The city of Launceston itself is very historic and offers a wide range of accommodation.
Since it is not a large place, any hotel in the downtown area (within one kilometre of central Launceston) puts you within walking distance of some great restaurants, Cataract Gorge and the Brisbane Street Mall.
Make Launceston your base for exploring northern Tasmania, Cradle Mountain and the Tamar Valley.
Launceston was settled in the early 1800’s at the point at which the North and the South Esk Rivers meet and form the Tamar River as it flows through the Tamar Valley to Bass Strait.
The centre of the city shopping area is around the Brisbane Mall and most of the well-located Launceston hotels are within walking distance.
As the major service centre for the north of Tasmania, visitors will find accommodation to fit all budgets….from backpacking to boutique luxury. Many places have a unique and compelling history, and some were even built by convict labour! Converted hotels offer an unparalleled charm and story all their own….a former convent turned Victorian-style private hotel….a former schoolhouse turned luxury hotel….heritage buildings converted to hotels featuring modern comfort and amenities…..take your pick!
Cataract Gorge, the place at which the South Esk enters Launceston, is a popular walking and recreation area well worth a visit. The Tamar Valley stretches all the way to Bass Strait and is a major wine growing area.
The boutique wineries of the Tamar make for a very relaxed time of it. Staying on a vineyard might be the way to go.
Cradle Mountain is about a 2 hour drive from Launceston – allow travel time to make a full day of it if you are returning to Launceston overnight.