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The complete travel guide to visiting Launceston in Tasmania!
Tasmania is full of unique places to visit, and Launceston is one of those gems that will surprise you in various ways. It is located in the middle of the island state and is only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from its capital city, Hobart. Launceston is the second major city in Tasmania, with just under 70,000 people. Still, it feels more like a large country town, which gives the city its unique and pleasant character. Launceston was built around the Tamar River in the Tamar Valley and is one of Australia’s oldest cities. The Valley is well known for its divine produce, including wine and dairy products, making it the perfect holiday destination for food lovers! However, that is not all Launceston has to offer. Its prime location makes it incredibly easy to explore some beautiful surroundings, including Cradle Mountain and many more. In this complete travel guide to visiting Launceston, you will find all the information you need so you don’t miss out on anything inside or outside this beautiful city!
How to get to Launceston?
There are multiple ways to get to Launceston, depending on where you are travelling from. As Launceston is located in the heart of Tasmania, an island off the mainland of Australia, you may need to fly or travel here by boat. It is nothing to be concerned about as there are many commercial planes and ships to ensure you get here quickly and safely.
How to get to Launceston from the mainland:
You can take flights to Launceston from most major cities in Australia. Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane are the easiest to fly from. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas Link fly to Launceston regularly, giving you an array of options. The flights from Melbourne and Sydney leave every day, with alternating operational days for the Adelaide and Brisbane flights. To book, we recommend using Skyscanner. Use the search bar below to find the cheapest flights to Launceston.
The Spirit of Tasmania is the passenger boat that operates daily, connecting the mainland with Tasmania and visa versa. While it does not take you straight into Launceston, it is only a one-hour drive from Devonport to Launceston, where the boat will dock. If you were looking at spending an extended period in Tasmania, I would suggest taking the boat and booking your car to take with you. You can choose from the night or daytime sailing, refining your experience even more. To find your fare, follow the link here.
How to get to Launceston from within Tasmania:
Within Tasmania, there are daily flights from King Island and Flinders Island into Launceston. Moreover, there are flights from Launceston to all these places, so if you have not already visited them, extending your Tasmania stay on these islands is highly recommended! Furthermore, you can also drive to Launceston from anywhere on the mainland of Tasmania. Buses also run across the state, connecting Launceston to the East Coast and Hobart, for example, giving you even more options for transport. Hobart is just over two and a half hours, and Burnie is around an hour and a half.
How to get around in Launceston?
Launceston isn’t the biggest city, and it is easy to get around. Public transport and walking should get you to most places within the town. The public transport in Launceston consists of Metro buses, and you can buy and top up the green cards in pretty much every store. We recommend hiring a car for the side trips as public transport in the north of Tasmania is somewhat limited.
Where to stay in Launceston:
There are plenty of different options available for accommodation in Launceston and its surroundings. If you are looking for budget accommodation, Launceston has two hostels and a Podinn. The two hostels are a bit on the older side but are still suitable for a couple of nights. Furthermore, there are many affordable options for staying in Motels, Hotels and Airbnb. If you are curious about staying in Tasmania’s first and only Pod hotel, check out our experience and a review here.
Where to eat in Launceston?
It is finding the best places to eat while travelling is a must. It is the best way to experience and taste local produce, and there is no doubt that it is on display in Launceston. Having spent around five years living here, I had eaten around the city enough that it needed its own post! To find my favourite restaurants and eateries in Launceston, follow the link.
Things to do in Launceston:
Launceston has plenty of things to offer its visitors. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple or a family with children, we will ensure you don’t miss out on the best attractions. Moreover, at the bottom of this list, we will give you some of the best day trips in the area to extend your stay.
Walk to the Cataract Gorge Reserve:
Start at King’s Park and walk with the river to your right to do a self-guided walk from the CBD into the Cataract Gorge Reserve. You will find a path that leads into the first basin, and that’s how you get into the gorge. Allow about 2 hours for the complete circuit! It is truly unique how close the Cataract Gorge is to the city centre and how it suddenly feels like an entirely different world, totally worth the stunning walk.
Riverbend Park, Invermay:
You will find the wonderful Riverbend Park in front of Peppers Silos, across the Tamar River. While this park aims to entertain kids, there is something for everyone here! Facilities include basketball courts, a BBQ area, toilets, and multiple play equipment! The park’s most prominent attractions are undoubtedly the Sky Walk and the ‘confluence net’, two of Australia’s most significant play equipment. Even better, the park is entirely free.
Cataract Gorge swim and chair lift:
Nothing is better than cooling off in the First Basin at the Cataract Gorge during the hot summer days. The First Basin is the best place to swim in the gorge, with restaurants also available for a much-needed snack afterwards. If you prefer a swimming pool, the First Basin pool is open during the warmer months, so it has a swimming option for everyone. When you tire of swimming, catch the chair lift across the basin for the best views of the gorge! It is one of the longest chairlifts in the world and provides the perfect picture-taking spot.
The North Esk River trail:
If you are looking for a relaxing walk next to the river that feels far away from the city, look no further than the North Esk River Trail. I frequented this trail most days while studying in Launceston, which is the perfect environment to wind down. Starting at either Hobblers Bridge or under the bridge on Henry Street. You can complete the trail as an out-and-backtrack or continue onto the path leading away from the Henry Street entrance behind Kmart. This will take you on a long walk along the Tamar towards Seaport.
