Must-see attractions in Launceston

  • Top Choice
    Cataract Gorge

    At magnificent Cataract Gorge, right at the city centre's edge, the bushland, cliffs and ice-cold South Esk River feel a million miles from town. At First…

  • Top Choice
    Queen Victoria Museum

    Inside the restored and reinvented Inveresk railway yards, QVMAG has the usual assembly of dinosaurs and stuffed animals, but they sit alongside historic…

  • Top Choice
    Queen Victoria Art Gallery

    Colonial paintings, including works by John Glover, are the pride of the collection at this art gallery in a meticulously restored 19th-century building…

  • Franklin House

    A relatively short drive south of the city, Franklin House is one of Launceston’s most fetching Georgian-era homes. Built in 1838 by former convict and…

  • Boag’s Brewery

    James Boag’s beer has been brewed on William St since 1881. See the amber alchemy in action on 90-minute guided tours, which include a beer and cheese…

  • City Park

    There's loads going on at this shady park. It's home to enormous oak and plane trees, an over-the-top Victorian fountain, a conservatory, a Victorian…

  • Prince's Square

    Prince's Sq once hosted military drills, public hangings and rowdy political meetings. These days, it's a lovely place to relax. There's a bronze fountain…

  • Launceston Tramway Museum

    Launceston had trams until 1952, when the rails were ripped up and the carriages sold off. Now you can visit this volunteer-staffed museum to take a ride…

  • Design Tasmania

    This impressive design centre on the fringe of City Park incorporates an old church hall that now houses a shop specialising in handmade Tasmanian crafts,…

  • National Automobile Museum of Tasmania

    Rev-heads get pretty excited over the displays here – it's one of Australia’s slickest presentations of classic and historic cars and motorbikes. The 1969…

  • Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area

    Artificial Lake Trevallyn on the South Esk River above Cataract Gorge is a favourite spot with the locals. Take a picnic and have a splash in the shallows…

  • Tamar Island Wetlands

    Part of the Tamar River Conservation Area, this wetland reserve has a 2km wheelchair- and pram-friendly boardwalk running through it, strategically…

  • Tasmania Zoo

    There are more than 80 species of feathered, furred and finned critters – native and non-native – at this laid-back wildlife park. This is your chance to…

  • Henty House

    Built in 1983 this ziggurat-shaped brutalist building was the subject of a heated conservation battle in 2012. Should it be heritage listed or demolished?…

  • Albert Hall

    Now operating as a convention and function venue, this Launceston landmark was built in 1891 in classical Victorian style. Inside the Great Hall is the…

  • Macquarie House

    This 1830 warehouse is one of the city's oldest buildings. Plans have been approved by Launceston city council to restore it and house an innovation hub…

  • Holyman House

    Built in 1936, this building is a fine example of interwar architecture. Four levels of art deco detailing surround sundry private offices. The future…

  • Launceston Synagogue

    Built 1844 in unusual Egyptian revival style, Launceston's synagogue is the second-oldest in Australia (…though Ramses II would be unimpressed by its…

  • Town Hall

    Erected in 1864 and featuring soaring neoclassical columns. 'Progress with Prudence' says the coat of arms – duck inside to the council offices on…

  • State Customs Office

    This building's magnificent 1888 neoclassical colonnade reflects Launceston’s 19th-century prosperity. It now houses offices; not open to the public.