Boomer Creek Vineyard
When New Town's Southern Cross Joinery closed its doors for the last time in 1969, Hobart cabinetmaker Colin Walters bought land at Little Swanport on the East Coast and made a brand new start in farming. Raising sheep came first. Miniature stud Herefords and olives came next, thanks to daughter Joy Walters.
Inspired by the vision of their father and grandfather – and his quest for a dynamic, diversified farming operation – the Walters family planted vines at Boomer Creek in 2012 and 2013. The property lies halfway between Triabunna and Swansea, and takes its name from the adjoining waterway that feeds into Little Swanport.
Today, a carefully managed 5ha vineyard and award-winning cellar door stand as lasting testaments to Colin Walters' sustainable stewardship of his land.
Boomer Creek operates two separate vineyard blocks. The initial 3ha east-facing Ocean block was joined in 2022 by the north-facing Dam block, spanning 2ha. Eight varieties – Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz – produce a strikingly packaged range of traditional method sparkling and dry table wines.
The 400ha property's deep red clay loam on Jurrasic dolerite basks in the bright coastal sunshine. Gentle sea breezes cool vineyard leaf canopies to prolong fruit ripening and preserve vital natural acidity as vintage approaches.
The family prides itself on the intensive, hands-on approach to viticulture. It supports the use of natural solutions and predator bugs in the fight against pests and diseases. Marauding boomers – large male kangaroos – have been fenced out but remain free in the landscape in recognition of their positive contributions to biodiversity across the site.
Minimal-intervention winemaking is left entirely to industry professionals Matt Wood and his team at Spring Vale Vineyard. Hand-picked harvests travel just a short distance to a modern facility, ensuring Boomer Creek wines get the best possible start on their journey from grape to glass. Quality is consistently good.
The Walters family continue to be producers of fine wool Merino sheep, Hereford cattle and estate-grown olives. Little wonder the vineyard's architecturally designed and family-built cellar door is a popular destination on this part of the East Coast. The views are inspiring, no matter which way you turn. Coastal landscape and water views are a feast for the eye. Freshly prepared vineyard platters showcase local produce as well as partnering the property's wines.
Boomer Creek Vineyard receives 4.8 ratings from Google reviewers and Tripadvisor contributors.
The welcome here is always warm and friendly. Hop to it.
Key details:
- Joy Walters: owner/operator
- Colin Walters (Jnr.): owner/operator
- Astrid Maurits (pictured): vineyard manager
- Max Maurits: farm manager
- Matt Wood: contract winemaker, Spring Vale
Vineyard/cellar door address:
10922 Tasman Highway, Little Swanport, TAS 7190
Telephone:
+61 (0) 423 912 360
Email:
hello@boomercreekvineyard.com.au
Website:
www.boomercreekvineyard.com.au
Tasmanian viticulture takes place within a diverse mix of soil types and microclimates.
Climate data* for sites on the East Coast highlight the wide range of growing conditions here. Consider: Saltwater River Wines (MJT 16.0°C; 859 GDD) and Sterling Heights (MJT 18.3°C; 1267 GDD).
Vineyard sites on the Australian mainland are far warmer than those in Tasmania.
South Australia's Piccadilly Valley* (MJT 20.4°C; 1730 GDD) and Macedon Ranges* (MJT 19.9°C; 1365 GDD) in Victoria are regarded as the coolest GIs in their respective states.
Climate data* for Tasman Highway, Little Swanport, 1995-2024:
- Total annual average rainfall: 568mm
- Growing season average rainfall (Oct 1-Apr 30): 352mm
- Average autumn rainfall: 125mm
- Mean January temperature: 17.6°C
- Growing degree-days: 1093 GDD
- Average no of hot days (35°C or more) per year: 1
- Average no of cold days (minimum 4°C or less) Sept 1-April 30: 17
*Source: My Climate View, utilising past data from the Bureau of Meteorology and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Funded by the Australian Government.
Last page update: January 2026