Alexandra Suspension Bridge:
Located in the Cataract Gorge reserve First Basin, the Alexandra Suspension Bridge is the perfect backdrop for some photos or even a quick walk. As a suspension bridge, you can make it bounce, giving your friends or family an even more enjoyable experience.
Enjoy some of the surrounding wineries:
The Tamar Valley is home to renowned wineries, including Josef Chromy Wines. Spend an afternoon tasting some of the gorgeous wines with some local cheese.
Watch a game at the UTAS Stadium:
Catch an AFL or AFLW game at UTAS stadium over the other side of the Tamar River. Easy walking distance from the town centre, so you do not have to worry about transport. Be sure to book ahead, as games in Tassie are rare, and you do not want to miss out!
Penny Royal Adventures:
At only a short distance from the Cataract Gorge Reserve entree, Penny Royal Adventures provides accommodation, dining and a variety of weekend adventures for the entertainment of all ages. The experiences include cliff passing, rock climbing, and cliff walking within the background of a stunning waterfall. Suppose you travel in groups or want to experience all the park offers. In that case, passes are also available, making it easier to share everything! For more information, follow the link.
Farmer’s market:
Looking to buy some incredible local products and produce? Best to get there early, as parking can be a nightmare sometimes! Visit the Harvest Market, held every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at 71 Cimitiere Street.
Princess Theatre:
See what local production companies have on at the Princess Theatre, the home of the arts in Launceston. There is always something on here, from comedians to plays or musicals. Located in the heart of Launceston, why not grab dinner beforehand and make a night of it?
City Park:
If you are looking for somewhere to relax for a minute or take the kids for a run-around, then the city park is for you. It is located next to the peanut-round about; it’s only a 5-minute walk from the city’s centre. Play equipment, toilets, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, a cafe and even monkeys! Yes, Launceston has a monkey playground. There is everything you need and more in the Launceston City Park.
Ghost tour:
Australia’s third oldest city has many stories to be heard! You should not miss the Launceston Ghost Tour if you enjoy ghost tours. The tour takes about 90 minutes and takes all over the city.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG):
Emerge yourself in some of Tasmania’s rich history, or explore the stars and planets in the Planetarium! If history, natural sciences and art are your things, or you need a relaxing couple of hours, check out the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. It is the largest museum of its kind in Australia, not located in a capital city. Situated on the UTAS Invermay campus, it is a short walk from the town over the bridge.
James Boag brewery:
Over 160 years ago, James Boag moved from Scotland to Tasmania and started brewing the beer now synonymous with Tasmania. Located in the city’s heart, overlooking the Tamar River, you cannot miss this if you are a true beer lover. Enjoy yourself at the bar or book a tour for $32.
Tamar Island wetlands:
The Tamer Island Wetlands and interpretation centre is a must-do. It is the perfect spot for a picnic with stunning views across the Tamar River, Valley, and beyond the Ben Lomond Ranges! Walk across the boardwalk to Tamar Island and enjoy all the natural wildlife.
Day trips out of Launceston.
Lilydale falls
If hiking and waterfalls sound appealing, take a day trip to Lilydale Falls. Less than 400 meters each way, it is an easy grade 2 hike, so there are no excuses for not doing it! Only a 25-minute drive from Launceston, you will love spending the day here exploring not one but the two waterfalls in reserve.
Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond is a mountain situated in the North East of Tasmania and is the perfect day trip all year round. It is an hour and forty-minute drive out of Launceston, so easily accessible for a day trip. However, a small camping area is also available. The Alpine Plateau is over 1500 meters above sea level, so be prepared in all seasons. Many day walks are available in the park, and this is a snow sports hotspot during winter! You need a National Parks pass, and if you plan to drive up in the winter, you will need chains.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
A 2.5-hour drive from Launceston is all it takes to get to one of the most visited Tasmanian attractions! With a diverse range of wildlife, including the infamous Tasmanian Devil, you will hopefully get to see some of Tasmania’s finest out in the wild. Furthermore, plenty of short walks and hikes take you around the park, which is perfect for incredible photos. If you are looking for more of a challenge, the Overland Track is also a great attraction, but only to be undertaken with the proper preparation as it is a multi-day hike.
Pick your berries are the Hillwood Berry Farm.
A short 20-minute drive from Launceston is the Hillwood Berry Farm, where you can pick your berries! Berries include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. A berry-themed cafe is also here, so you can enjoy a lovely lunch. Follow the link for more information or to see what’s in season.
Bridestowe Estate Lavander Farm
Escape to the countryside and immerse yourself in the colour and scent sensation of the Bridestowe Lavander Farm. With pick up and drop off from your hotel, this is the easiest way to escape the city, hassle-free. Furthermore, you do not need your car for this day trip! The farm now includes a shuttle bus from Launceston. Follow the link for more information.
Make the trip to Table Cape Tulip Farm.
If you are looking for a stunning backdrop for some photos or just for a trip to unwind, then you cannot miss the Table Cape Tulip Farm. The farm is open for a short four-week period, from the 25th of September to late October, so make sure you align your dates if it is something you want to see! Tickets cost $12 for adults and can be purchased from the door.
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