Launceston
The meeting place of three waterways, this beautiful city has been a cultural hub and gastronomic centre for more than two thousand generations. The first to love this land were the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, who have one of the oldest continuing cultures in the world. Today, around 110,000 people call Launnie home.
Launnie isn’t much into big-city swagger, but you’ll find plenty of charm. The close-knit community always has time for people, time to connect. Here, the farm gate is the local store, nature is our playground, and the cellar never runs dry. Launceston’s streets are dotted with marvellous architecture spanning centuries and feature green spaces for a lazy picnic lunch and plenty of well-tended paths for strolling.
A riverside walk connects the two sites of the city’s iconic Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Explore natural sciences, technology and an industrial past at the Museum at Inveresk before indulging in a visual art collection celebrating renowned Australian artists across the decades at the Art Gallery at Royal Park. Delve deeper into Launceston’s stories on a ghost tour or heritage walking trail.
The spectacular Cataract Gorge cuts right into the city with walking tracks, Victorian Gardens, a café and restaurant, and the world’s longest single-span chairlift carrying visitors across the First Basin surrounded by bushland. At dusk look out for peacocks and wallabies roaming this scenic urban reserve.
Local restaurants, bars and cafes serve internationally renowned Tamar Valley wines and culinary delights sourced directly from local producers. Visit the city’s providores and
specialist food stores for an impressive selection of local and imported taste sensations. Every Saturday morning the nationally-acclaimed Harvest Market offers locally roasted coffee, crisp vegetables, artisan cheese, fresh breads and pastries, organic dairy foods, freerange meats and homemade preserves. Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The region is also home to a growing number of beer and cider producers, ranging from the historical Boag’s Brewery founded in 1883 and The Barrel Collective, right through to micro craft brewers such as Van Dieman Brewing.
Venturing out from Launceston, the Tamar River and wetland area is a highlight. Find the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park within a few hours’ drive west and discover the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s East Coast taking the Great Eastern Drive. There’s something that lies beneath the surface here that defines it as a city. You may not see it at first, but the moment you step foot here, you feel it. You sense it in the architecture, in the streets, out in nature, between the people - an undercurrent - born from generations of hard-work, curiosity, community, resilience, independence.
A series of green and wild spaces linked by heritage streetscapes and thoughtful adaptions. A real blend of oldworld and new, tradition and innovation. The natural and built heritage, food, wine (and spirit) draw together a diverse community of makers, artisans, storytellers and nature lovers from all over the world.
Be sure to stop by the visitor information centre on Cameron Street to discover more about this incredible region.
Surrounded by stunning natural wilderness, the riverside city of Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and the gateway to Northern Tasmania.
Welcome to Launnie!
Launceston, or Launnie for short, is a close-knit community that always has time for people and time to connect - often over a fresh-brewed coffee or glass of cool-climate pinot.
This city occupies the ancestral lands of the Stoney Creek nation, comprising the Tyerrenotepanner, Leterremairrener and Panninher clans, and adjoins three waterways that flow from Tasmania’s mountain tops to the sea.
Nature is our playground, with countless parks, gardens and reserves just a stroll away, including the sacred Cataract Gorge, where you’ll find ancient rock formations and flowing streams alongside playgrounds, pools and prancing peacocks.
Further reflecting the world around us are remarkable cultural centres such as the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and Design Tasmania, which quickly introduce you to a long history of exceptional local makers and creators. Our built heritage is on show on every other corner: Launnie is a jewel box of architectural styles and design - best explored on foot with camera in hand. If you get lost, grab a friendly local for directions.
After a day exploring, enjoy world-famous wine and tipples to wow at one of our neat bars and bistros, and feast on cuisine prepared by epicurean pros using produce from our brimming
backyard at a myriad of eateries. You’ll soon discover just why Launnie is named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and will likely ask for seconds and pass compliments to the chef.
