Brady’s Lookout is one of the easiest scenic stops in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, offering sweeping views along the Tamar River from a dramatic elevated position near Rosevears. Located beside the West Tamar Highway, the lookout requires only a very short walk from the parking area, making it an excellent option for families, road-trippers and visitors looking for a spectacular view without a long bushwalk. The lookout is named after the notorious colonial-era bushranger Matthew Brady, who is associated with the area. Interpretation at the lookout tells some of his story, while the viewing platforms overlook the Tamar River and surrounding vineyard country.
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| Location | Brady’s Lookout State Reserve, Rosevears, Tamar Valley, Tasmania |
| Distance | Very short walk from the parking area |
| Time | Approximately 5–15 minutes for the walk and lookout; allow longer to enjoy the views |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Track Type | Short return walk to viewing platforms |
| Track Surface | Formed access paths and ramps |
| Best Time | Year-round; clear weather provides the best long-distance views |
| Suitable for Children | Yes – excellent short family stop |
| Accessibility | Access ramps and viewing platforms are provided |
This is much more of a lookout stroll than a traditional bushwalk. From the parking and picnic area, a short uphill path leads towards the viewing platforms. The paths have a good formed surface, although there is a moderate gradient on the way to the lookout. Visitors with limited mobility or wheelchair users may therefore appreciate some assistance on the incline.
Brady’s Lookout is an easy walk and is suitable for most visitors. The lookout can be reached within only a few minutes of leaving the car park. The main consideration is the uphill gradient rather than distance or rough terrain, making this one of the easiest scenic viewpoints to include in a Tamar Valley itinerary.
The highlight is the spectacular elevated view over the Tamar River and surrounding Tamar Valley. The lookout sits high above the river, providing expansive views both north and south along the valley. On a clear day, the panorama can extend towards the Ben Lomond massif in the south and almost as far as Bass Strait to the north.
The surrounding hills form part of Tasmania’s famous Tamar Valley wine region. Vineyards, farmland and the broad river below create an attractive patchwork landscape, particularly when viewed in clear morning or afternoon light.
The lookout takes its name from Matthew Brady, one of Tasmania’s best-known colonial bushrangers. Brady and his gang are associated with the surrounding area, and interpretation at the lookout provides visitors with some of the history behind the name.
Top Tip: Don’t treat Brady’s Lookout as simply a quick photo stop. Bring some lunch or morning tea and make use of the picnic tables and BBQ facilities while enjoying the Tamar Valley scenery.
Yes. Brady’s Lookout is an excellent option for families because there is very little walking involved and children can enjoy impressive scenery without completing a long bushwalk. The reserve also has picnic facilities and toilets, making it particularly convenient for families travelling through the Tamar Valley.
Brady’s Lookout has access ramps and viewing platforms. The formed paths are relatively wide and have a good surface, although the gradient towards the lookout means some wheelchair users may require assistance.
Brady’s Lookout State Reserve is located beside the West Tamar Highway at Rosevears, approximately 20 kilometres north of central Launceston. From Launceston, follow the West Tamar Highway north through the Tamar Valley towards Exeter. The drive takes approximately 20–25 minutes. The reserve is located near 1876 West Tamar Highway, Rosevears TAS 7277, with parking available at the lookout reserve.
Despite being a relatively small reserve, Brady’s Lookout has a good range of visitor facilities.
Because the lookout requires so little time, it is easy to include as part of a longer drive through the Tamar Valley. The surrounding region is known for vineyards, cellar doors, riverside scenery and small communities stretching north from Launceston towards Beaconsfield and Beauty Point. Walkers can also combine a visit with the Tamar Island Wetlands closer to Launceston or explore the walking tracks around Trevallyn and Cataract Gorge.
Brady’s Lookout proves that a walk doesn’t need to be long to provide a memorable view. Within only a few minutes of leaving the car park, visitors are rewarded with one of the best elevated panoramas of the Tamar River and surrounding valley. The combination of easy access, picnic facilities, fascinating bushranger history and expansive scenery makes it an ideal stop while exploring northern Tasmania. If you’re driving the West Tamar Highway, Brady’s Lookout is well worth adding to your itinerary – even if you only have 20 minutes to spare.
