Launceston
is boats on the Tamar River
Welcome to Launceston
Tasmania’s second city has forever been locked in rivalry with big-smoke Hobart to the south. Launcestonians argue that their architecture is more elegant, their parks more beautiful, their surrounding hills more verdant and their food scene zestier. And on many of these points it’s hard to argue. This is a city where art and design are highly valued, where the locals embrace the outdoors and where food and coffee... Read More
Top experiences in Launceston
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $24.99
Launceston activities
Cradle Mountain National Park Day Tour from Launceston
Go deep into the pristine Tasmanian forest and experience the solitary wilderness of waterfalls, glacial lakes, rainforest, wildlife and unsurpassed beauty of this World Heritage listed National Park. Discover many walks throughout the rainforest - catch your breath as you first glimpse the craggy outcrop of majestic Cradle Mountain towering above sparkling Dove Lake plateau. Highlights Travel through green pastures South West of Launceston The mountains of the Great Western Tiers guide you towards Cradle Mountain National Park Pass quaint and historical towns of Carrick, Hagley and Westbury Scenic town of Deloraine - hub between Launceston and Devonport Travel further inland passing Australian Blue Gum and pine plantations Tour Sheffield - the town of murals Traverse through dense forest and mountainous terrain Cross the beautiful Cethana Dam made to support hydro scheme Look for wombats, potaroos and wallabies in Cradle Mountain National Park Stop at Cradle Village Cafe for lunch (own expense) Visit the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre for an appreciation of the Cradle Mountain National Park Take a short stroll along the Enchanted Forest Walk viewing pencil pine, lush forest and a spectacular waterfall Stand in awe as you take in the powerful and majestic Cradle Mountain reigning over the picturesque Dove Lake Take a short walk around Dove Lake taking in the views of Cradle Mountain (weather permitting) Visit Waldheim Chalet (the forest home) of Gustav Weindorfers Stop at Ashgrove Cheese Farm for some famous Tasmanian cheese Learn how cheese is made and sample the numerous varieties of cheese made on the premises.
Guided Canoe Tour on Launceston's Tamar River
Departing from the Launceston Seaport, you will be shown your canoe and fitted out with a life jacket. Your guide will explain how to use your peddle drives. Once everyone is ready, depart and look at the North Esk riverfront before venturing into the Tamar River.You can stop to take photos of the historic scenery before making your way to Kings Bridge and the lower reaches of Launceston's famous Cataract Gorge. Slowly paddle up this natural gorge keeping an eye out for the local bird life. It is also very popular with local rock climbers.Returning from the gorge you will explore more of the yacht mooring and dock yards and return back to base via the old silo towers that are being made into a luxury hotel.
3-Day Tasmania Combo: Launceston to Hobart Active Tour Including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park and Port Arthur
Combine the very best highlights in 3 days of amazing travels. Enjoy diverse scenery, abundant wildlife and huge fun days exploring Tasmania with awesome guides. See Port Arthur, Tassie Devils, Wineglass Bay & Cradle Mountain in this action packed series of tours across 3 days. Day 1: Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area Departs Launceston 7.30am, Returns Launceston 7.00pm Overnight: Launceston (accommodation by own arrangement) Pick up today from your central Launceston hotel/hostel between 7.00am – 7.30amReturn to Launceston around 6.30 – 7.00pm after a huge yet unforgettable Cradle Mountain day. Day 1 highlights: Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area (4-5 hours) Dove Lake A variety of short introductory walks Rainforest city & Pencil Pine Falls Walk Dove Lake Walk (easy grade) or Marion’s Lookout (medium grade) Weindorfers Chalet Weindorfers Forest Walk Guided walks & interpretation Sheffield – historic ‘Town of Murals’ Ashgrove Cheese Factory Day 2: Launceston - Wineglass Bay & Freycinet – Hobart (bring your bags today!) Departs Launceston 7.30am, Finishes Hobart 6.30 - 7.00pm Overnight: Hobart (accommodation by own arrangement) Pick up today from your central Launceston hotel/hostel between 7.00am – 7.30am.Finish today to your Hobart CBD accommodation around 6.30 – 7.00pm. Day 