Amongst wining, dining and discovering Launnie’s unique stories, you might take in a theatre performance or music festival, catch a footy game or pedal a bush track, or prepare kimchi at a cooking school then listen to slam poetry.
Stretch around the corner, peer over a rise, sink beneath the surface and be swept along by a city of undercurrents - you’ll likely never want to leave Launnie.
Thank you for visiting. Do come back soon.
Cheers
Mayor Danny Gibson City of LauncestonYour Guide to the Tamar Valley
• Running from Launceston right down to Bass Strait, it’s also Australia’s longest navigable estuary at 70 kilometres from gorge to sea.
• Renowned as one of the top 10 wine routes in the world, Tamar Valley boasts plenty to see and do.
• Popular walks include the Kanamaluka Trail, Notley Fern Gorge, Mt Direction, West Head, Mount George Lookout, Tamar Island Wetlands and Brady’s Lookout.
• The Tamar Valley’s café culture boasts fresh local produce, quality menus and great service.
• The penguin tours at Low Head are a great family activity as are Seahorse World and Platypus House.
• For Maritime history, Georgetown is home to the Bass and Flinders Centre, The Old Watch House and the Low Head Pilot Station Museum and Lighthouse.
• For a cultural experience, try Lighthouse Regional Arts in George Town which showcases Northern Tasmanian artists.
• Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, the site of the tragic and heroic events of 2006, boasts over 10,000 artefacts and provides access to the mine site, mine access shaft and headframe.
• Those wishing to swing a club have half a dozen 9 and 18 hole courses to choose from, including the world famous Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm Course.
• L avender features in multiple locations. Lavender HouseThe Perfumery and Bridestowe Lavender Farm provide organic lavender products.
• For something a little different, visit the Low Head foghorn sounding every Sunday at noon or visit the Grindelwald Swiss Village and Resort.
• Sample the spectacular wines in the region on the Tamar Valley Wine Route. There are three distinct areas to explore. Follow the blue and yellow signposts dedicated to the wine route.
The Tamar Valley has an abundance of appeal for every traveller.
The valley both East and West is Australia’s third oldest settlement.Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, Credit: Tourism Australia Josef Chromy Wines - Ride the Vines tour, Credit: Osborne Images
TAMAR VALLEY WILDERNESS
The Tamar Valley offers an abundance of wildlife, parks, wetlands, trails and history.
Tamar Island Wetlands boasts 60 hectares of lagoons, bird and fish species, reptiles, frogs and plants all within 15 minutes of the city.
The Kanamaluka Trail centred in Georgetown can either be walked or cycled along a flat, family friendly course, which hugs the river all the way to Low Head.
Brady’s Lookout rises some 150 metres above the river and was once home and hideout to bushranger Mathew Brady. Standing at 240 metres and 368 metres respectively, Mt George and Mt Direction are two quite different nature walks. One you can drive to the top of and the other is a 45 minute walk.
Narawntapu National Park located just past Greens Beach boasts beaches, coastal cliffs, sand dunes and runs around the coast all the way to Port Sorell.
Native Point located right on the waterfront is a secluded location where you can enjoy a BBQ, sample the Native Point Wines, go fishing or just relax in this part of the Tamar River conservation area.
Running from Gravelly Beach right around to Supply River, this area comprises beaches, walking and cycling trails, and colonial history.
Batman Bridge rises over 90 metres above the river and provides a picnic and day-use area on the eastern shore of the river.
Holwell Gorge has two sections of typical Tasmanian rainforest for hiking and has two sets of falls.
For more information on the Tamar Valley, visit www.tamarvalley.com.au
BEN LOMOND NATIONAL PARK
Ben Lomond National Park is about an hour south-east of Launceston.
The magnificent mountain of Ben Lomond is dominated by an alpine plateau over 1500 metres high and surrounded on all sides by steep escarpments. Its stark, treeless landscape with dolerite cliffs and columns is visible from much of Tasmania’s north and the steep and narrow road to the top, known as Jacob’s Ladder, is something you will never forget.
