Connect and recharge in Northern Tasmania

A visit to Northern Tasmania is the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, breathe in nature, share a dining experience or simply reset and recharge. Launceston is the gateway and ideal base to explore the city and surrounding regions. Great for families there is plenty of things to do with the kids, and plenty too for the young at heart. We have put together some tips to help you to create your escape-ation.

Launceston is a true urban oasis with a buzzing local community and old-world charm. It's hard to believe the stunning natural landscape of Cataract Gorge and the Gorge Scenic Chairlift are only minutes away from the CBD.

City Park is stunning in any season. Wander through the park and say hello to the monkeys while you are in the area.

You can delve into all things art, natural science, and history at QVMAG or for something more adventurous, look no further than Treetops Adventure Hollybank or Penny Royal Adventures Launceston.

The best way to feel the community spirit here in Northern Tasmania is to visit one of the local markets. Some of our most popular markets include: Harvest Market Launceston which is held every Saturday morning in the city centre; the town of Evandale holds a country market every Sunday.

If you love to shop for antiques or just something unique, take a drive to Longford, Campbell Town, Evandale, or Deloraine. These picturesque towns have a variety of shops, keep an eye out for locally crafted items, speciality homewares and quirky second-hand stores.

Explore the picturesque Tamar Valley Wine Route and sample some of the world's finest cool climate wines, including bubbles that rival what you might find in Champagne, France. In the West Tamar you will find many boutique vineyards as you venture through the Tamar Island Wetlands, Legana and through to Beauty Point. Over on the East Tamar you'll find yourself in the beautiful Pipers Brook region famous for sparkling wine.

Our whole region is full of walks and waterfalls for every fitness level. Lilydale Falls is popular east of the Tamar River and you'll be spoilt for choice in the Meander Valley and Great Western Tiers area, known as the 'short walks capital of Tasmania'. Some local favourites include Meander Falls, Liffey Falls or Alum Cliffs. You can explore on your own or jump on a tour with Kooparoona Niara Tours to learn the incredible Aboriginal history of the area as you walk.

Launceston is Australia's 3rd oldest city and bursting with history, architecture, and stories of times past. Venture through the Northern Midlands region where you can immerse yourself in convict history through the towns of Longford, Evandale, and Ross.

Plan a visit to UNESCO World Heritage sites of Brickendon and Woolmers Estate, travel up to West Tamar and explore the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre or cross the Tamar River to get to George Town and Low Head where you'll find the Bass and Flinders Maritime Museum.

The water might be a little colder than you are used to, but the beaches are stunning! There are plenty of options in the North and North East region for those wanting to relax by the ocean. A few include Greens Beach, Bridport and Low Head which have plenty of family friendly, easy to access beaches to choose from. If you're in the mood for something off the beaten track Little Musselroe Bay won't disappoint.

Experience unique Tassie wildlife throughout the North. Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary and Tasmania Zoo are great for kids and adults alike. For something more intimate, Low Head Penguin Tours offers a unique experience to mingle with Little Penguins in their natural habitat. Seahorse World and Platypus House are a great place to stop and check out life under the water.

Northern Tasmania is at the heart of agriculture in Tasmania and there are a plethora of experiences available for foodies. Launceston was designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and with the local eateries and chefs working their magic with the abundance of fresh produce on their doorstep, there will be something to tantalise even the fussiest of taste buds.

And if you want a hands on experience you will find anything from foraging for truffles with the dogs at Tasmanian Truffles, learning how to cook at Hinton Bay Kitchen, discover the dairy industry at Ashgrove Dairy Door or pick your own berries at Hillwood Berry Farm. Take a farm tour at Summerlea Farm or go the whole hog with a true paddock to plate experience at Fork it Farm.

If spirits are your thing, you'll be spoilt for choice. As you make your way through the North, there are many local distilleries with unique stories, blends and flavours. Fannys Bay Distillery was the first whisky distillery in the North and are one of the best artisan experiences around. Hillwood Whisky, Adams Distillery and Launceston Distillery have since joined the whisky club in the North. A short flight will take you Flinders Island where you will find the Furneaux Distillery, doing great things with their own peat and barley.

For gin lovers, Turner Stillhouse is the place to go, or you can venture to Western Tiers Distillery where you can taste their own gin and sample whisky from all over the state.

The raw and natural landscapes of the North will captivate any nature lover. From the hair-raising drive up Jacobs Ladder at Ben Lomond National Park to the underground worlds at Mole Creek Caves or the rugged beauty of Mount Strzelecki on Flinders Island, there is something for everyone. For man-made natural wonders, Little Blue Lake and Mount Paris Dam can be found just a little off the beaten track.

To fully disconnect and escape, treat yourself to an island adventure. Unique Charters offer helicopter day trips to nearby Swan Island or spend the whole weekend away at Flinders Island.