2 highlights: Historic Ross village – Kiki’s kitchen and Ross bakery Freycinet National Park (4+ hours) Freycinet Marine Farm Wineglass Bay Lookout Wineglass Bay Beach Walk (longer walking option) Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville lookout and walk, Sleepy Bay Kate’s Berry Farm Day 3: Port Arthur & Tasmanian Devils Departs Hobart at 7.30am, Returns Hobart 6.00pm ** Airport Drop off available by arrangement (small luggage requirements) Pick up today from your central Hobart hotel/hostel between 7.00am – 7.30amDrop-off back to your Hobart CBD accommodation around 6.00pm. Day 3 highlights Waterfall Bay Cliff Top Walk Pirate’s Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, Doo Town Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park Devil Feeding, walk with the wallabies, Birds of the Bush show Port Arthur Historic Site (2hrs), Guided Walk, Harbour Cruise Richmond Historic Village Hobart City Lookout
Bay of Fires Day Trip from Launceston
Visit one of the world's most beautiful beaches at the Bay of Fires. Departing from Launceston, travel amongst rainforests and farmlands of North East of Tasmania and enjoy a picnic lunch in an idyllic setting.Crystal azure blue waters with pristine white beaches and outcrops of orange lichen covered granite rocks, the scenery at the Bay of Fires is simply breathtaking. This tour takes you through some of the prettiest locations in Tasmania, from the green rolling hills and fertile farmlands around Lilydale and Scottsdale, to the temperate rainforest of the Weldborough Pass, the spectacular coastal region of the Bay Of Fires, to the open grazing lands of the Fingal Valley and Northern Midlands. Bring your own picnic lunch or purchase lunch to enjoy en route at Binalong Bay.
5-Day Tasmania Tour from Hobart Including Cradle Mountain, Tarkine Rainforest, Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay
Day 1: Hobart - StrahanLeave Hobart and drive through the Derwent Valley – traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan.Overnight: StrahanDay 2: Wild West CoastIn the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall – Montezuma Falls. Or you can choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense).Overnight: Strahan Day 3: Cradle Mountain - LauncestonAround 950-meters above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes us through Sheffield, the ‘town of murals’, to Launceston.Overnight: LauncestonDay 4: Launceston - BichenoMake your way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to Bicheno, where you may want to join an evening viewing of the Little Penguins (optional at your own expense and seasonal). Overnight: BichenoDay 5: Freycinet National Park - HobartAn early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Meet the iconic Tasmanian devil as you stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, before a short drive back to Hobart.
Josef Chromy Wines Winery Tour Including Tasting and Lunch
Make your way to Josef Chromy Wines, conveniently located just a 15-minute drive south of Launceston. Start your experience at the winery, where you get a behind-the-scenes look at Josef Chromy's winemaking process. Take a short walk in the vineyard with your host for an opportunity to learn how grapes develop throughout the season, and how those notes and flavors you taste start on the vine. Then head inside to see some of the high-tech equipment that Josef Chromy uses, including a German-made press that extracts the juice at low pressures to get more delicate and aromatic flavors. You'll also hear about how founder Chromy immigrated to Australia in 1950 and gradually built a successful food and wine business.Sample some of the wines that are not yet finished and compare them with more mature wines. Known for its pinot noir, chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, the winery offers up to 20 varieties for sampling. After seeing the winemaking process from field to bottle, head to the cellar door for lunch. Located in the estate's original homestead, a renovated building that dates to the 1880s, the cellar door (Aussie lingo for a tasting room) has great views of the surrounding gardens, vineyards and lake. Enjoy a relaxed 2-course lunch that features the chef’s selection of tasty dishes, all made with fresh regional produce. Each course is paired with a tasting glass of Josef Chromy’s white and red wines for you to savor with your food.After a 2.5-hour tour, tasting and lunch, you are free to head out or spend more time at the winery at your leisure.