In the winter, Ben Lomond is the main destination for downhill skiing in Tasmania. Here snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and tobogganing. The season usually runs from early July to late September.
In the summer months, Ben Lomond offers an abundance of opportunities for experienced walkers and rock climbers and abseilers.
The national park plays an invaluable role in regional wildlife conservation so keep your eye out for Bennett’s wallabies, wombats, pademelons, Forester kangaroos, potoroos, eastern quolls, echidnas, platypus, Wedge-tailed eagles, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, honeyeaters and pardalotes, along with a rich diversity of plant life.
A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks. Snow chains must be carried between June and September - they are not available on the mountain, but can be rented or purchased from outlets in major centres.
Walking along kanamaluka / Kanamaluka/River Tamar, Credit: Lusy Productions Narawntapu National Park, Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman Jacob’s Ladder, Ben Lomond National Park, Credit: Tim WhybrowThe Great Western Tiers
Experience this natural beauty first hand in the short walk capital of Tasmania. Choose from one of 15 walks to suit all levels of fitness from the breathtaking Devils Gullet lookout walk to the Liffey Falls walk – or perhaps the historical streetscape walk around the Houses of Carrick is more to your taste. Visit www.greatwesterntiers.net.au for more information.
Explore the local built heritage throughout the villages and townships of Deloraine, Carrick and Mole Creek passing by historical homesteads like Calstock and Quamby whilst you roam the natural heritage of places such as Pine Lake, Marakoopa Caves and the Meander River. Of course no visit to the region is complete without seeing our local fury friends at the Trowunna Wildlife Park, and meeting the legend Androo Kelly – Godfather to Tasmania’s native wildlife.
Taste your way through this gourmet region with delights from the award winning Hazelbrae Hazelnuts and Western Tiers Distillery at Westbury whilst visiting Pearn’s Steam World – then on to Melita Honey Farm, ETC Café, Ashgrove Cheeses and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. Savour pure decadence at the Home of Australia’s first Black Truffle at The Truffle Farm and fresh water salmon raised in the pristine environment of 41 Degrees South at the foot of the Montana Falls.
The region has been captured magnificently by local photographer John Temple and his gallery at Westbury is a must visit, along with Deloraine’s artisan galleries and the iconic Yarns Artwork in Silk. The annual Deloraine Craft Fair held in the long weekend in November each year is run over four days and brings together the best of arts and craft from around the state, along with a magnificent array of locally produced gourmet produce.
The Great Western Tiers, nestled between Launceston, Devonport and Cradle mountain, offers a stunning visage of rolling green hills, steepling mountain ranges and pristine natural streams tumbling their way down from Kooparoona Niara –“Mountains of the Spirits”.The Truffle Farm Tasmania, Credit: Tourism Australia Trowunna Wildlife Park, Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook Liffey Falls Walk, Credit: Mauricio E. Mozo Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Credit: Tourism Australia
Amazing Walks
LAUNCESTON AREA
Duck Reach - Follow the South Esk River from Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge to the historic Duck Reach power station. This walk will generally suit groups with children (1.5hrs return)
Hoo Hoo Hut - Trevallyn Dam (1.5hrs return)
Zig Zag Track - Cataract Gorge Reserve (1hr)
City Architecture - Stroll the streets of St John, George, Charles, Elizabeth and High to enjoy a striking display of early 19th century architecture and design.
Riverside Wander - Tread the Royal Park boulevard boards that connect the Cataract Gorge to Riverbend Park via Seaport. Lots to eat, drink and enjoy along the way.
NORTH EAST
Scottsdale - Mt Stronach (2.5hrs return) A moderate walk to a rocky escarpment that showcases the tapestry of rural life in the north east. On a clear day views can be seen to the coast.
