Top Things to Do and See in Launceston

Located a short two hours drive north of Hobart, this picturesque city has a strong sense of identity. Stroll through the city to discover delicious restaurants, historical architecture and some interesting galleries. Launceston is also a great location to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as there is an abundance of panoramic views and the Cataract Gorge which is known to hold a mystical beauty. Being the third oldest and second largest city in Australia, you will find Launceston filled with historical significance as well as with a variety of festivals and events that celebrate its rich heritage and culture.

Top 10 things to do in Launceston

If you have time to do only 10 things in Launceston then let it be these 10.

1. Visit the Cataract Gorge Reserve. A mere 15-minute walk from the city centre, the Cataract Gorge is one of Launceston’s main attractions with its abundance of freshwater flowing through the Gorge and the spectacular scenery. There are a number to walking trails to suit your level of fitness as well as the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Enjoy swimming or simply stroll through the beautiful gardens and suspension bridge as you take in the beauty of nature.
2. Go on a walking tour of Launceston city. This is a great way to learn more about the history of the city as well as to take in the architecture and visit some of the main attractions in the city.
3. Explore Launceston City Park. You can stroll through the botanic gardens, a museum of radio, a museum of wood design furniture and you will also come across and enclosure which contains macaque monkeys.
4. Take a Valley Brooke wine tour. Indulge your senses as you are taken on a tour to a variety of wineries and learn more about the process of wine making as you sample spectacular wines.
5. Experience a cruise on the Tamar River. This is the best way to enjoy the river as you are given an informative and interesting commentary in Launceston and the Tamar Valley during the cruise. You will have the opportunity to indulge in local wine and cheese as you take in the views of the passing scenery, historical buildings, and vineyards and also meet some of the local wildlife such as pelicans, swans and even some occasional seals.
6. Glide through the treetops at Hollybank Treetop Adventures. This amazing three-hour adventure will give you a spectacular view of Tasmania’s forests and ecology. You will be in for a one of kind experience as you fly along a kilometer of cable with a highly experienced guide and learn more about the forest and trees as you enjoy this exhilarating journey.
7. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. This is Australia’s largest regional museum and gallery and you will find a variety of interesting artifacts as well as activities available here. Tour the old railway workshops, enjoy the planetarium, experience the interactive science displays and visit the dinosaur.
8. Visit the Old Umbrella Shop. This historic shop is one of the last surviving early twentieth century shops in Tasmania. This is mainly due to the loving care taken by the Shott family to maintain and preserve it. You will find displays about the family as well as umbrellas and wooden souvenirs that are produced on site as well as a number of National Trust and Tasmanian products.
9. Experience Grindelwald Village. At this Swiss style village you will find a variety of souvenir shops, Swiss style cafes, a bakery, restaurants, the Edelweiss Function Centre as well as a number of chalets and hotels to stay in. there are man made lakes and some beautiful walking paths with spectacular views.
10. Take a tour of Cradle Mountain Park. Experience the unparallel beauty of dazzling water falls, glacial lakes, local wildlife and a mystic rainforest as you explore this World Heritage listed National Park. This unforgettable experience should not be missed.

Things to See and Do

Explore the Freycinet national park. You will come across secluded bays, white sandy beaches and sheer granite cliffs as well as come across the local flora and fauna. If you have the time to spare, there is a 3-day walking tour of the park that will take to through to some unforgettable sights and experiences.

• The Princess Theatre. This is a part of Theatre North and you can take in some of the local drama, dance and comedy acts at this Arts centre.
• Franklin House. Managed by the National Trust, this Georgian Home was built in 1838 and is one of the most attractive historical houses in Launceston.
• Tamar Island Wetland. An easy 10 minute drive from the city of Launceston, this wetland reserve offers visitors the chance to learn about more about it’s significance as well as to come across a variety of birds, reptiles and much more.
• Launceston City Ghost tours. Take a tour of the city at night to areas that are historically significant to have held convicts and have a bloody history. Photographs are encouraged to capture any of the supernatural sightings that may occur during the tour.
• Waverly Woolen Mills. Take a tour through the oldest woolen mills in Tasmania.