Launceston

SPEND THE WEEKEND

No wonder everyone is talking about Launceston – fabulous food, picturesque scenery and vibrant cultural attractions have put the riverside city on the map.

GERONIMO

GERONIMO This stylish aperitivo bar and restaurant is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink but it’s also worth staying for the menu that makes the most of abundant local produce. Be warned, though: the tempting plates of European-inspired dishes are designed to share but they’re so good you may want to keep them all for yourself. geronimorestaurant.com.au

SWEETBREW For a great start to the day, find a cosy nook inside or grab a seat out front and watch Launceston awaken. They take their coffee seriously here, with several options including a great cold brew and a rotating single origin. Enjoy it with a pastry or one of the colourful vegetarian brunch choices. fb.me/sweetbrewespresso

SAINT JOHN CRAFT BEER BAR With almost 200 options, it’s easy to be mesmerised by the wall of beer on display at this cool bar. It’s the first thing you notice upon entering, followed by the passionate bartenders who are more than happy to help you

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THE NUMBER OF HATTED RESTAURANTS IN LAUNCESTON

navigate the exceptionally long menu. Get acquainted with Tasmanian brews or something from further afield. Peckish? In the evenings, you can buy tasty morsels from their street-food van parked outside. saintjohncraftbeer.com.au

LAUNCESTON HERITAGE WALKS The city’s magnificent early colonial and Georgian architecture has remained largely unchanged for more than a century. The best way to appreciate Launceston’s majestic buildings is the same way the early settlers did – on foot. Three wheelchair-accessible walking trails take in Launceston’s green spaces and well-preserved warehouses, hotels and public buildings. Each has its own fascinating story. destinationlaunceston.com.au

SAINT JOHN CRAFT BEER BAR SWEETBREW DESIGN TASMANIA

DESIGN TASMANIA Celebrating contemporary forms and design from around the island, Design Tasmania’s art is not just for hanging on walls and admiring from afar. Pieces created using Tasmanian timber take centre stage in the gallery and the adjoining shop is packed with hand-made jewellery, ceramics, glasswork and woodwork crafted by local artisans. designtasmania.com.au

QUEEN VICTORIA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY You could spend many hours wandering around this local favourite, which is spread over two buildings connected by the free Tiger Bus. Colonial paintings and shipwreck artefacts jostle for space with an intact Chinese temple and blacksmith shop, but perhaps the most moving exhibits are those dedicated to Tasmania’s Indigenous inhabitants and the thylacine – commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger, which is now sadly extinct. qvmag.tas.gov.au

OLD UMBRELLA SHOP Entering this 1860s building is like stepping into a time capsule. For three generations, the Shott family helped to shelter Launceston locals from the elements and the shop still features original Victorian-era fittings. Today there’s a collection of umbrellas on display and for sale, as well as a range of locally made souvenirs. nationaltrust.org.au

SLEEPOVER TWOFOURTWO These neat boutique apartments are filled with local artworks and lit by lovely natural light. If you plan on using the kitchen, you’ll have to resist the temptation of the great cafés and restaurants right on the doorstep. twofourtwo.com.au

PEPPERS SILO HOTEL Taking industrial chic to new levels, this hotel is housed in four former grain silos. Rooms have curved concrete walls and expansive river views. Plus, newspapers are delivered each morning by Archie, the resident black labrador. peppers.com.au/silo