The 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 in the beautiful northern portion 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 love inspiring views and experiences, as 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 a treasure trove of goodies in Launceston, as will those looking to shop ‘til they drop or dance the night away.
The city 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 can be driven in 1 hour and 10 minutes. The surrounding Tamar Valley is full of charming little villages and 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.
For a relatively small city, you'll find various 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.
Here are a few iconic sites you must visit!
It’s rare to hear about Launceston without mention of 
the 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 take 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 it's free to visit.
A 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.
Ask any local with even the tiniest bit of interest in arts and culture where to go in Launceston, and they will likely 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 Guan Di Temple.
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, 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 has a day spa, mini-golf course, shopping arcade and giant bouncing pillows for kids.
Foodies should not pass up 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 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 chunky chips and a nice piece of cod? Despite its proximity to Launceston’s Central Business District, the area pulls off a quiet 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.
Satisfy your inner shopaholic at the Brisbane Street Mall, an excellent 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 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), so cider sipping is a favoured pastime. For something different, the age-old Princess Theatre (founded in 1911) offers visitors the chance to take in a ballet, play or musical.
Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities; its vintage charm is instantly apparent. Slowly but surely, Launceston has grown 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 town's size has increased, so too has the number of visitors wishing to soak up Launceston’s rich past. Travellers interested 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.
Launceston is easily accessible by plane, with Launceston Airport being a central 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. Driving to Launceston from Mainland Australia with the car ferry is possible. However, 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 beautiful sights through the many available walking trails and bike paths winding their way through its streets. Driving to Launceston’s many scenic wonders (both in and out of the city) is quick and easy, and rideshares and carpools are encouraged.
Bicycles 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 look at St. John Street in the city centre and bask in the many impressive buildings around you, such as the 1880s Custom House with its classic portico and elegant Corinthian columns.
Image Credits:
1,9: Istock
2,3,4,5,6,13,15,16,19: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
7: Tourism Tasmania & Chris Crerar
8: Tourism Tasmania & George Apostolidis
10: Tourism Tasmania & Ilona Schneider
11: Winery in Tamar Valley, Tasmania
12: Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook
14: Pierre Destribats
17: Alastair Bett
18: TAHO: SD_ILS:80076
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