George Town

George Town sits on the eastern banks of the Tamar River about 40 minutes's drive (50 kilometres/32 miles) north of Launceston. It is the third oldest settlement in Australia after Sydney and Hobart. At nearby Low Head you can explore one of the best-preserved examples of an early pilot station, built by convicts in 1805. The pilot station is still in operation today. Also, from Low Head you can take a penguin tour to see the world's smallest penguins clamber to their nests each night. To the east are the vineyards of Pipers River, and the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Just south of George Town along the shores of the Tamar River is the deep-water port of Bell Bay and as you follow the A8 Highway you can stop by the Lavender Garden at Rowella, and the Hillwood Strawberry Farm. George Town area with a population around 5,600 offers a range of accommodation from hotels and motels to bed and breakfast. George Bass and Matthew Flinders explored the area in 1798 during their circumnavigation of Tasmania, and in 1804 Captain William Paterson set up a small encampment. In 1806, the settlement was abandon for the current Launceston location. Northern Tasmania was governed from Sydney until 1812 when it came under the jurisdiction of Hobart Town. George Town's weather is similar to Launceston, which is slightly cooler in winter and warmer in summer than Hobart and the east coast. No matter what time of year you visit, bring a warm jacket and all weather gear.