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 direct flights available seasonally from Perth to this historical city.

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 and a rich food culture, plus it boasts the best cool climate wines in the Southern Hemisphere. 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. Here are our top things to do in Launceston and it's surrounds. 

Within Launceston

Wander through town and down the main streets 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.

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 chairlift 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.

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 and edible delights.

Launceston CBD. Image credit: Adobe Stock

For a taste of Launceston's vibrant art scene, discover latest thought-provoking exhibitions at Madeline Gordon Gallery, 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 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 a self-drive itinerary 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

An hour and a half from Launceston is Derby. The small town is full of surprises, including 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 some of the most iconic scenes in Tasmania are the Bridestowe Estate lavender fields. You can catch the fields in full bloom during summer, although there is beauty to be found year-round.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate. Image credit: Tourism Tasmania, Luke Tscharke

Last but not least is Narawntapu National Park - another amazing day trip out of Launceston. Its wide open plains are abundant in wildlife and the perfect spot 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. Follow the Springlawn Nature Walk from the visitor centre for an easy walk around the lagoon and open grasslands.

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