Escape to Launceston and Surrounds

Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve | Image Credit: Jason Charles Hill

The third oldest city of European settlement, Launceston or “Launnie” is the peaceful, scenic, little sister to the state capital, Hobart. Located in Northern Tasmania, there are now direct flights available from Perth to this historical city operating three times a week. 

If your plan is to travel across Tasmania, including day trips surrounding the city (which we highly recommend), then pick up your hire car as soon as you arrive at the airport. However, if you’re only exploring Launceston, the city’s public transport facilities are all you need to navigate your way around.

Launceston is packed with preserved history, stunning scenery, rich food culture and boasts the best cool climate wines in the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t get us wrong, the weather is usually warm from November until March, but Aussies who are used to a hot summer should be prepared to pack a raincoat and some warm clothes when traveling in the Southern State.

Of course, if you’re not afraid to brace the elements, then all these activities are great no matter what the weather. Here are our top things to do in Launceston and it's surrounds.  

Within Launceston

Wander through town and down the main streets with this walking city tour guide or download this city guide to see what wonders you stumble upon.

For the history buffs, Launceston has a rich colonial and aboriginal history and there is no better place to learn about it than from one of the museums. The vibrant Inveresk Precinct is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Once the industrial heart of the City, Inveresk is now home to education institutions, performing arts spaces, cafes, an exercise track and the Queen Victoria Museum. Put aside at least half a day to explore this beautiful area.

For those who dare to learn the history of Launceston in a thrilling way, Launceston’s Ghost Tours is for you. The tours claim they’re not too scary…until you try to sleep that night in one of the old colonial hotels. Be warned! 

Cataract Gorge | Image Credit: Jarrad Seng

Next stop, Cataract Gorge. Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre, this naturally beautiful landscape-turned park has an array of walking trails, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, a swimming pool, a suspension bridge over the gorge, spectacular lookout views and even peacocks flaunting their feathers. Catch the longest chairlift in the southern hemisphere, up to the top of the hills to enjoy the stunning vistas overlooking the gorge and beyond. Once you’ve soaked up the view and taken some happy snaps, stroll down the hill and reward yourself at the restaurant or café or jump on a boat cruise and sail along the river for a different perspective.

If you're still itching for more of Launceston's landscapes, get the best view of all and take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride.

Hot Air Balloon Tasmania | Image Credit: Tourism Australia

A must-do on your trip is a visit to the Harvest Market which opens every Saturday next to City Park. Due to the lush surrounding farmland, the array of local produce and cuisine is unparalleled. Shop up a storm with local crafts, Tasmanian souvenirs, edible delights, and when you’re ready for lunch, wander around the corner to the famous James Boag Brewing Co. The original brewing co offers live entertainment, great pub feeds but also extensive behind the scenes tours where you discover what goes into producing Tasmania’s finest beer. 

The art culture that’s etched through the city, has recently come to light, as one the world’s most exclusive and reputable festivals MONA FOMA made its debut in Launceston in 2019. This music and arts festival is not to be missed during 29 Feb – 3 March 2024. If your travel dates don’t quite align with MONA, you can get a taste for it through visiting the latest thought-provoking exhibitions at Gallery Pejean, which showcases contemporary visual art and sculpture by local Tasmanian artists. 

Combine a cultural fix with retail therapy at Design Tasmania. Design Tasmania is part exhibition space, part retail store and all about appreciating Tasmania design. A highlight here is the wood collection, featuring dozens of contemporary pieces made from native Tasmanian timbers. The store is a great place to browse and find a unique memento of your Tassie travels.

Once you have worked up an appetite, check out some of our picks for your next meal.

Havilah Wine Bar on Charles street offers a rotating selection of wines from near and far, and the embraces the farm-to-plate food culture amongst the region. The French cheese and interesting condiments here make it easy to overindulge.  

Sweet-tooths must visit Launnie’s one and only desert bar at Charlie’s Dessert House. Here you will find a changing menu of waffle flavours, sundaes, and desserts from around the world like banoffee pie, sticky date, and chocolate molten cakes.

Around Launceston 

Ready to head out to the country side? You can head north through the Tamar Valley which encompasses scenic hills, orchards, and the Tamar River. With over thirty vineyards and wineries in the area, it is one of the world's premium cool climate wine regions. Check out one of these self-driven itineraries or book a wine tour bus for the day.

Hunt around to decide on your favourite wine and embrace the unique experience of each cellar door; like Glendale's which is nestled inside a 1940’s apple shed. 

Tamar Valley | Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania, Rob Burnet

Hazelbrae at Hagley | Image Credit: Tourism Australia

Within the Tamar Valley lies the quirky little town of Grindelwald. This village is a mini replica of Grindelwald in Switzerland and full of fun unique activities. Peddle boat across the lake in summer or have a snowball fight in winter, if you're lucky enough to be there during a rare winter snowfall, and allow yourself to be transported to Europe for an afternoon.

An hour and a half from Launceston is Derby. The small town is full of surprises, including the newly opened Derby sauna, floating on lake Derby. Here you can kick back and enjoy the sauna experience followed by a brief dip in the lake. If you’d really like to make the most of your time in the town, consider taking to the mountain biking trails. This is the heart of mountain biking in Tasmania, so be sure to make the most of it!

Arguably one of the most iconic scenes in Tasmania is the Bridestowe Lavender Estate. See the lavender fields in full bloom this January season for an unforgettable experience.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate | Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania, Luke Tscharke

Last but not least is Narawntapu National Park - another amazing day trip out of Launceston. It's wide open plains that are abundant in wildlife is the most wonderful location to meet some of Tasmania’s friendliest locals. Narawntapu National Park is a great place to get to know the local marsupials and you’ll likely spot Forester kangaroos, Bennett's wallabies and pademelons grazing or resting on the open grassland near the visitor centre at Springlawn.

Bird Hide Walk, Narawntapu National Park| Image credit: Jess Bonde

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