Launceston on the Tamar River, Tasmania, Australia. The city is built at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after the state capital Hobart.
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Launceston, is Australia's largest regional mus...
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Kings Bridge is an elegant iron arch, circa 1860s, spanning the junction of South Esk River and the ...
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Harvest Launceston Farmers' Market is open every Saturday morning in the Cimitiere Street Car Park 8...
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Saint John is a craft beer bar in Launceston. Featuring six taps of craft beer that are always chan...
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar
Pipers Brook Vineyard was acquired by The Kreglinger Wine Estates in 1997 and is situated in the Pip...
Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & George Apostolidis
Sailing boats at dusk in Launceston

Launceston

Northern Tasmania’s Heart and Soul

WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST?

Launceston

Josef Chromy Tasmania - Tasmania, AustraliaThe north of Tasmania is well known for its sweeping valleys, vast farmland and historic cities, and the city of Launceston is certainly no exception.  It has a lively yet laid-back, traditional while contemporary feel, and finds itself temptingly close to the Tamar Valley Wine Trail and all the delicious Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs that come with it.

Launceston has plenty to offer for those who find themselves in the beautiful northern part of the island. From stunning natural beauty to a charming old-timely atmosphere, this city can satisfy any traveller looking for a place to step back and relax. Nature lovers will not want for new and inspiring views and experiences, nor will those with a sense of adventure - particularly anyone willing to explore the nearby hills and mountains. Foodies (and those with a penchant for wine, cider or beer) will find in Launceston a treasure trove of goodies, as will those looking to shop ‘til they drop or dance the night away. Image thanks to:Tourism Tasmania & Ilona Schneider

REGION

The city itself is based around the Tamar River, 200 km from the capital city of Hobart. Travelling between the two can take 2.5 hours, though buses offer a slightly more languid option at around 3 hours. If you’re heading to Devonport, Launceston is just over 100 km away, and the journey is drive able in 1 hour 10 minutes. The surrounding Tamar Valley is full of charming little villages, as well as plenty of open countryside waiting to be explored. The Tamar Valley Wine Trail is as inviting as it sounds: here you’ll discover lush vineyards, decadent wines, and friendly locals full of knowledge on the best Tasmanian vino money can buy. Image thanks to: Winery in Tamar Valley, Tasmania.

WHERE TO STAY

Touchwood Cottages, Craft Gallery, Gifts and Cafe, Tasmania, AustraliaFor a relatively small city, there exists a wide variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels, to bed and breakfasts and apartments to hostels. A hotel stay near the Seaport Marina offers picturesque views of the North Esk River, whereas those who prefer to get into the hustle and bustle of downtown can find a swanky hotel in the CBD (Central Business District). If your inner countrymouse needs to be satisfied, there’s always the option of staying a bit further out along the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Here are a few iconic sites you must visit!

Cataract Gorge

It’s rare to hear about Launceston without mention of Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve, Tasmania, Australiathe First Basin, the city’s main attraction – and for good reason. If you’re into hiking, swimming, eating, breathing in lovely fresh air and experiencing majestic views, this is the place for you (and if you’re not, what are you even doing in Tasmania?). Hop on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for uninterrupted views of the area - probably the best around. Sit back and relax as you dangle languidly above the basin, and perhaps taking a moment to snap a few very Instagram-worthy photos. Conveniently, Cataract Gorge is close to Launceston – taking no more than a few minutes to reach from the city centre (and around 20 to 30 minutes’ walk if you’re feeling energetic), meaning you can grab some breakfast in the city in the morning and have experienced the magical sights of the Gorge before lunch. Even better, why not take a picnic to this natural wonder or grab some food from the café on the southern side of the reserve? Beyond its majestic scenery, the best part about Cataract Gorge is actually the price: there isn’t one. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.

Cradle Mountain

Aurora Australis over Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, AustraliaA 2 hour drive west from central Launceston will bring you to Cradle Mountain, a must-see for any traveller finding themselves in the region. Located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, intrepid explorers can ascend the 1,545-metre mountain and be rewarded by spectacular vistas of the national park. Those after a less taxing route can view the mountain from nearby Dove Lake, which can be circumnavigated in around 2 hours and is relatively flat. Image thanks to: Pierre Destribats

 

QVMAG at Inveresk, Tasmania, Australia

Ask any local with even the tiniest bit of interest in arts and culture where to go in Launceston and they are likely to recommend the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Consisting of 2 sites (the museum based at Inveresk Precinct and the art gallery on Wellington Street near Royal Park), QVMAG offers educational exhibitions and fun events for visitors of all ages. Here, visitors can step into the past to learn the history of portrait and landscape painting in Colonial Tasmania or delve into Tasmania’s Chinese connections with a peek at the museum’s very own Guan Di Temple. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

Grindelwald Swiss Village

A 15-minute drive from the centre of Launceston brings us to the delightful Grindelwald Swiss Village - as charming as its name implies. To arrive in this enchanting community is to find yourself in an alpine wonderland reminiscent of the country from which it takes its name. Founded in the 1980s, each and every residence in this Swiss Village has been built and decorated in traditional Swiss style, offering the best of pleasant European countryside: adorable houses complete with window shutters and flower boxes, surrounding lakes that twinkle in the sunlight and no end to the lush greenery. Grindelwald’s Tamar Valley Resort comes complete with day spa, mini-golf course, shopping arcade and giant bouncing pillows for kids.

