1. We’re a UNESCO certified foodie haven
We’ve recently been named a UNSECO City of Gastronomy and upon arrival you’ll quickly understand why. Creating and sharing great food and drink is a core part of Northern Tasmanian culture. Whether it’s shopping for fresh produce at Harvest Market on a Saturday morning, having a fine dining experience at Stillwater, meeting winemakers out in the Tamar Valley, foraging for truffles under the trees at Tasmanian Truffles or learning a new skill through an artisan workshop at Fork it Farm, we have a range of gastronomic experiences to suit everyone. For more foodie experiences, check out Launceston City of Gastronomy.
2. Nature is on our doorstep
Launceston is lucky to have the best of both worlds – a boutique city with easy access to incredible natural surrounds. A short walk from the city centre you’ll find Cataract Gorge. Not only is it visually breath-taking, but it also has everything you need for a fun day out in nature including a range of walking & hiking trails, a scenic chairlift, gorgeous gardens, and scenic lookouts. Launceston is also central to some of Tasmania’s best natural assets. Take a scenic cruise to discover the Tamar River and Cataract Gorge from the water. For a different kind of scenery, wander through the Tamar Island Wetlands, a unique and important habitat for a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, fish and invertebrates or jump in the car and head to places like Mole Creek Caves or Ben Lomond National Park.
3. We embrace our history, heritage, and architecture
Here in Launceston, our wonderfully preserved streetscapes help take visitors on a journey through time and our local history. A few worth keeping an eye out for include the Launceston Post Office, peek inside for a look at the incredible ceiling, Chalmers Church, easily recognised by its peeling paint, the functionalism style Holyman Building, or Launceston Town Hall, a beautiful example of the grand Victorian Italianate design.
See some of the best of it with a free, self-guided walking tour. The Launceston History Walk is a self-guided tour of some of the finest and most interesting historic architecture in the city.
We are an easy 20-minute drive to UNESCO World Heritage sites Brickendon Estate and Woolmers Estate. A trip here will showcase what life was like in the 1820’s and 1830’s. You can even book to stay in one of the original convict-built cottages at Brickendon Estate. To understand more about our aboriginal roots, head out with Kooparoona Niara Tours to learn the connection of aboriginal people and Kooparoona Niara/Great Western Tiers which dates back over 10,000 years. On the eastern side of the Tamar River, uncover our maritime history at the Bass and Flinders Maritime Museum in George Town.
4. When adventure calls, we answer
We might be a small city, but we’re bursting at the seams with exhilarating experiences. Located within the city, Penny Royal Launceston offers everything from rock climbing to cliff walking or gem fossicking. Just outside the city, Treetops Adventure Hollybank takes a serene natural setting and brings it to life with flying ziplines and treetop obstacles. For water-lovers, river sledding with Meander Wilderness Experiences is a must-do. Experience the thrill as you float, dip, and swerve your way down the Meander River or if you’d rather stay dry, why not float through the sky with Hot Air Balloon Tasmania?
5. We’re the ultimate wine-d down destination
Launceston is the perfect base to explore the famous Tamar Valley Wine Region. Our geographical location makes the climate perfect for pinot and bubbles so it’s no surprise that you’ll find well known labels like Jansz Tasmania, Pipers Brook Vineyard, Clover Hill Wines or Josef Chromy Wines all within an hour from Launceston. There is a plethora of beautiful, boutique cellar doors dotted through the area to explore. Hop on a guided tour with Prestige Tours Tasmania, Experiential Tasmania, or Tamar Valley Wine Tours so you can relax and enjoy as many tastings as possible.
6. We take your hobbies and make them world-class
For golfers, walkers, fly fishers and mountain bike enthusiasts, we’re a one stop shop for world-class experiences. Just north of Launceston, you’ll find Barnbougle Tasmania, one of Australia’s premier golf destinations. Not far from there, tucked into the North East Tasmanian wilderness is mountain bike mecca Derby. Grab a bike and hit the trails with Evolution or Vertigo or for a fully guided experience, try Into the Wild or Blue Derby Pods Ride . For something brand new, head to George Town to check out their recently opened trail network. For keen walkers, the Meander Valley and Great Western Tiers region is a go-to destination that is quickly becoming known as the short walk capital of Tasmania. Over in the Northern Midlands, fly fishing through classic meadow rivers is a big hit. Head out with local experts at RiverFly 1864 or Unique Fishing Tours.
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