Launceston is Tasmania's second city and the gateway to the north of the state, sitting at the head of the Tamar Valley where the North Esk and South Esk rivers meet. It's one of Australia's oldest cities, with elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture, but its standout attraction is natural: Cataract Gorge, a dramatic river gorge just minutes from the city centre. The Tamar Valley wine region stretches north to the coast, and Launceston's food scene has blossomed into one of regional Australia's best.
Getting There
Launceston Airport is about 15 minutes south of the city. Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qantas fly direct from Melbourne (1 hour 10 minutes) and Sydney (1 hour 40 minutes). Launceston is about 2.5 hours north of Hobart via the Midland Highway and about 1.5 hours east of Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania terminal). Rental cars and airport shuttles are available.
Cataract Gorge Reserve
Cataract Gorge is Launceston's crown jewel - a dramatic river gorge carved through dolerite rock, with walking trails, a Victorian garden, a swimming pool, and the world's longest single-span chairlift. The gorge is just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, making it one of the most accessible natural wonders in Australia.
- First Basin: The main area with manicured gardens, a cafe, the outdoor swimming pool (free, open in summer), and peacocks wandering the grounds.
- Chairlift: The chairlift spans 457 metres across the gorge basin, with views down to the river and gardens. $15 return.
- Walking Trails: The Cataract Walk follows the south bank of the gorge (about 45 minutes one way to Kings Bridge), while the more challenging Zig Zag Track climbs the north side with spectacular views.
- Alexandra Suspension Bridge: A beautiful heritage bridge at the upper gorge, leading to walking trails.
Tamar Valley Wine Region
The Tamar Valley stretches about 60 kilometres from Launceston north to the coast at George Town and Beauty Point. The cool-climate region is known for excellent Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
- Josef Chromy Wines: Beautiful lakeside cellar door with one of Tasmania's best restaurants. The Pinot Noir is outstanding.
- Tamar Ridge: Panoramic views and excellent cool-climate wines. The Kayena Vineyard Pinot is superb.
- Pipers Brook Vineyard: One of Tasmania's pioneering wineries, now part of Kreglinger. Stunning grounds and acclaimed sparkling wine.
- Clover Hill: Specialist sparkling wine producer, part of the Goelet Wine Estates group. Their traditional method sparkling is world-class.
- Bay of Fires Wines: Named after the famous east coast destination, with a cellar door in the Tamar Valley.
City Heritage
Launceston has beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian streetscapes:
- City Park: A beautiful Victorian-era park with an elaborate fountain, a monkey enclosure (John Hart Conservatory), mature English trees, and a Japanese macaque colony - the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Royal Park: Lovely parkland along the river near the gorge entrance.
- Heritage buildings: Charles Street and the surrounding blocks feature grand Victorian commercial buildings, many now housing restaurants and shops.
Where to Eat
- Stillwater: Launceston's most celebrated restaurant, set in a beautifully restored 1830s flour mill on the riverbank. Modern Tasmanian cuisine with an emphasis on local produce. Mains $36-48. Booking essential.
- Black Cow Bistro: An intimate steak-focused restaurant using premium Tasmanian beef. The Cape Grim beef is sensational. Mains $38-55.
- Cataract on Paterson: Sophisticated dining overlooking the river. Mains $32-44.
- Bread + Butter: Outstanding bakery and cafe with excellent pastries and sourdough.
- Blue Cafe Bar: Popular waterfront cafe with great brunch and coffee. Mains $16-24.
- Geronimo: Lively tapas and cocktail bar in the city centre. Plates $12-22.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Launceston Backpackers (central hostel), Treasure Island Caravan Park, City Park Hotel (heritage pub rooms).
- Mid-Range: Peppers Silo Hotel (converted grain silo on the waterfront, one of Tasmania's most unique hotels. From $180), Hotel & Spa & Restaurant Quamby Estate (heritage homestead 20 minutes from town), Stillwater Seven (boutique rooms above Stillwater restaurant).
- Luxury: The Charles (boutique heritage hotel in a restored Victorian building), Country Club Tasmania (resort on the edge of town with golf course and casino).
Practical Tips
- Weather: Launceston has a cool temperate climate. Summer (December-February) averages 12-24°C. Winter (June-August) is cold (2-12°C) and can be frosty. The city sits in a valley, so fog is common on autumn and winter mornings. - Getting around: The city centre is compact and walkable. A car is essential for the Tamar Valley wineries and day trips. - Day trips: Cataract Gorge is walkable from the city. The Tamar Valley requires a car. Other day trip options include the Ben Lomond ski field (winter), Bridestowe Lavender Estate (1 hour east, spectacular in December-January), and the northeast wine and food region. - Events: Festivale (February, a three-day food and wine festival in City Park), Junction Arts Festival.
AUBIS Tip
: Launceston is the perfect base for exploring northern Tasmania. Use AUBIS to plan a day at Cataract Gorge, a Tamar Valley wine trail (we recommend 3-4 cellar doors plus lunch at Josef Chromy), and dinner at Stillwater. Combine with the Bay of Fires or Cradle Mountain for a comprehensive northern Tasmanian itinerary.