Top day trips from Launceston

Wine tasting, mountain biking, historical estates, underground caves and wildlife parks.

Simply choose a direction and head out for a day of fun. 

Here are five top day trips from Launceston. 

North-east

Feel the flow

Fly through the treetops at Hollybank Forest Reserve on a zip-lining tour or high ropes course with Hollybank Wilderness Adventures, or join a Segway tour. Not enough adrenaline? Head to Derby. There's more than 120km of flowing mountain biking for all abilities along the trails of Blue Derby; bike hire and shuttles can be arranged at Vertigo MTB. The magnificent rainforest of Blue Tier will soothe the soul, but for pure relaxation book a session in the Floating Sauna Lake Derby. Feel the heat of the wood-fire sauna before plunging into the cold lake just outside - it’s skin tingling good. Head to Weldborough Hotel for a hearty meal before exploring the mysteriously pretty Little Blue Lake. There’s cheese to be tried at Pyengana Dairy Company and one of the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania to be seen at St Columba Falls.

Light the way 

Delve into shipping history at Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum. It's the oldest pilot station in Australia, and contains the likes of cargo salvaged from shipwrecks and a harpoon from the area's early whaling days. Nearby, at the mouth of Kanamaluka / River Tamar, the 1833 Low Head Lighthouse is Australia's third-oldest light station. The drive to Bridport skims across the northern edge of the Tamar Valley Wine Trail, passing through Pipers River, which is renowned for its sparkling wine. Taste Tasmanian bubbles at Jansz Tasmania and Pipers Brook Vineyard. Golfers will make the pilgrimage to Barnbougle, where the two links courses have been rated among Australia's top 10 golf courses. For a walk without golf clubs, the 11km Bridport Walking Track meanders along the foreshore before looping inland behind the town.

West

Under the surface

Take a coffee break at Deloraine, and stretch the legs on the sculpture trail along the Meander River. The Great Western Tiers is a significant site for Tasmanian Aboriginal people; see artworks and bush tucker growing along the kooparoona niara Cultural Trail. Plunge underground at Mole Creek: there’s a hidden world of spectacular formations within a network of limestone caves, featuring sparkling crystals and underground streams, with glow-worms and other creatures that never see the light of day. Head off the beaten track on a wild cave tour with speleologists and brave a 24m abseil. Back on the surface, meet wombats and Tasmanian devils, among other charismatic wildlife, at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.

North

Grape escape

Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Trail through premier cool-climate vineyards and cellar doors. This is the state’s oldest winegrowing area: compact, picturesque and packed with gourmet experiences for travellers. The trail links about 30 cellar doors on both sides of Kanamaluka / River Tamar. The east bank is the sparkling side, literally, with the “méthode Tasmanoise” of Jansz Wine Room among sparkling winemakers including Clover Hill Wines, Pipers Brook Vineyard and Delamere Vineyards. On the west bank, swing by the new cellar door at Stoney Rise Wine Company, and follow a quiet backroad to Swinging Gate Vineyard for relaxed tastings or a session at its day spa. Take a pause from wine tasting and visit Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Step into the mysterious world of seahorses and seadragons at Seahorse World in Beauty Point. And close by is Platypus House, where the elusive platypus can be seen up close.

South

Learn from history

A cluster of historic towns close to Launceston creates a fascinating drive high on natural beauty and colonial heritage. With its entire townscape classified by the National Trust, Evandale is a treasury of historical buildings. Explore the town on foot and head to the Sunday-morning market. Near Evandale, Clarendon is one of Australia's grandest colonial estates, with an elegant portico and a heritage walled garden. Take a guided tour of its period-furnished interiors. Neighbouring Brickendon and Woolmers estates near Longford are UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict sites - allow time to explore these pioneering properties. Brickendon features a convict-built farm village dating back to the 1820s. Woolmers Estate offers homestead tours, or wander the grounds to see the formal rose garden and Australia's oldest operating shearing shed. The 2.8km Convict Farm Walk links the two properties. Further down the Heritage Highway is the town of Ross. Stand on Australia’s third oldest bridge and learn about convict life at Ross Female Factory.

Things to do in Launceston without a car 

Compact, captivating and congenial, Launceston is home to a growing stable of car-free travel options. While public transport is lighter on than Hobart, the city itself is foot-friendly. With shuttles, tours and transfers – and a bit of forward planning – getting around Launceston without a car is very doable. 

Launceston city without a car 

Base yourself in Launceston CBD; there’s plenty on offer for footloose and car-free folk. 

Cataract Gorge Reserve 

Start with Launceston’s big natural flex – the dramatic river gorge. Walk or cycle from Cataract Gorge Reserve along City Park trail. A hilly 15–20min (1.2km) walk from the city centre, spy gardens, lookouts, a chairlift, public pool and even resident peacocks.       

City Park and Princes Square 

Two easy city strolls with leafy paths, heritage details and excellent sitting-and-thinking-about-lunch potential. And the unexpected item on your Launnie bucket list? Snow monkeys at City Park.

Launceston Seaport and waterfront 

Follow the river for 15mins to Launceston’s waterfront precinct for restaurants, boats, boardwalks and the fresh air Tasmania's famous for. You can even take in Australia’s 3rd oldest city aboard a kayak tour. 

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) 

Coming in first place as Australia’s largest regional museum? QVMAG’s Royal Park and Inveresk campuses positively drip with art, history and science. 

Launceston By Foot 

Let a local do the pointing. Launceston By Foot offers guided walking tours through the city’s history, architecture and quirks. 

Local transport  

If you're not so keen on the footwork, use local bus services or the Gorge Explorer tourist bus. But with side quests always on the agenda, sensible shoes are still a must. 

Day trips from Launceston without a car 

It’s totally possible to take proper day trips from Launceston without hiring a car. The trick is choosing operators that handle the logistics, so you can switch off and enjoy the ride. 

Tamar Valley wine region 

Leave the designated driving to a responsible adult (aka, your tour guide). Tamar Valley Wine Tours runs guided vineyard experiences from Launceston. Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch includes winery visits, food to keep you fuelled up and Launceston pick-up/drop-off. That's one way to properly immerse yourself in the best sparkling wine region outside of France's Champagne.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate 

Ever licked a lavender ice cream? During flower season, the Bridestowe Lavender Farm shuttle service runs from Launceston to this must-do northern site in Nabowla. Wander the famed purple rows of the famous floral estate without the bother of navigating the country roads. 

Food and nature tours 

Level-up your local knowledge with a day tour or personalised transfer with Experiential Tasmania. With a big love for Australia’s little island, these tour guides are masters of authentic, memorable experiences. Think local foodie haunts, eye-meltingly scenic walks and drool-worthy truffle hunting. Or, if you’re looking for a bespoke tour, they’ll design a custom itinerary just for you.  

Launceston City and Tamar Valley in a day 

Short on energy and can't be bothered organising, but still want the reward? Discover Tasmania Tours offers a guided city-and-valley option covering Launceston sights, country charm and local food and wine. Just follow along and enjoy the ride.

Launnie without a car is entirely achievable. Find more inspo for travelling Tasmania without a car and explore the Tasmanian Tours page to start booking ahead. Or, if you prefer to self-drive, hire a vehicle and plan your ultimate road trip.