Launceston & the Tamar Valley placed as #4 Region in the world on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel List 2025.
Launceston is already a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Visit here and you will see a happy marriage of nature and nurture: from the stunning Cataract Gorge and local natural experiences to some of Australia’s most impressive wineries, artisanal producers, and dining.
Looking for things to do while you are in Tasmania for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival?
Whether you arrive by sea and self-drive from Devonport, or fly direct to Hobart and pick up a hire car, we have you covered with itinerary inspiration, maritime themes, foodie trails and some great short walks!
All things maritime!
Being an island, Tasmania has a strong maritime heritage and Launceston as Australia's third oldest city is no exception. Head north from Hobart to check out these tours and attractions.
Bass & Flinders Maritime Museum
Low Head Pilot Station and Maritime Museum
Delve into the past.
If you love history then you have come to the right place. Travel along the Heritage Highway and visit a string of historical townships, convict built bridges and discover the stories and characters that have made this a unique and fascinating region. Walk in the footsteps of the infamous bushrangers and the illustrious stonemasons, the enterprising wool growers and the hardened convict road gangs, the political exiles, scoundrels, and opportunists; discover the rich stories that reveal tragedy, drama, and for many, triumph over adversity.
10 Things to do along Tasmania's Heritage Highway
Ross Female Factory Historic Site
Something for lovers of food & wine.
Take to the food and wine trails of Northern Tasmania and you will quickly discover why Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The region is home to some of Australia’s most impressive wineries, artisanal producers, and dining. Whether it's the iconic Tamar Valley Wine Route, an immersive 'on-farm' experience or simply grabbing a bite to eat in a local eatery - your taste buds will thank you. Here's a few ideas to get you started on your journey.
Get in to nature.
Balance out the foodie experiences with a walk in nature. Right on the doorstep of Launceston is the beautiful Cataract Gorge. Take the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for a birds eye view of this stunning place and find a walk that suits your speed from any of the many trails within the reserve. Within the city itself you will find plenty of green spaces, or travel out to the nearby regions in search of waterfalls, short walks, multi-day hikes and world class MTB trails.
Meander through the townships of Northern Tasmania
If you travel to and from Tasmania by sea you will have the perfect reason to take a slow drive through the townships of Northern Tasmania. Travelling to or from Devonport you can take two different routes, so why not try one each way?
Hit the Highway!
Arriving in Devonport, take the Bass Highway (A1) to meander through the Meander Valley region and onward to Launceston stopping by the towns of Westbury, Longford and Perth. Along the way chat with the locals, purchase fresh produce directly from the producer, pick up some unique gifts and explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe
Ashgrove Dairy Door & Visitor Centre
Little Marney's Gifts for Town & Country
Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Woolmers Estate UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take the Frankford Road
Leaving Launceston to head back up to Devonport, take the West Tamar Highway through the picturesque West Tamar dotted with vineyards and vistas of the Tamar River below. Keep travelling through to check out Beaconsfield, Beauty Point, Greens Beach and Narawntapu National Park at Badger Head before getting onto Frankford Road via Exeter for a leisurely drive to the boarding point for your sailing home with Spirit of Tasmania.
Platypus House and Seahorse World
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