Launceston Travel Guides

Launceston spotlight

Accommodation in Launceston - From City Comfort to Valley Villas

A variety of accommodation options await the traveler in Launceston. Centrally located hotels offer easy access to the main sites, which are never far way in this small city. Or you can chose to stay in the marina area for waterfront views. Couples looking for a romantic getaway can take their pick of cozy cottages in the Tamar Valley wine region.

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Shopping in Launceston - Outdoor Markets, Works of Art, and Handicrafts

Launceston panders to the treasure hunter looking for quality keepsakes and gifts. Brisbane Street Mall is lined with commercial shops and amenities, but in the lanes and streets that surround it you'll find delightful boutique and specialty shops. Admire the craftsmanship of one-off items by local designers and artists, and marvel at the array of honey, sauces, and other gourmet products on offer.

Launceston's Top Attractions - What to See and Do

Located in a majestic natural setting, with a legacy of British history and period charm, Launceston is a visual treat. Grand historic buildings, nearby wonders of the natural world, and an old-time feel are some of the attractions you can expect. Enjoy walks through forests, breathing in pristine fresh air, and later sink into the comfort of a meal by a log fire. In the city itself, nature calls in a vast array of parks and gardens. Try riverside Kings Park and Royal Park for jogging and cycling tracks. For picnics, City Park is a picture of European gentility.

The City Guide to Launceston - Discover Tasmania’s Second City

Located at the head of the majestic Tamar Valley and doorstep to some of Tasmania's wildest natural environments, Launceston boasts a notable art and design scene and burgeoning foodie culture. Dotted with heritage buildings, it also has a distinctly genteel ambiance. From lingering over local craft brews to zip lining through the treetops, Tasmania's second largest city has much to offer.

Bars, Beats, and Bites - Launceston's Nightlife

From cocktails and craft beers to live music in bars, there's always something to do in Launceston after sunset. The food and drink scene is booming. Those who prefer more cultural pursuits can spend an evening at one of the city’s theaters, which host a quality program of shows. A trip to the cinema is also a popular night out among locals.

Family Fun in Launceston - Activities for All Ages

If you're planning a family visit to Launceston, you can be sure of finding plenty of activities for all ages and interests. And you don't have to endure noisy theme parks or exorbitant prices to keep kids entertained. There are a host of activities that educate as much as they entertain, chairlift rides and picnics in parks to enjoy, and stadium sporting matches for rousing afternoons.

Launceston's Art and Culture - Galleries, Design, and Festivals

Inveresk is Launceston's arts and cultural precinct. You can easily spend a day here viewing exhibitions, visiting an art school, and, at the end of it all, relaxing with a coffee at the Blue Cafe Bar. Further into town, you can check out smaller, independently run galleries. If you're here in spring, visit the experimental Junction Arts Festival, and in summer, the MOFO festival.

Where to Eat in Launceston - From Bring-Your-Own to Fine French Dining

Many visitors travel to Launceston's Tamar Valley in search of vineyards and world-class pinot and Riesling wines. Others might enjoy the laid-back James Boag's Brewery tour to sample varieties of world famous ales and lagers made here. Dining options in and around Launceston range from fine-dining restaurants to casual cafés and ethnic eateries which allow you to “bring your own” (BYO) wine. In some hip wine and beer bars, this trend has caught on in reverse. You can bring in a pizza or snack to eat, leaving staff to concentrate on the best tipple to go with it

Useful Tips for Visiting Launceston

In compact Launceston, everything you need is within easy reach. With cooler weather than mainland Australia and an old-town feel, it's the perfect getaway for indulging in log fires and contemporary cuisine, for which Tasmania is now becoming famous. But make sure to get out and about, as some of the state’s most spectacular scenery is on Launceston’s doorstep.

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