Launceston
Welcome to Launceston, or ‘Launnie’ as the locals call it.
This vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub is home to a tight-knit and diverse community of winemakers, artists, distillers, designers, growers and nature lovers from around the world.
Watching over the confluence of three rivers – the North Esk, South Esk and Kanamaluka / River Tamar – Launceston is a city on a very human scale and is easily explored on foot. Wild and landscaped spaces are linked by heritage streetscapes and thoughtful architectural adaptations – a dynamic blend of old and new, tradition and innovation.
Cataract Gorge is the leafy heart of Launnie – a spectacular natural canyon that’s been a sacred meeting place for Tasmanian Aboriginal communities for tens of thousands of years.
The largest city in northern Tasmania (and the third oldest in Australia, dating back to 1806) is also a food bowl of top Tasmanian produce – on your plate and in your glass. From farmers’ markets and paddock-to-plate meals to urban bars and the Tamar Valley’s cool-climate wineries, Launceston sits at the global dinner table as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
In Launnie, the farm gate is the corner store, nature is on tap, and the cellar never runs dry.
Lusy Productions
Nick Hanson Visuals
Nick Hanson Visuals
Brisbane Street, Launceston
Lusy Productions
Junction Arts Festival
Melanie Kate Photography
Kanamaluka / River Tamar
Lusy Productions
Nick Hanson Visuals
Nick Hanson Visuals
Insider tips
- Meet farmers and growers at the Saturday-morning Harvest Market Launceston, a true gastronomic delight.
- Wander Launceston’s city streets, a jewel-box of architectural treasures from across the eras.
- Amble along riverfront paths and boardwalks; or explore the crags, walkways and epic chairlift at gorgeous Cataract Gorge.
- Immerse yourself in art, history and natural science at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG), Australia’s largest regional gallery.
- Hop between cellar doors in the Tamar Valley, tasting top cool-climate drops from Tasmania’s biggest wine region.
- Download the Discover Tasmania app, your customised gateway to Australia’s island state. Overflowing with great things to eat, drink, see and do, the app’s real-time tips and updates zero-in on your location, so you won’t miss a thing.
Places to stay
Explore diverse Launceston accommodation options. From stylish heritage cottages to boutique townhouses, get as close to the action as you like.
WHILE YOU'RE IN THE AREA
Launceston FAQs
Launceston packs plenty of things to do. Start with Cataract Gorge, a dramatic natural reserve just a short walk from the city centre, where you can ride the world’s longest single-span chairlift. In town, explore City Park and visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG). Launceston’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status makes food and drink a major draw. Browse Harvest Market Launceston on Saturday mornings, tour the James Boag Brewery, or head into the Tamar Valley for cellar-door hopping in one of Tasmania’s top cool-climate wine regions. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Launceston.
Launceston is an ideal base for day trips in every direction. To the north-east, go zip-lining at Treetops Adventure Hollybank, then continue to Derby for world-class mountain biking, followed by a soak at the Floating Sauna on Lake Derby. Also north-east is historic Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum and Low Head Lighthouse, with a detour through the Pipers River wine region for sparkling wine. Head west to Deloraine for galleries and cafes, walk the Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail, explore glow-worm caves at Mole Creek, and visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. Wine lovers can follow the Tamar Valley Wine Trail, while history buffs can head south to Evandale, Longford and Ross, towns rich in colonial and convict history. For more, see our Launceston day trips guide.
Snow rarely falls or settles in Launceston, as the city sits in a low-lying valley. For snow play, head for higher ground at nearby Ben Lomond National Park.
Launceston is in northern Tasmania, where the North Esk, South Esk and Tamar rivers meet, a 2hr 20min drive (200km) north of Hobart. The city is an easy 12min drive from Launceston Airport. For visitors arriving in Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, Launceston is a 1hr 10min (100km) drive. Find out more in our guide to getting here.
Launceston Airport is about 15km south of the city. Getting into town is easy by hire car, taxi, Uber or shuttle transfer.