Scamander

At the mouth of a river, Scamander is a coastal town with wide, sandy beaches and calm ocean horizons.

In this classic Tasmanian shack town, Scamander Beach is the main attraction – great for swimming, surfing and sandcastle building. The local surf lifesaving club is a hub of surf culture and aspiring surfers can learn to catch a break with 42 South Surf School. 

The surrounding nature reserves are well worth exploring. Scamander Forest Reserve lines the banks of the Scamander River, providing an important nature corridor to the ocean. 

The river mouth is a popular spot for angling and there are access points dotted along the banks. The reserve has good camping and barbecue facilities for cooking the day's catch.

For those who prefer a bit more distance between themselves and the elements, there's a selection of shops and self-catered and serviced accommodation.

Where

Scamander is a 2hr drive (180km) east of Launceston.

Insider tips

• Nearby Henderson Lagoon is a hidden gem, with clear waters and seven kilometres of well-marked walking trails. The area is home to more than 80 species of woodland and marshland birds and hundreds of varieties of native flora. 
• Scamander River Golf Course is a well-maintained nine-hole golf course with views for days.  
• Drop by Eureka Berry Farm for its highly regarded ice-cream and fruity treats.
• Fish for southern black bream, surf bream and salmon at the river mouth, or head inland to Trout Creek to catch its namesake. Inland fishing licences can be bought online.