Launceston Mini Guide
Launceston is a town in the north of Tasmania, Australia. It lies on the banks of the Tamar River and is the second largest city after
Hobart. If you are travelling from further afield, you would probably find yourself in
Melbourne as it is the nearest city on the mainland. A flight to Launceston Airport only takes an hour and there are also flights available from
Sydney. Once you are there it is easy to explore the town by foot or you can use the Metro buses to get around.
What’s so special about Launceston?
There is plenty to see and do there - you won’t have time to be bored during your stay! For a little history visit the georgian Franklin House and see colonial art at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Spend a day at Cataract Gorge, a wilderness park and boulder filled gorge, you can hike or swim there and take a chair lift up the gorge. There are over 70 different species of flora and fauna there and you will see peacocks roaming around.
You can also take a river cruise along the Cataract Gorge and Tamar River. Join a tour and taste the local Boag’s beer at the J Boag and Son Brewery and in the evening hear stories of intrigue and murder on the Launceston Ghost Tour.
Further afield
Drive the Tamar Valley Wine Route and taste the local riesling and pinot noir. Visit the Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum at Beaconsfield to find out more about the gold mining history of the area. Head for Beauty Point, where you can see the only seahorse farm in the world at Seahorse World.
What Else can I do?
For a relaxing day out, go fishing at Launceston Lake or for the adventurous go cable hang gliding at the town’s Trevallyn Dam. If golf is more your thing, you can play 18 holes at the Launceston Golf Club or Riverside Golf Club.
Short breaks
Why not stay at the Quest Launceston, it is a restored property close to Cataract Gorge and the town. It has apartments with internet and cooking facilities and there is an in-house restaurant serving local and international cuisine. It is a perfect base for exploring the town and surrounding area.