Lonely Planet recently listed Launceston, Tasmania and the Tamar Valley nearby, as the #4 best region to visit in the world. It’s a bushwalking, hiking and fishing paradise. And it has one of the most romantic old churches in Australia – with wild swimming for a wild wedding.

Why Hikers and Bushwalkers Marry in Tasmania

If you are here for gentle country walks, stunning river views, wild swimming, fishing – or serious overnight camping and hiking – start your trip in Launceston. Then get married.

Swim on the big day at Native Point, after a relaxing short bushwalk, near the small, heritage church known as St. Matthias of Windermere.

Stay nearby in Launceston (a 30-minute drive) or in the Tamar Valley.

Have your reception at Du Cane and dine/drink in an enormous, airy, laid-back brewery and dining hall with a large central room for hire.

The Native Point Loop Walk, Windermere

Native Point, Windermere is a flat, peaceful, round-trip 2.5km bush walk down to the River Tamar with a car park at the front – and very likely no other people in sight.

St. Matthias Church is around the corner, past the white horse in the red coat.

You’ll walk through stunning Tasmanian forest at Native Point, see native birds and flowers (in spring) and still only be about half an hour from Launceston.

This is pure relaxation and fun for bridesmaids, or bride and groom.

It will be a chilly dip in the Tamar River, at the quiet little pebble beach at the end of your walk – but also an unforgettable way to start the day, before ‘Get me to the church on time’ comes around.

For more on the Tamar River, see the official website Visit Northern Tasmania.

Black Swans and Bush Flowers

Black swans sail past at Swan Bay (a short walk from Windermere) and the occasional old shed or postbox (even a free kayak) make this a classic Tasmanian escape.

Detailed Information about the Native Point Reserve Loop at Windermere is here.

Bluestone Gothic Romance

St. Matthias Church itself, right on the Tamar River, with two jetties and picnic tables, a stone-built outdoor lavatory and stunning views – is Tasmanian Gothic.

It’s also very English. In fact, Windermere was named for Lake Windermere by Dr. Matthias Gaunt, after whom St. Matthias Church is named.

It’s very much like the Lake District, Tasmanian style (with gum trees, sheep and horses up the road).

It’s part of The Parish of Holy Trinity and open on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, for services. Dating from 1843, St. Matthias Church is where Tasmanians would arrive by boat, for years, pulling up at the old wooden jetty to attend.

The website explains the details of marrying here.

Take the Audio Tour

‘Hear’ your way around St. Matthias church in Windermere and its historic graveyards, the river and surrounds before you go.

There are old family plots here (complete with clasped hands) and this Anglican church is also famously the result of Dr. Gaunt’s romantic promise to his wife Frances.

He promised her that if there was not a church at Windermere when they arrived from England, he would build one for her. And he did. He is buried here with his family.

A Du Cane Reception

Du Cane used to be the massive Allgoods Tent City, where generations of people bought their camping supplies – and it still has the old signs up, together with its own shiny brewery, woodfired pizza menu and even passes to Tasmania’s state parks and fishing permits for sale, at the bar.

(Tasmania is also known at Du Cane by its palawa people name, lutruwita.)

If you don’t want a fussy, expensive wedding, but you do want to treat your guests to a holiday, think about Launceston, St. Matthias Church at Windermere and Du Cane.

Bush Shirts, Beer and Local Wine

What’s inside? Well, you can probably rustle up a wedding cake.

There are bush shirts hanging on the walls, a big space for children at the back and enough room for quiet conversations over Tasmanian wine – or big group tables in private rooms.

Du Cane is enormous, hip, clever, original, green, airy, spacious and arguably one of the best pubs in the world.
Launceston is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy – but fortunately, eating out can still be on budget. Try under $30.

Wedding Day Oatmeal Beer

Oatmeal beer as well as Tasmanian ‘Methode Tasmanoise’ champagne to celebrate?

Founder Will Horan used to be a guide on Tasmania’s Overland Track and began his career, home brewing beer – the pub is the vision he and his friends had – of something which has come true.

Owner Sam Reid sees it as a “refuge for the like-minded and a shelter from the outside world.”

The Du Cane Menu Starts at $13

The Du Cane beer is made with oatmeal, stone fruit or local raspberries. The pizza ingredients come from Launceston’s Harvest Market, every Saturday morning.

Children are well catered for and there is a play area at Du Cane if they need to unwind after being page boys or page girls.

Budget Wedding?

The menu starts at $13 for chips with tomato sauce or aioli. A vegetarian pizza to share is $25 with potato, rosemary, garlic, mozzarella and parmesan.

Tap beer starts from $6.50. Spreyton Apple Juice is $5 (Tasmania is still The Apple Isle people knew from the 1960’s).

Du Cane is an unusual pub. Its partners include Trek Tasmania and the Tasmanian Wilderness Guides Association, Launceston Ramblers’ Club and the Mountain Hut Preservation Society.

So, if you want an unusual wedding, think about this combination, ideally suited for friends who love the bush, history, romance, wild swimming and pizza as much as you do.