• Launceston  has recreated itself and now has some of Australia’s top restaurants and stylish places to stay.
• Walk, relax, visit the peacocks, or dine in wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge in the centre of town.
• The Tamar Valley has boutique cool climate wineries, and elegant vineyard restaurants where you can meet with the growers and the makers.
• Nearby historic towns such as Evandale and Longford preserve the architecture and community spirit of a 19th century village but are also very much of today.

Why explore Launceston, Tamar and the North?

Tasmania's “northern capital” of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture.  The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city centre, and not far from the J Boag and Son brewery. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston experience and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region.
The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Excellent restaurants, superb boutique wineries and simple roadside stalls ensure every appetite is indulged and this idyllic setting will satisfy other interests too, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers. You can explore by road or cruise the long curve of the Tamar River.
North east of Launceston is Scottsdale with its Forestry EcoCentre, en route to the popular port and seaside town of Bridport, famous for fishing; the purple haze of lavender fields at Nabowla; and the links golf course, Barnbougle Dunes.
Beneath the Great Western Tiers, to Launceston's west, is the pretty town of Deloraine, that every year hosts Australia's biggest working craft fair, while to the south down the Midlands Highway, are authentic examples of Tasmania's “living history”. In Evandale, Longford, Campbell Town and Ross, you will find 19th century grand country manors, workers’ cottages and peaceful town centres that are home to thriving country communities today.

Read more about Launceston, Tamar and the North on NeoNeighbourhood, an insiders' guide to unique travel experiences.

Key Towns for Launceston, Tamar and the North.

Beaconsfield –  gold mining museum and scene of a famous escape.
Bridport –  white sand beaches and the perfect links course at Barnbougle Dunes.
Campbell Town – the centre of Tasmania's quality sheep-farming region.
Deloraine – a town of artists and farmers that hosts Australia's biggest working craft fair.
Derby – for tales of tin mines and the Derby River Derby. 
Evandale -  a Georgian village, known for its Sunday market and annual penny farthing race.  
George Town - our third oldest settlement and where you can see Australia’s best-preserved example of a convict-built pilot station.
Launceston -  revitalised as the home to some of Australia’s top restaurants and the Queen Victoria Museum and Inveresk. 
Longford - discover the bucolic air of a 19th century country village, but with 21st century style.
Perth – look out for the Tasmanian Honey Company as you are heading north or south.
Ross - one of Australia's most appealing convict-built stone villages, considered the most beautiful of its kind left in the world.
Scottsdale – in the far north east, home to the Foresty Ecocentre.
Westbury – look out for stunning gardens, a garden maze and a steam engine museum.

Itineraries to help you explore Launceston, Tamar and the North.

Heritage Highway - a journey through Australia's historic towns.

Tamar Valley Wine Route - two days of wine, food and wildlife.  

Talk with Tasmania's travel experts

Launceston
Cornwall Square,
12-16 St John St
Ph (03) 6336 3133
Email travelcentre@launceston.tas.gov.au

Deloraine
98-100 Emu Bay Road
Ph (03) 6362 3471
Email: manager.gwtvc@greatwesterntiers.net.au
Web: www.greatwesterntiers.net.au

Exeter
Main Road
Ph 1800 637 989
Email: exeter@tasvisinfo.com.au
Web: www.tamarvalley.com.au

George Town
Main Road
Ph (03) 6382 1700
Email: georgetown@tasvisinfo.com.au
Web: www.tamarvalley.com.au

Scottsdale
96 King Street
Ph (03) 6352 6520
Email scottsdale@tasvisinfo.com.au

Ross
Church Street
Ph (03) 6381 5466
Email: taswoolcentre@bigpond.com