For those flying in, Launceston Airport is about 20 minutes from downtown. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry arrives into Devonport, about an hours drive from Launceston. Hobart is 2 hours drive down the Heritage Highway through the Midlands. Freycinet is 2 hours drive up the Fingal Valley and south through Bicheno. Cradle Mountain is about 2.5 hours drive from Launceston, and Launceston to Strahan is about 5 hours drive via Cradle Mountain.
Things to Look for in Launceston
Cataract Gorge
It is unusual to have a significant natural feature like Cataract Gorge so close to the centre of a major city. It is only a 15 minute walk from the Brisbane Mall in the centre of Launceston to the entrance of Cataract Gorge. The Gorge provides some excellent walks and nature trails among bushland and wildlife abounds. The single span chairlift in the First Basin is said to be the longest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Gorge Restaurant in the Cliff Grounds Reserve at the First Basin has a tasty menu and it makes for a good half day walk including a lunch stop.History and Architecture
Launceston was settled by Europeans in 1806 and quickly became the hub for agricultural development in the north of Tasmania. Much of the Victorian and Georgian architecture of the late 1800s and early 1900s has been preserved and incorporated into its downtown buildings. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is excellent and well worth a visit, both for the architecture of the building and for the exhibits.Day Tour to Cradle Mountain
If you do not have time to stay overnight at Cradle Mountain, take a day tour from Launceston.Historic Houses Outside Launceston
Launceston is a good base from which to explore the rural north. Drive south to Evandale and visit Clarendon House, one of the most well preserved historic homes of the area. Then cut across to Longford and on to the townships of Hagley and Westbury. Brickendon Estate at Longford is worth a visit to see how farming was carried out in the mid 1800s.Hotels in Launceston
For an apartment stay in downtown Launceston consider the apartments at York Mansions. To stay at the entrance to Cataract Gorge, compare prices at the Leisure Inn Penny Royal and book early to be sure of a reservation. A plethora of options exist, including charming historic hotels and converted buildings filled with modern conveniences! There is no shortage of accommodation options for staying in Launceston.
Things To Do
