You arrive after an easy 35 minute drive from Launceston. The manicured grounds and ornamental trees a breath of fresh air. From the outside, the building was obviously a boat house in earlier years. It is quite modern now, rendered brickwork, tinted and double glazed windows and doors, modern colour schemes. Modern, although there are some cleverly placed eclectic tell-tale signs of the past. You enter through the main door with the quirky water glass panes, instantly greeted by a completely renovated and luxurious self-contained cottage. Light grey tones give it a clean, very light and airy feel. The furnishings of high quality leather sofa, large 46" LED TV, and high end kitchen with granite bench top assure you that no expense has been spared here. There is an obvious nautical theme that's been done in a style that is very classy and fresh. The lamps made from shipping rope, the framed photographs taken at local marinas, to the nautical odds and ends both inside and out. The bedroom is pure class. King size bed, with luxurious bedding and many comfy pillows. You sit on the bed whilst unpacking, instantly knowing that this is not your average hotel mattress. Very inviting. You notice the quality fitout extends to the ensuite. Large floor to ceiling Italian tiles, a large 1200mm shower with sliding glass door. A wood fire ensures warmth and romance during the cooler months. (May - Oct) You join your partner for a drink on the private boardwalk at the waters edge. There is no one to be seen. You are alone. The tide is coming in, the salmon are jumping, and the seagulls make the most of the remaining daylight for a last minute feed. You have only been here an hour, yet the city is now a distant memory. You wonder where you should eat tonight. There are many eateries within 10-15 minutes’ drive. Or should you make use of the beautiful kitchen and prepare something special for your partner. Perhaps do it together as time rarely permits such simple pleasure in everyday life. The sun sets, casting its orange hue over the water and surrounding hills. Hours have passed, doing nothing but simply watching the water and enjoying some of the fine local sparkling. You wake, the bed is so comfortable you are not sure that you want to rise at all today. You open the large glass doors, to be greeted by the water mere metres from your feet. The morning sunlight is shimmering across the water, the local birdlife active and enjoying their breakfast. Not a road, car, or person in sight. You have received a long overdue dose of relaxation, which is not unwelcome, and certainly addictive. You know you will be back to this magical spot.
Things to see and do
Choose from a large number and variety of cool climate vineyards within the beautiful Tamar Valley and Pipers River wine region.
Numerous vineyards located within 5 minutes drive include Tamar Ridge, Holm Oak, and Goaty Hill
Auld Kirk Church 1845 convict and free labour stone church, Sidmouth 5-10 mins
Batman Bridge 5-10 mins
Seahorse World and Platypus House - 15 mins
City of Launceston and Cataract Gorge 35 mins
Greens Beach and Greens beach Golf Course. 30 mins Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course, Bridport (Worlds Top 100 - 35th) golf course and Australia's number 1 public course. 50-55 mins
Narawntapu National Park 35 mins
Beaconsfield Gold mine and Grubb Shaft Mine Museum 10mins
Nearby Beauty Point is home to the Australian Maritime College and Port Dalrymple Yacht Club. 15-20mins
Bridestowe Lavender Farm 35 mins
(NB: Driving times are approximations only)
Special Upgrades
We can cater for your every need and customise a personalised package to suit. Perhaps you want to get the scene right for that special question - or simply arrange the groceries so that you do not have to stop at a supermarket on the way!
Just a few ideas:
Grocery orders delivered to the Boat House prior to your arrival
Wine/Champagne/Cheese platters prepared for your arrival, and during your stay
Fresh flowers of choice
Candles burning for set time arrivals
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
Fireplace
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number DA269/11
About the area
Kayena
Located in Kayena, this cottage is on the waterfront. Batman Bridge and Mount Direction Historic Site are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sidmouth Conservation Area and Middle Island Conservation Area. Elizabeth Park and Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum are also worth visiting.
Is Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property?
As of 3 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property on 4 April 2026 start from NZ$248, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Tamar Boat House - Boutique Waterfront Property located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Sidmouth Conservation Area, Goaty Hill Wines and Iron Pot Bay Vineyard. Holm Oak Vineyards and Batman Bridge are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
What a lovely place to spend a week and explore the north of Tasmania - the local wildlife provided a great deal of interest. The accommodation was first class and the attention to detail was excellent.
