What to do in Launceston Tasmania
The city of Launceston first saw European settlement in 1806. Lonnie as it’s known by the locals is a valley city that owes its origins to the gold rush days and the discovery of what was at the time the largest and richest tin deposit in the world – Mount Bischoff. Launceston is now the second largest city in the state, being the economic centre of the north. While it is a relatively small city, Lonnie has a lot to offer – with beautifully preserved streetscapes showcasing historic architecture, and a number of beautiful natural features including the Cataract Gorge and the city’s many parks.
The Cataract Gorge has beautiful natural scenery just minutes from Launceston’s CBD
Launceston sits in a unique geological setting, the main feature of which is the Cataract Gorge. The Gorge is home to a number of great short walking tracks as well as the world’s longest single-span chairlift, and both are excellent ways to appreciate the beautiful natural scenery. The Cataract Gorge is in the heart of the city, and can be accessed by walking tracks from the CBD.
Launceston has a number of beautifully maintained parks and gardens, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike
Launceston has a number of beautifully maintained parks and gardens, which are often used to host events and enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Launceston retains a huge amount of its early architecture and has what many call the best preserved early streetscapes showcasing all the various styles of early architecture.
Things to do around Launceston Tasmania
Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
Australia’s biggest regional museum, located between two sites; the museum being at Inveresk and the Art Gallery at Royal Park. The range of collections include fine art, decorative arts and design history, physical sciences and astronomy. Locations – Art Gallery – 2 Wellington St, Launceston, Museum – 2 Invermay Road, Launceston. Opening hours (both) 10am – 4pm daily, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Admission is free.
The Cataract Gorge
A unique geological and wilderness wonder just 20 minutes walk from the heart of the Launceston CBD. Enjoy the view from the worlds longest single-span chair lift, utilize the many walking and hiking trails or take a dip in the pool. There is also a restaurant and kiosk, suspension bridge and inclinator. The main car park is located at 74-90 Basin Road, Launceston. Open every day from 9am and closing Spring/Autumn 5pm, Summer 6pm and Winter 4:30pm. Admission is free to the cliff grounds and park lands, charges may apply for other attractions.
J. Boag & Sons Brewery
This brewery was founded in 1883, guided tours and beer tasting (for 18 yrs+) are available. Located at 39 William St, Launceston. Tours operate 7 days per week – bookings are essential.
Tamar Island Wetlands
This unique wetland is just a ten minute drive from the heart of Launceston. An interpretation centre is a short 500 metre walk from the wetlands car park. Located on the West Tamar Highway between Riverside and Legana. Admission is $3, Opening times are 10am to 3pm.
City Park
Located in the centre of Launceston, this feature offers beautiful park lands and mature trees and is a great place to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch. City Park also has a monkey enclosure, the John Hart conservatory, duck ponds and monuments. Open all year round, admission is free. Located at 45 – 55 Tamar St.
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
Experience an Automobile Museum showcasing one of Australia’s most important motoring collections. Located at 86 Cimitiere St, Launceston. Opening hours – every day except Christmas Day – 9am to 5pm, Winter – 10am to 4pm.
Launceston Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
Featuring powered sites with or without a slab, as well as unpowered sites for your rented motorhome or campervan. Villas and cabins are also available if you’re in a rental car. Located at 94 Glen Dhu Street, Launceston.
Launceston Holiday Park – Legana
Powered caravan and camper sites are available in a parkland setting 10 minutes from Launceston. Deluxe and family cabins are also available if your hiring a car. Located at 711 West Tamar Highway, Legana.
Travel Times & Distances to Launceston Tasmania
From Hobart: app. 2 hours 20 minutes – 200kms
Visitor Information & Booking Centre
Freecall: 1800 651 827
Street Address: 68-72 Cameron Street, Launceston, Tasmania
Email: travelcentre@launceston.tas.gov.au
Weekdays : 9.00am – 5.00pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Good Friday and Christmas Day closed