Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania Australia’s largest inland port. The hub of Tassie’s northern region, it is located 64km from Bass Straight in the wide river valleys where the North and South Esk Rivers meet to become the Tamar River. The many well-established public parks and beautiful private gardens have given Launceston the name ‘The Garden City’.

The history of the valley dates back to 1798 and Launceston was founded in 1805. In its heyday it was a very progressive city, being the first city in Australia with electric lighting. The city is graced with magnificent Victorian streetscapes and beautifully maintained historical architecture.

Launceston’s most striking feature is the Cataract Gorge Reserve, a piece of wilderness just a few minutes walk from the centre. The 12ha park containing the gorge boasts more than 70 species of fauna which is native to the area, including the South Esk Pine, only found in the river valley. In the hinterland is rich agricultural country with wineries, orchards and farms producing famed Tasmanian wools, foods and wines.

• Explore Cataract Gorge Reserve, a spectacular ravine 15 mins walk from the city centre. Wander the walking trails and take a ride over the gorge on the chairlift with the world’s longest single span – 308m long. English trees and gardens cultivated last century mix with natural Australian bush to create a popular recreation area with playgrounds, BBQs, kiosk, restaurant and interpretive displays.
• Visit Seahorse World, one of the state’s newest aquaculture ventures for breeding seahorses and other marine creatures. Open daily and features a full habitat, interpretation centre and theatrette.
• Admire the historic buildings - Macquarie House (1830), the Old Umbrella Shop (1860) and the buildings surrounding Prince’s Square with its baroque fountain. Albert Hall houses Launceston’s unique water-powered organ. A short drive from the city are Entally House (1819) and Franklin House (1838), both historic homes classified by the National Trust.
• Stoll in City Park, established in the 1920s, which has Monkey Island and the John Hart Conservatory.
• Check out Penny Royal World, close to Cataract Gorge, with its working watermill and a reproduction19^th century gunpowder mill with firing cannon.
• See the fine examples of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Exhibits include colonial and modern art, Aboriginal and convict artefacts, flora and fauna, and hands-on exhibits for children.
• Relax at the Aquarius Roman Baths. In addition to the Tepidarium (warm bath), the Caldarium (hot bath) and Spa Alveus (therapeutic spa), the baths offer massage, beauty clinic and solarium.
• Take a tour of the wineries that make up the Tasmanian Wine Route. There are 26 wineries in the Tamar Valley Region, including the Strathlynn Wine Centre at Rosevears, just 15km from Launceston city centre.
• Visit the National Automobile Museum, which houses more than 40 fully restored classic cars.
• Sample some of J Boag& Sons International award winning beers – Best Beer in the World 2 years running.
• Watch the artists and craftspeople at the Tasmanian Wood Collection, using unique Tasmanian timbers such as Myrtle, Sassafras, Blackwood, Huon Pine, and Celery Top Pine.

Travel Information:  

Climate, Conventions in Tasmania, Facts & Figures, Introducing Tasmania, Moving to Tasmania, Links to Tasmanian Websites, Popular Tourist Attractions, Visitor Information Centres, Reading up, What's On, Visitor Checklist, Dining Out Guide

Places & Tourist Attractions:

Hobart, Tasmania, Launceston, Burnie, Devonport, Cataract George, Cradle Mountain, Flinders Island, Franklin & Gordon Rivers, Hastings Cave, Huon Trail, King Island, Lake St Clair, Moles Creek, Mount Wellington, Port Arthur Historic Site, Salamanca Place, Strahan, Sullivans Cove, Tahune Airwalk, The Nut, Wine Trail, Wineglass Bay

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