FOOD & DRINK

Kiss a Fish Cooking School, Tasmania, AustraliaFoodies should not pass go and head directly to the Seaport Marina, where they can enjoy stunning views of the North Esk River, a tributary of the Tamar River. Here, a wide range of cafes and eateries await tingling tastebuds, with many options available from quick snacks to 3-course meals and perhaps a bit of fish and chips. After all, what’s a trip to a marina without some chunky chips and a nice piece of cod? Despite its proximity to Launceston’s Central Business District, the area somehow pulls off a quiet and tranquil vibe. Those looking to eat more like a local can head to the Harvest Market held every Saturday morning. This ‘Community Farmers Market’ takes place at the Cimitiere St. car park near City Park and features a whole range of fresh produce, whether you’re craving baked goods or the juiciest fruits. You can even find that perfect cider to take home. Winos ought to head on a tour around the beautiful Tamar Valley for a real taste of Tasmania. Wine lovers from all corners of the world flock to this region to stroll amongst the vines, sip the multitude of grape varietals, and inevitably purchase far more than they can cart home. It’s all part of the Tamar Valley experience. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.

SHOPPING & NIGHTLIFE

Taste of Tasmania, Tasmania, AustraliaSatisfy your inner shopaholic at the Brisbane Street Mall, a cool and colourful area featuring large department stores, smaller boutique shops, stores selling local arts and crafts, and a whole host of restaurants where it’s possible to eat and drink the day (or night) away. Options abound for evening entertainment. Music lovers may wish to opt for an open-mic night or some live music, while more spirited types may fancy getting groovy on the dance floor at one of Launceston’s many clubs. For another true taste of local culture, track down a pub specialising in cider—Tasmania is famous for its apples (its second name, “the Apple Isle”, still rings true), and as such, cider sipping is a favoured pastime. For something different altogether, the age-old Princess Theatre (founded in 1911) offers visitors the chance to take in a ballet, play or musical. Image thanks to: Alastair Bett.

HISTORY

View of Launceston, Historical - Tasmania, AustraliaLaunceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities, and its vintage charm is instantly apparent. Slowly but surely, Launceston has been growing in size and status, putting its rather spectacular stamp on the Australian island state. After being declared a municipality in 1852 and gaining town status just a few years later, Launceston was eventually proclaimed a city towards the end of the 19th century. As the size of the city has increased, so too have the number of visitors wishing to soak up Launceston’s rich past. Travellers with an interest in history can enjoy the city’s impressive architecture in Victorian and Colonial styles, while soaking up Launceston’s charismatic old towns, where visitors are transported back to centuries past – or at least as far back as 1804, when the area was first established. Image thanks to: TAHO: SD_ILS:80076

GETTING HERE

Launceston is easily accessible by plane, with Launceston Airport being a major entry point for travellers wanting to visit the Apple Isle. The city is equipped with convenient transport links to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and it takes just 15 minutes by car to get from Launceston Airport to the city centre. It’s possible to drive to Launceston from Mainland Australia with the car ferry, though this option takes around 10 hours on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which runs from Melbourne to Devonport, followed by around an hour of driving to Launceston. In terms of getting around the city itself, the options are numerous. As Launceston is proud to be an ‘active city,’ visitors are encouraged to see its wonderful sights by the many available walking trails and bike paths winding their way through its streets. It is quick and easy to drive to Launceston’s many scenic wonders (both in and out of the city) and rideshares and carpools are encouraged.

LOCAL TIPS

Suspension bridge - Cataract Gorge Reserve, First Basin and Cliff Grounds, Tasmania, AustraliaBicycles are available for hire at daily or multi-day rates, and many companies offer to bring them directly to your desired hotel--bonus. Backpacking equipment including tents, sleeping bags and actual backpacks, is also available for rent, for nature lovers looking to ditch the city for a few days and embrace Mother Nature. When exploring Launceston, it’s easy to get lost in the vibrant views of the surrounding landscape, but don’t forget to look up at the buildings as well; the city is well known for its rich architecture. Just take a look at St. John Street in the city center and bask for a moment in the many impressive buildings around you, such as the 1880s Custom House with its classic portico and elegant Corinthian columns. Image thanks to: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett.

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