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There's so much to discover and enjoy when you visit Launceston and a few spots that are not to be missed!
Top of our list is the rugged beaty of the Cataract Gorge followed by the beautiful manicured City Park and it's resident monkeys in the heart of the city. Penny Royal Adventures has it all - history and adventure rolled into one in a spectacular setting, we highly recommend popping in. Get lost for hours at the QVMAG, which includes the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park and Museum at Inveresk. Special mention too if you're about on a Saturday morning - don't miss our amazing "Harvest Market" an opportunity to get up close to our friendly and passionate local producers and enjoy a taste of the region. |
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our favourite spots
Cataract Gorge | Scenic Chairlift
No trip to Launceston is complete without seeing our beautiful Cataract Gorge... this dramatic natural wonder is such an iconic part of Launceston and is such a fusion of wild ruggedness with native birds and wallabys, contrasting with Victorian-style gardens and pretty peacocks. Walk the loop track around the first basin, or experience the heights and stunning views of the South Esk river with a ride on the award-winning Gorge Chairlift, which, at 308m across its central span, hold the title for the longest single span chairlift in the world!
The main carpark is located in West Launceston, where you can wandering down to the first basin. On this side you'll find the Gorge Chairlift box-office, The Basin cafe, swimming pool (which is open in summer) and playground. Take the chairlift or take a wander over the Alexandra Suspension Bridge to the 'cliff grounds' and more formal gardens and rotunda where you can delve into the history of this reserve, or enjoy a bite at the kiosk, or enjoy a more formal dining experience at the Gorge Restaurant.
If you're keen to adventure more - wander the track up to the old Duck Reach Power station (decommisioned in the 1950's) which is now an interpretation centre and provides an interesting glimpse into hydro-electricity, and it's days lighting up Launceston.
Wander into town along the Gorge Walk, an easy sealed path that follows the rivers path along the cliffline finishing at Kings Bridge, where the river meets the Tamar. For the more adventurous explorers, the zig-zag track is a more rugged and steep option.
74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston
launcestoncataractgorge.com.au
No trip to Launceston is complete without seeing our beautiful Cataract Gorge... this dramatic natural wonder is such an iconic part of Launceston and is such a fusion of wild ruggedness with native birds and wallabys, contrasting with Victorian-style gardens and pretty peacocks. Walk the loop track around the first basin, or experience the heights and stunning views of the South Esk river with a ride on the award-winning Gorge Chairlift, which, at 308m across its central span, hold the title for the longest single span chairlift in the world!
The main carpark is located in West Launceston, where you can wandering down to the first basin. On this side you'll find the Gorge Chairlift box-office, The Basin cafe, swimming pool (which is open in summer) and playground. Take the chairlift or take a wander over the Alexandra Suspension Bridge to the 'cliff grounds' and more formal gardens and rotunda where you can delve into the history of this reserve, or enjoy a bite at the kiosk, or enjoy a more formal dining experience at the Gorge Restaurant.
If you're keen to adventure more - wander the track up to the old Duck Reach Power station (decommisioned in the 1950's) which is now an interpretation centre and provides an interesting glimpse into hydro-electricity, and it's days lighting up Launceston.
Wander into town along the Gorge Walk, an easy sealed path that follows the rivers path along the cliffline finishing at Kings Bridge, where the river meets the Tamar. For the more adventurous explorers, the zig-zag track is a more rugged and steep option.
74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston
launcestoncataractgorge.com.au
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Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday morning… our Harvest Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to you… a beautiful offering of Northern Tassie's freshest and finest produce, along with passionate artisans with handmade treats and delights! Launceston is a world recognised UNESCO City of Gastronomy and our Harvest Market offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the very best of the food culture of Launceston.!
71 Cimitiere St, Launceston
Saturdays, 8.30am til 12.30pm
harvestmarket.org.au
Every Saturday morning… our Harvest Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to you… a beautiful offering of Northern Tassie's freshest and finest produce, along with passionate artisans with handmade treats and delights! Launceston is a world recognised UNESCO City of Gastronomy and our Harvest Market offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the very best of the food culture of Launceston.!
71 Cimitiere St, Launceston
Saturdays, 8.30am til 12.30pm
harvestmarket.org.au
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City Park | Design Tasmania Centre
Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens and enormous trees and peaceful surrounds. Wander the paths and visit the beautiful John Hart Conservatory, enjoy a giant game of chess, watch the ducks paddle and be enchanted by the playful antics of the resident macaque monkeys. Call into the Design Centre nearby, an offering and showcase of our amazing local Tasmanian creators.
45-55 Tamar St, Launceston
designtasmania.com.au
Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens and enormous trees and peaceful surrounds. Wander the paths and visit the beautiful John Hart Conservatory, enjoy a giant game of chess, watch the ducks paddle and be enchanted by the playful antics of the resident macaque monkeys. Call into the Design Centre nearby, an offering and showcase of our amazing local Tasmanian creators.
