Building in Hillwood
Rural community on the western bank of the Tamar River — 26 kilometres north of Launceston, home to the Hillwood Berry Farm and scenic lower Tamar Valley views.
Berry Farm Country on the Tamar River
Hillwood is a small rural community on the western bank of the Tamar River in northern Tasmania, with a population of 591 (ABS 2021, SAL60275), located approximately 26 kilometres north of Launceston in the George Town Council local government area. The Tamar River forms the eastern boundary of the locality, and the river flats along this stretch are among the most productive agricultural land in the lower Tamar Valley. Hillwood is accessible via Hillwood Road connecting to the B82 (West Tamar Highway) to the south.
Hillwood Berry Farm is the locality's defining feature and one of the most visited agritourism attractions in northern Tasmania. The farm grows approximately 20 hectares of strawberries, 16 hectares of raspberries, 5 hectares of blackberries, and 2.5 hectares of blueberries — a total of approximately 43.5 hectares of commercial berry production on the Tamar River flats. Pick-your-own operations draw large numbers of visitors during the summer picking season, and the farm's presence along the river gives Hillwood an identity and a landscape character that distinguishes it from the anonymous rural fringes of many regional towns.
The Tamar River views from Hillwood's elevated western slopes are a genuine residential asset. The lower Tamar Valley is one of Tasmania's most scenic river corridors — a broad, tidal estuary flanked by vineyard country, market gardens, and wooded hillsides. Hillwood's position on the western bank gives properties here aspect toward the river and the rising country of the Pipers River wine region beyond. Launceston is approximately 26 kilometres south via the West Tamar Highway — accessible within 30–35 minutes of normal driving.
Davies builds throughout the greater Launceston and George Town Council areas. Hillwood is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from our Sheffield base — within our outer service area for northern Tasmania. We are experienced with the George Town Local Provisions Schedule, which commenced on 4 October 2023, and with the rural residential site considerations that apply to properties in this part of the Tamar Valley.
Why People Choose Hillwood
Hillwood Berry Farm — Agritourism on the River Flats
Hillwood Berry Farm is one of the most visited agritourism operations in northern Tasmania — strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries across approximately 43.5 hectares of productive Tamar River flats. Pick-your-own operation from December through March draws visitors from across the region. Living adjacent to a working berry farm on this scale gives Hillwood a unique seasonal rhythm and a connection to the agricultural landscape that dormitory suburbs cannot replicate.
Lower Tamar Valley River Views
Hillwood sits on the western bank of the Tamar River with aspects toward the lower Tamar estuary and the Pipers River wine country to the east. The Tamar Valley is one of Tasmania's most photographed river corridors — broad, tidal, flanked by vineyards and market gardens. For properties on Hillwood's elevated western slopes, the river views are a permanent residential amenity. The valley's scenic character is protected by the agricultural and rural zoning of the surrounding land.
26 km from Launceston — 30 to 35 Minutes
Launceston is approximately 26 kilometres south of Hillwood via the West Tamar Highway — reachable in approximately 30–35 minutes under normal conditions. This gives Hillwood residents access to Launceston's full commercial, education, healthcare, and retail offer without living in a suburban growth corridor. For households wanting genuine rural character with a functional commute to a regional city, the Hillwood position on the West Tamar Highway corridor is practical.
Rural Residential Scale and Privacy
Hillwood is a community of approximately 591 residents on the river flats and western slopes of the lower Tamar Valley. Land parcels are rural-scale — generous, private, with real separation from neighbours. The planning context under the George Town LPS preserves this scale: the Rural zone classification limits subdivision and high-density development, which means the open, unhurried character of the community is structurally maintained rather than contingent on neighbours' building decisions.
George Town Council — Recently Commenced LPS
Hillwood falls within the George Town Council local government area under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme — George Town Local Provisions Schedule, which commenced on 4 October 2023 — one of the most recently commenced LPS documents in northern Tasmania. A recently commenced LPS generally reflects contemporary planning policy and provides a more current framework for development decisions than older interim planning schemes. For builders, it means the planning environment is settled and well-documented.
Lower Tamar Valley Community Network
Hillwood connects into the broader community of the lower Tamar Valley — a network that includes Beauty Point, Beaconsfield, Exeter, Gravelly Beach, and George Town town itself. The valley has a strong agricultural and wine industry identity, active sporting clubs, and community events centred on both the Tamar waterway and the rural hinterland. For families looking to put down long-term roots in a part of Tasmania that has real cultural depth and agricultural identity, the lower Tamar Valley community is well worth considering.
What to Know About Building in Hillwood
Hillwood falls within the George Town Council local government area under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme — George Town Local Provisions Schedule, which commenced on 4 October 2023. Building permits are lodged with and assessed by George Town Council. Key considerations for prospective builders:
- Land in Hillwood is primarily zoned Rural under the George Town LPS. The Rural zone permits single dwellings on existing lots subject to zone provisions for setbacks, site coverage, and building height, but does not generally permit subdivision to create new residential lots. Confirm the zone and any applicable overlays for a specific allotment via PlanBuild Tasmania's enquiry service before purchase.
- Properties adjacent to the Tamar River may carry Waterway and Riparian Vegetation setback overlays under the George Town LPS. These overlays govern minimum setbacks from the river bank and, in some cases, the type of development permissible within the riparian buffer. Confirm the overlay status of any river-adjacent allotment via PlanBuild Tasmania before purchase — setback requirements can significantly affect siting options.
- Hillwood is a rural locality without reticulated sewer. New dwellings require an on-site wastewater system (septic or OSSM) meeting the requirements of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act and applicable planning conditions. Site area, soil type, and proximity to the river will influence system type and placement. Confirm water supply options with TasWater — reticulated water may not be available in all parts of the locality.
- Agricultural interface provisions may apply to properties adjacent to Hillwood Berry Farm's working berry fields. The Latrobe LPS — and similar rural LPS documents — often include provisions governing setbacks from active agricultural operations to manage spray drift, chemical use, and machinery noise. Confirm any agricultural interface provisions for specific allotments with George Town Council before finalising a design.
- The Tamar River in the Hillwood area is tidal and navigable. Properties with river frontage or close river proximity should be assessed for any coastal or estuarine inundation considerations. Check the overlay status via PlanBuild Tasmania and LISTmap for any river-front allotments.
- Davies is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from Hillwood from our Sheffield base — within our outer service area for the George Town Council region and greater Launceston. We build throughout the Tamar Valley and are familiar with the George Town Local Provisions Schedule.
Hillwood is a distinctive community — rural in character, river in setting, and anchored by one of Tasmania's most recognised agritourism operations. For those drawn to the lower Tamar Valley's combination of agricultural landscape, river views, and proximity to Launceston without the price and density of the suburban fringe, it represents a genuinely individual place to build.
Davies Projects in the Region
Our portfolio spans greater Launceston and the Tamar Valley — custom homes, high-performance builds, and award-winning residential projects designed for the Tasmanian climate.
Hillwood Building FAQ
What is Hillwood like to live in?+
How much does it cost to build in Hillwood?+
What are the planning requirements for building in Hillwood?+
Does Davies Design & Construction build in Hillwood?+
Also building in
North-West Coast & Hinterland
Tamar Valley & Launceston
Midlands & East Coast
Southern Tasmania