 Hadspen lies approximately 142 metres ( 466 ft ) above sea level , 8 kilometres ( 5 @.@ 0 mi ) Southwest of Launceston , Tasmania . It is on the southern side of the South Esk River , near the confluence of the South Esk and Meander Rivers . The town is set in a rural landscape ; Surrounding countryside contains valleys , river flood plains , remnant uncleared bush and undulating pastures . The majority of the town lies between the South Esk , and a low section of land east of the town called Beams Hollow , which is named after Thomas Beams , owner of a 50 acres ( 20 ha ) lot through which the road from Launceston first ran . 
