What’s special about Launceston?

• Gateway to the cool-climate wineries of the Tamar Valley.
• The Cataract Gorge - a striking urban reserve.

This small compact city is easy to explore. You can walk the elegant streetscapes and through century-old parks, which sit beside revitalised areas such as Launceston Seaport, with its waterfront eateries. A boardwalk links the Seaport to Inveresk, where you can visit one of Australia's best regional galleries, the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk.

The boardwalk also takes you to Home Point rowing course, passing Ritchies Mill, with its galleries and restaurants. Continue along the zig-zagging path into Cataract Gorge, a place of mystical beauty. Its steep, rugged cliffs and wild areas attract rock climbers and a chairlift allows all to enjoy the panoramic views.

Launceston is an ideal base for visiting the vineyards of the Tamar Valley. Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and sample some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate wines. You may also enjoy a river cruise, an ideal way to explore the Tamar River and wetland area.

From Launceston you can also visit national parks such as Narawntapu (known for wildlife-spotting), or the historic villages of Evandale and Longford, with their grand old farms and mansions: Woolmers, Brickendon, Panshangar and Clarendon.

Launceston also offers alpine adventure just 55 kilometres (34 miles) drive from the city centre. The craggy mountain region of Ben Lomond National Park is a haven for rock climbers, bushwalkers and skiers.

Launceston sits at the junction of the North and South Esk rivers. From here, the broad Tamar River valley opens north to Bass Strait 58 kilometres (36 miles) away.

With a population of 68,000, the city has a strong sense of identity. Launceston's weather is temperate, with an average maximum of 23 degrees Celcius (73.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in January and 11.5 degrees Celcius (52.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.

More things to do:

Boag’s Brewery
Franklin House
Seahorse World

The story of Launceston:

The city was established in 1806, after the collapse of Port Dalrymple (now George Town) at the mouth of the Tamar. It was the Island's northern military base and a trading centre for wheat and wool farmers. Over time, as their wealth grew, the city developed its grand vision.

Travel directions:

Launceston is just over two hours’ drive (198 kilometres/123 miles) north of Hobart.