Robin W.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Jan B.
4 May 2025
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
great location right on the river. cleanliness of unit (windows, window sills etc) needed attention.
Stayed to go to champagne houses in the area. Hard to decide if to enjoy the wine at the beautiful wineries nearby or go back to enjoy the wine back at the accommodation, so I did both! A great stay.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this house. It is really well appointed for a self contained unit. The house surroundings sited on the banks of the Tamar River make for highly enjoyable and restful weekend. Thankyou for sharing such a lovely place.
Cosy, scenic, peaceful. We enjoyed our stay. Loved being so close to the water. The log fire was lovely each evening. Very clean property. Kind host....thank you Judy.
Superb private location! Beautifully furnished, wonderful shower, complemented by excellent appliances and quality linens! The bed was the most comfortable we have ever experienced.
Our only complaint was that we didn’t get to enjoy the two nights we had booked due to airline flight cancellations!
We really enjoyed the beauty and convenience of this place. It felt like you were in the middle of nowhere but you were actually close to a lot of Tamar valley attractions. Quiet and restful with the water at the foot of the property.
Michelle H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Linda P.
18 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Tranquil
Property beauitful and very peaceful very clean and pretty but bed needs to be replaced hard/squeeky not comfortable at all .
Perfect place to relax in nature with a spectacular waterfront location that you can enjoy from either inside the kitchen/living room or outside on the front deck with outdoor setting. Everything was fresh, clean & super comfortable, with a well styled & modern interior. We loved the peace, the bird life & potoroos & of course the view & the wood fire. A fabulous base to enjoy many of the amazing wineries & switch off & recharge. Would recommend 100% without hesitation
From arriving to the Tamar Boathouse you are drawn to the amazing waterfront views, with your own private dock to sit & enjoy the sunrises over the water and the change of colours in the afternoon skies you can’t help but feel relaxed,
The boathouse accommodation is exceptional with its modern furnishings and fixtures there is nothing that you need for as it is all supplied.
The king bed is so comfortable it envelopes you with a comfortable night sleep and wake refreshed each morning to enjoy the sunrise over the water.
I will be highly recommending the Tamar Boathouse to all my family and friends
Georgous view over the Tamar River, peaceful, semi-rural location. The perfect spot for a rest & recharge. Tamar Boat House is ideally located to provide a base for exploration of Launceston & surrounds along with easy access to the Tamar Region wineries and other attractions. I recommend Seahorse World & Woolmers.
Local wildlife, including, cat & cows, visit morning and evenings.
The cosy boat house is well appointed and supports a very comforable stay. I will be recommending this property to friends & family.
The boat house is very nice, well laid out and furnished. Very clean and tidy. Excellent location and very quiet and secluded. Great wildlife too, paddy melons, parrots, bunnies and cows perform a fun to watch parade in the front yard.
The only thing I would perhaps encourage is more welcoming and encouraging note as you enter and less mention of extra fees if certain items left dirty and more complementary everyday necessities ie: cooking oil, coffee (3 pods were provided for 2 people for 3 nights), beach towels ( maybe we missed them, and maybe even some breakfast cereal and long life milk.
Other than that very tranquil and refreshing.
Beautiful views, very comfortable.
A bit disappointing that there was no coffee and a broom would have made cleaning up a lot easier.
Flywire on the back door was slightly torn and a tear on the ottoman.
The bathroom was a good size and had a lovely shower.
The bed was comfortable and very big.
Not being able to have a fire is also a bit disappointing.
But watching the Salmon jumping out of the water was a beautiful sight.
So glad we came across this beauty online. If your looking for a place to forget the stress of life this is it. Love the location , no noise , apartment is clean everything we needed was there ,warm and cosy by the fire , shower was amazing plenty of pressure and hotwater. Kitchen was well set up the lounge was comfy and warm.The view was amazing you have to be there to know. The cost was worth it No complaint. I wish we had longer stay but we are considering already to visit this place again sooner. Thank you Judy.