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…
Must see attractions in Launceston
- Top ChoiceCataract Gorge
- QTop ChoiceQueen 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…
- QTop ChoiceQueen 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…
- BBoag’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…
- CCity 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…
- PPrince'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…
- LLaunceston 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…
- DDesign 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,…
- NNational 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…
- TTrevallyn 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…
- TTamar Island Wetlands
Part of the Tamar River Conservation Area, this wetland reserve has a 2km wheelchair- and pram-friendly boardwalk running through it, strategically…
- TTasmania 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…
- HHenty 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?…
- AAlbert 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…
- MMacquarie 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…
- HHolyman 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…
- LLaunceston 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…
- TTown Hall
Erected in 1864 and featuring soaring neoclassical columns. 'Progress with Prudence' says the coat of arms – duck inside to the council offices on…
- SState Customs Office
This building's magnificent 1888 neoclassical colonnade reflects Launceston’s 19th-century prosperity. It now houses offices; not open to the public.