45-55 Tamar St, Launceston
designtasmania.com.au
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Penny Royal
Rich with history and atmosphere... Whether you’re interested in immersing in Tassie’s rich convict history or you’re in for a little thrill-seeking, or even just a coffee or a glass of wine set amongst the incredible surrounds, Penny Royal truly has something for everyone.
HISTORY: Experience the Dark Ride and immerse in the story of notorious bushranger Matthew Brady; or jump aboard the Brig where the ships captain will 'set sail' across the lagoon out to Sarah Island to immerse in the ghostly tales of the past.
ADVENTURE: The perfect backdrop of old quarry and its start cliff-face provides the perfect opportunity for thrill-seeking - enjoy the adrenaline rush of rock-climbing, cliff-walk, zip-lining or a 20m cliff jump!
WINE & DINE: Enjoy fine dining at Alida restaurant or more casual eats at Brady's Tavern (both complete with Tassie's finest wines, craft beers and spirits); or pop into the ice-creamery for a delicious ice-cream and coffee on the grounds.
1 Bridge Rd, Launceston
pennyroyallaunceston.com.au
Rich with history and atmosphere... Whether you’re interested in immersing in Tassie’s rich convict history or you’re in for a little thrill-seeking, or even just a coffee or a glass of wine set amongst the incredible surrounds, Penny Royal truly has something for everyone.
HISTORY: Experience the Dark Ride and immerse in the story of notorious bushranger Matthew Brady; or jump aboard the Brig where the ships captain will 'set sail' across the lagoon out to Sarah Island to immerse in the ghostly tales of the past.
ADVENTURE: The perfect backdrop of old quarry and its start cliff-face provides the perfect opportunity for thrill-seeking - enjoy the adrenaline rush of rock-climbing, cliff-walk, zip-lining or a 20m cliff jump!
WINE & DINE: Enjoy fine dining at Alida restaurant or more casual eats at Brady's Tavern (both complete with Tassie's finest wines, craft beers and spirits); or pop into the ice-creamery for a delicious ice-cream and coffee on the grounds.
1 Bridge Rd, Launceston
pennyroyallaunceston.com.au
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Queen Victoria Museum | Art Gallery (QVMAG)
QVMAG is set across two locations in Launceston - and is the premier destination for art, history and natural sciences in Northern Tasmania.
The Art Gallery at Royal Park is set in a beautiful 1800 heritage building and features historic and contemporary art collections, and a permanent exhibit entitled Our Story, which highlights the deep history of the Tasmanian Aborignal people.
The Museum at Inveresk is set within 1870's era industrial workshops - in addition to hosting special exhibits, permanent exhibits feature natural sciences displays (from dinosaurs to the extinct thylacine), transport and railway exhibits, blacksmith workshops; and the Launceston Planetarium which runs presentations daily.
QVMAG Museum and Planetarium – 2 Invermay Rd
QVMAG Art Gallery – 8/2-8 Wellington St
qvmag.tas.gov.au
QVMAG is set across two locations in Launceston - and is the premier destination for art, history and natural sciences in Northern Tasmania.
The Art Gallery at Royal Park is set in a beautiful 1800 heritage building and features historic and contemporary art collections, and a permanent exhibit entitled Our Story, which highlights the deep history of the Tasmanian Aborignal people.
The Museum at Inveresk is set within 1870's era industrial workshops - in addition to hosting special exhibits, permanent exhibits feature natural sciences displays (from dinosaurs to the extinct thylacine), transport and railway exhibits, blacksmith workshops; and the Launceston Planetarium which runs presentations daily.
QVMAG Museum and Planetarium – 2 Invermay Rd
QVMAG Art Gallery – 8/2-8 Wellington St
qvmag.tas.gov.au
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guided tours
James Boags Brewery
Come and have a beer... located on the banks of the South Esk river, take a fully guided tour of the historic James Boags Brewery for a taste of its rich history and of course beers paired with delicious Tasmanian cheeses. 39 William St, Launceston jamesboag.com.au |
Tamar River Cruises
See the Tamar River in style on a Tamar river cruise… with various cruise options, it's such a beautiful and relaxing way to take in the beauty of Launceston and the Tamar Valley. Home Point Parade, Launceston tamarrivercruises.com.au |
walking tours
Launceston by Foot
Offering carefully crafted tours by passionate local guides, you won't be able to help but fall in love with Launnie. launcestonbyfoot.com |
Wallaby Walkabout Tours
Geoff is a local aboriginal historian with an absolute wealth of knowlege which he passionately shares on his personally guided tours. launcestonwalkingtours.com.au |
Self-Guided History Walking Tours
Discover Launceston's rich history as you wander at your own pace with a self-guided tour by the Launceston Historical Society. launcestonhistory.org.au/activities/history-walks/ |