Discover Granton: Birdlife and Wine

Granton offers two distinct themes for your trip: Gould’s Lagoon as a refuge for waterbirds, and Derwent Estate with wine tasting and a vineyard. One draws attention to a protected natural area; the other brings grape varieties together with a historic cottage. By planning your stay around your interests, you can make wildlife watching and wine tasting concrete priorities.

Waterbirds at Gould’s Lagoon

Gould’s Lagoon was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938, following an application by its then-owner, Arthur Gould. Waterbirds use the lagoon as an important refuge for resting, foraging and breeding. The declaration marked a historic milestone; the three bird activities make its ongoing role as a habitat tangible. Resting, foraging and breeding describe different functions that the sanctuary serves for waterbirds.

At Gould’s Lagoon, a boardwalk leads to a bird hide, and a walk can take you alongside the sanctuary. This gives you both a specifically designated viewing spot and the option to take in the area on a walk. The car park for Gould’s Lagoon is on Hestercombe Road and provides a landmark for finding your way there. Check local notices before your visit.

Wine and architectural history at Derwent Estate

At Derwent Estate, the focus shifts from birdlife to wine and architectural history. The estate offers a wine tasting featuring twelve different grape varieties in a historic cottage built by convicts in 1820. The number of varieties gives the offering a clear scope; those interested in wine can see the tasting as an introduction to a specific range of grape varieties. At the same time, the building’s history is connected to the tasting venue: the cottage forms part of the setting for this experience. The tasting’s current availability may vary.

The vineyard also contributes to the description of the place. It lies on north-facing slopes that descend towards the Derwent River. This connects the wine theme not only with the tasting in the cottage, but also with a clearly defined hillside location. The north-facing aspect and slope towards the river are specific features of the landscape and provide the estate with a second, spatial point of reference.

Two distinct themes for your trip

For planning your trip, the difference lies in the type of experience: at Gould’s Lagoon, the focus is on birdlife in a sanctuary; at Derwent Estate, it is on wine tasting and historic architecture. If you first decide whether wildlife watching, wine tasting or both should shape your stay, it will be easier to choose a focus. The cottage was built in 1820; Gould’s Lagoon was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.

Discover more destinations: Lake St Clair, Triabunna, Relbia, Stanley, Sisters Beach, George Town, Gardners Bay, Bronte Park.

For the main travel overview: Tasmania.