Windermere: Church, Cemetery and Tamar River

On the Tamar River stands St Matthias' Anglican Church, a heritage-listed landmark in northern Tasmania. Windermere can be discovered through this distinctive historic building and its connection to the water. The cemetery and the history of the church and town offer a different focus from the pontoon, boat ramp and fishing. If you are considering holiday accommodation in Windermere, these different sides of the town can help you pursue your own travel interests.

St Matthias' Anglican Church and the cemetery

St Matthias' Anglican Church is one of Australia's oldest rural churches. It has been in continuous use since it was established. As a heritage-listed landmark in northern Tasmania, it brings together a distinctive historical standing and a history of continued use. For travellers interested in churches and the development of rural towns, Windermere offers a tangible point of interest.

The church is surrounded by a peaceful cemetery. There are 54 currently identified burial sites and 121 additional unmarked graves. The distinction between identified and unmarked graves gives the site a particular historical dimension: as well as named burial sites, the cemetery is home to numerous unmarked graves. This connects the history of the church with a place of remembrance that, in its own right, offers a quieter contrast to activities on the water.

Insights into the lives of pioneering families

A 20-minute smartphone audio tour of the cemetery offers insights into the lives of pioneering families. Alongside the history of the church building, the lives of earlier families are also brought into focus. If you are travelling with children, this biographical perspective can provide a talking point that goes beyond names and burial sites. The stated duration also makes the tour a clearly defined historical activity to include in your travel plans.

Boat ramp, pontoon and fishing

St Matthias' Anglican Church is next to the public boat ramp. Windermere Pontoon is suitable for fishing and for boarding and disembarking from boats. The concrete ramp beside the pontoon serves a different purpose: it is suitable for launching small to medium-sized recreational craft. This distinction is useful if you are interested in activities on the water and want to work out which facility suits your plans. Fishing is also associated with Windermere Jetty. The pontoon, ramp and jetty each represent different aspects of Windermere's connection to the water; they should not be understood as a single offering.

Experience Windermere by road and water

The drive itself offers a scenic highlight: travelling along Windermere Road is an easy, scenic detour from the East Tamar Highway. On the water, the Afternoon Discovery Cruise passes or approaches St Matthias Church on the shore at Windermere. This gives you a choice of different perspectives on the church's location: the road journey and the cruise route along the shore. When planning your holiday, you can consider whether you would rather discover Windermere through its history, a scenic drive or its connection to the water.

Discover other places

If you would also like to consider other places as part of your travel plans: Burnie, Tyenna, Wattle Hill, Sisters Beach, Ellendale, Grassy, Gardners Bay and Moonah.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.