Pyengana - St Columba Falls (30mins return)
Bridport - Foreshore Walk (1hr return) A delightful, easy walk along the water’s edge of Bridport showcasing wildflowers and native bushland set against the turquoise waters of Anderson Bay.
Lilydale - Lilydale Falls (20mins)
Hollybank Forest Reserve (40mins return)
TAMAR
West Tamar - Tamar Island Wetlands (1.5hrs return) A ten minute drive from the heart of Launceston, you can take the boardwalk through wetlands and across a river channel to Tamar Island.
Supply River Walk (30mins return) A tranquil stroll that takes you on a riverside walk to the ruins of Tasmania’s first waterdriven flour mill.
Notley Fern Gorge (45mins)
George Town to Low Head Recreation Trail (2hrs return)
Mt George Lookout (1hr return)
GREAT WESTERN TIERS
Deloraine - Pine Lake (30mins return)
Get close to one of Tasmania’s rarest trees without having to go on an extended bushwalk. The Pencil Pine is an ancient species that evolved before flowering plants and is only found in the Tassie highlands.
Liffey Falls (45mins return)
Mole Creek - Alum Cliffs (45mins return)
A forest lookout perched high above the Mersey River providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the river below.
Deloraine Sculpture Trail River Walk (30mins)
NATIONAL PARKS
Narawntapu - Stretching from the low coastal ranges to the long Bass Strait beaches, this national park includes a historic farm, inlets, islands, headlands, wetlands, dunes and lagoons, all with an amazing variety of plants and animals.
- Archers Knob Track (2hrs return)
Mt William National Park
- Summit Walk (1.5hrs return)
- Cobler Rocks (2hrs return)
Ben Lomond National Park
- Carr Villa to Alpine Village (1.5hrs one way)
- Alpine Village to Little Hell (1.5hrs return)
Mole Creek Karst National Park - Enjoy short walks through fertile forests. Be sure to check out the Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves.
Listed here are just a few of the amazing walks you can explore throughout this beautiful region.Pine Lake Walk, Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Joe Shemesh
DON’T MISS
Northern Tasmanian Experiences
• Cataract Gorge Reserve
• Tamar Valley Wine Route
• Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
• Tamar River
• City Park
• Franklin House
• L ow Head Pilot Station
• Woolmers Estate
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
• Platypus House
• Beaconsfield Mine
• Design Tasmania
• Seahorse World
• Penny Royal
• National Automobile Museum
• Na rawntapu National Park
• Ta smania Zoo
• Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mole Creek Caves
• A shgrove Cheese
• C hristmas Hills Raspberry Farm
• Ha rvest Market
• R iverbend Park
Tamar River
The Tamar River meanders for 70 kilometres through the fertile Tamar Valley, from the boutique-chic city of Launceston to the turquoise sea and diamond sands of Bass Strait.
To truly appreciate the magnificent landscape that shapes the Tamar, be sure to take a river cruise during your visit. Launceston Tamar River Cruises offers cruises varying in length from 50 minutes to four hours.
For more information, please call 6334 9900 or visit www.tamarrivercruises.com.au Bookings are required. Essential stops in the region are dotted both east and west of the Tamar. On the east Tamar, don’t miss the Pilot Station at Low Head - a historically classified town and popular holiday spot for locals. The Pilot Station was built by convicts in 1805 and includes ten rooms of memorabilia. The rich maritime heritage of the Tamar Valley is also evident in the present lighthouse, built in 1888, which provides magnificent views of the Tamar River. Low Head is located just over 50 kilometres north east of Launceston. Simply follow the East Tamar Highway and follow the signs to Low Head.
Cataract Gorge
Launceston’s undisputed natural masterpiece is the breathtaking Cataract Gorge Reserve, just a 15 minute walk from the CBD.
A startling contrast to the busy city environment, the Gorge’s rugged dolerite cliffs and native vegetation suggest a location somewhere much wilder.
