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, the locals embrace the outdoors and food and coffee culture thrives. There are a couple of big new hotels being built, the University of Tasmania is doing good things here, and it's an easy and endearing base for those exploring the Tamar Valley or other parts of the north. Nice one, 'Lonnie'.
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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.
5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour from Hobart
Day 1: HOBART > STRAHANWe leave Hobart and drive through the Derwent Valley – travelling east to west across the island.You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visitAustralia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild RiverNational Park and end the day in Strahan.Overnight: StrahanDay 2: WILD WEST COASTIn the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast we will explore the shifting sands of HentyDunes. Then we 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 yourown expense).Overnight: Strahan (Breakfast)Day 3: CRADLE MOUNTAIN > LAUNCESTONAround 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire NationalPark, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around DoveLake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes us through Sheffield,the ‘town of murals’, to Launceston.Overnight: Launceston (Breakfast)Day 4: LAUNCESTON > BICHENOWe make our 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 we visit a wildlife sanctuary to meet the iconic Tasmanian devil. Tonight, you may want to join an evening viewing of the Little Penguins (optional at your own expense and seasonal).Overnight: Bicheno (Breakfast)Day 5: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBARTAn early start means we 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. We continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford as we make our way to Hobart.(Breakfast)
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.
Launceston to Hobart 3-Day Tour with Cradle Mtn and Freycinet
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 LakeA variety of short introductory walksRainforest city & Pencil Pine Falls WalkDove Lake Walk (easy grade) or Marion’s Lookout (medium grade)Weindorfers ChaletWeindorfers Forest WalkGuided walks & interpretationSheffield – historic ‘Town of Murals’Ashgrove Cheese FactoryDay 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:Explore Freycinet National Park (4+ hours)Walk to the spectacular Wineglass Bay Lookout (moderate uphill walk 45 mins)Choose the option to extend your walk to the white sands of Wineglass Bay (longer walking option 2.5 hours)Visit the highlights of Freycinet National Park - Honeymoon Bay Take in the spectacular 360 degree views on the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk (easy 20 mins)Enjoy some fresh oysters at Freycinet Marine FarmVisit the historic town of Campbell Town and the Convict Brick TrailTreat yourself to the delights at Kate’s Berry Farm before returning to Hobart!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 from your central Hobart hotel/hostel between 7.00am – 7.30amDrop-off back to your Hobart CBD accommodation around 6.00pm. Day 3 highlightsWaterfall Bay Cliff Top WalkPirate’s Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen, Doo TownTasmanian Devil Conservation ParkDevil Feeding, walk with the wallabies, Birds of the Bush showPort Arthur Historic Site (2hrs), Guided Walk, Harbour CruiseRichmond Historic VillageHobart City Lookout
Wineglass Bay Active Full-Day Tour from Launceston
We depart Launceston ready for an action-packed day out exploring Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park and the delights & highlights along the way. Our drive this morning takes us through the well-preserved Georgian townships of Evandale and Campbell Town. We make a short stop in Campbell Town where you can collect some lunch to take along for the day ahead. You will have time to discover the Convict Brick Trail that extends through the town, visit the Red Bridge, and check out the tree sculptures depicting the history of the town. After a brief stop in Campbell Town we travel to the East Coast, where we catch an amazing view of the area at the Great Oyster Bay Lookout and an opportunity to purchase some fresh oysters plucked from the beautiful surrounding waters. Once inside Freycinet National Park we begin a series of walks and exploration of the area. We walk as a group to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, a moderate uphill walk of around 45 - 60 minutes. Here the views make the walk well worth the effort! For the keen walkers, you can continue the walk down to Wineglass Bay beach (2.5 hr return walking time). Once on the beach you have time to take a swim, relax, eat your lunch or meander along the white sands. Or, if you prefer to select the shorter walking option, you can explore other areas of Freycinet with our tour guide. Visit Honeymoon Bay and the Cape Tourville Lighthouse & “Great Short Walk”. We re-group ready for the return journey. While still on the East Coast we make a final stop for the day, where you can refresh and refuel in a friendly and relaxed location. Try the local hand-crafted Ice creams or perhaps a famous Tasmanian Scallop Pie! Then it is onwards into Launceston returning around 6.30pm.
Cradle Mountain Active Day Trip from Launceston
Cradle Mountain National Park is an area of iconic scenery with a huge variety of walking trails to choose from in this stunning world heritage listed area. With around 5-hours to spend in the National Park, the walking itinerary is flexible to suit guests and the weather conditions on the day. After departing Launceston, enjoy a short stop in Sheffield – The Town of Murals. Sheffield is a small and quirky village where the history of the Cradle Mountain region is depicted in artworks across the buildings throughout the town, this includes the opportunity to see the famous Eason’s Mural. Continue your journey into the mountains and arrive at Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake with around 5-hours of possible walking time before you. Choose from the gentle and iconic Dove Lake Circuit or climb to loftier peaks to view the vastness of the surrounding World Heritage Area from Marion’s Lookout. Enjoy lunch by a quiet stream, watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat, or enjoy the many photographic opportunities that abound. Your tour guides will carefully assist to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy short, easy or longer walks that best suit everyone and the day ahead.Cradle Mountain is the backdrop for a truly memorable and not to be missed Tasmanian experience. On the return journey to Launceston, stop and sample some local tasty products at the award winning Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Return to Launceston around 7pm after a huge yet unforgettable Cradle Mountain day.