 10 vineyards which should make for an interesting day if you visit them all!
I will share more of my bird photos in my next post.
No comments:
Post a Comment