For spectacular views, take the iconic chairlift trip across the Gorge. Built back in 1972, this popular attraction is open daily from 9am.
Try the Kings Bridge walk, the Cataract Trail to the Basin or if you’re feeling a little more energetic take the Zig Zag Track.
E njoy local produce at the Gorge Restaurant or the Basin Café right in the heart of the Gorge.
In summer, take a dip in the free outdoor pool.
For the truly adventurous, the cliffs in the Cataract Gorge Reserve are perfect for rock climbing and abseiling.
See the Gorge from a different perspective – the river. Take a Tamar River Cruise.
Cruise from the Seaport into the mouth of the Gorge.
Kings Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve, Credit: Jason Charles HillTamar Valley Wine Route
The Tamar Valley Wine Route is an acclaimed wine route extending 170 kilometres around the Tamar Valley.
Boasting 32 vineyards in total, there are three distinct areas to explore.
THE RIVER
From Launceston CBD, follow the blue and yellow signposts dedicated to the wine route to explore both the east and west sides of the Tamar River.
RELBIA
South of Launceston, the Relbia region boasts panoramic views of lush hinterland. Follow the blue and yellow signposts south along the main highway and loop around the Relbia region.
PIPERS RIVER
Pipers River is located north east of the Tamar Valley and can be accessed via both the West and East Tamar Highways by following the blue and yellow signposts.
For more information on the wine route, visit www.tamarvalleywineroute.com.au
Vineyards in the Tamar Valley Josef Chromy Wines, Credit: Osborne ImagesJANUARY
Greens Beach Triathlon
Big Bash League, UTAS Stadium
FEBRUARY
Race Tasmania – Symmons Plains
Evandale Fair and Penny Farthing Championships
Gardenfest – Entally Estate, Hadspen
MONA Foma, Inveresk
Festivale, City Park
Launceston Cup, Launceston Racecourse
MARCH
A Festival Called Panama, Golconda
Longford Grand Prix Expo
The Dragon Trail (MTB) Derby
World Supermodel Production
APRIL
Enduro World Series (Derby)
Fresh Hop Beer Festival, St John Craft Beer Bar
Targa Tasmania, Targa
MAY
V8 Supercars Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint, Symmons Plains
Australian Musical Theatre Festival, Princess Theatre
Agfest, Carrick
JUNE
Launceston Running Festival
Devils Cardigan (Derby)
JULY
Community Festival for Peace, Launceston
AUGUST
Tasmanian Open Dance Sport Championships, Silverdome
REMADE Sustainable Wearable Art Show, Launceston agriCULTURED
SEPTEMBER
Junction Arts Festival, Launceston
Tamar Valley Writers’ Festival, Grindelwald
Blooming Tasmania, Albert Hall
BOFA Film Festival, Launceston
OCTOBER
Tasmanian Craft Fair, October 29 to November 1
NOVEMBER
Gardenfest Entally Estate – Hadspen
Effervescence Tasmania, Josef Chromy Wines
Farm Gate Festival, Tamar Valley
DECEMBER
Stan Siejka Launceston Cycling Classic
Sallys Ride, Launceston & Tamar Valley
Carols by Candlelight, City Park
Launceston hosts a diverse range of events across the year. For the most up to date calendar of events, go to www.visitnortherntasmania.com.au
Markets
Deloraine Market
Time: 9am to 1pm - 1st Saturday of every month (except January and November)
Venue: Showgrounds Deloraine
Harvest Launceston
Time: 8.30am to 12.30pm - every Saturday
Venue: Cimitiere Street, Launceston
Derby Make, Bake and Grow Market
Time: 9am to 1pm - 3rd Sunday of every month
Venue: Derby Town Hall Evandale Market Time: 8am to 2.00pm - every Saturday Venue: Falls Park, Logan Road, Evandale
- every Sunday
- 2nd Sunday of every month
Services
We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.