Love contemporary art? Looking for a short break this Spring that will satisfy your culture needs and foodie desires? Then pack a pair of comfy shoes and get ready to explore Launnie.
There is plenty to soak up with new and exclusive shows at QVMAG. If you love surrealist art be sure to check out Tasmania's newest gallery dAda mUse, home to Australia's largest collection of Salvador D'Ali works on paper. Shake off the winter blues at Junction Arts Festival, a collision of art, music and performance.
A City of Gastronomy, you will find an abundance of quirky cafes, distilleries, craft breweries, wineries, paddock to plate experiences and restaurants in and around Launnie.
Come for a short break and you are sure to leave making a promise to return and linger for longer on your next visit.
Junction Arts Festival
Junction Arts Festival returns for its 15th year across two weekends 12-14th & 18th-21st September 2025 with a captivating springtime celebration, inviting you to embrace the season’s renewal and revel in Tasmania’s vibrant awakening. As nature bursts into bloom, Junction transforms Launceston into a mesmerising intersection of Tasmanian (lutruwita) art, music, and performance, creating a kaleidoscopic celebration that captures the magic of the spring equinox.
With a diverse program of free and ticketed events, Junction offers something for everyone to discover. From daytime activities to evening entertainment, the city comes alive with the best of Tasmania’s creative talent. While you immerse yourself in the arts, savour the island’s renowned culinary delights, from gourmet local food to distinctive Tasmanian wines, spirits, and craft brews as you celebrate into the night.
Sam Jinks || Mortal Reflections
Step into the imagined world of Sam Jinks, one of Australia’s most prominent contemporary sculptural artists.
Renowned for his painstakingly crafted figures, Jinks’ practice reflects upon deeply felt moments of our lived experience.
Sam Jinks || Mortal Reflections marks the first major exhibition in Tasmania by this talented artist — a rare opportunity for audiences to encounter a collection of sculptures not typically accessible to the public.
QVMAG has transformed the entire upper level of its Royal Park site into an intimate contemporary art experience. Throughout this exhibition magical figures are held forever suspended within the uncanny realms of Jinks’ sculpted hyperrealism.
Imbued with unguarded emotion and raw vulnerability, this unique presentation is one artist’s invitation to reflect on the mysteries of: life || death, and all in-between.
Art Gallery at Royal Park, 2 Wellington Street
14 June 2025 — 8 March 2026
Free entry
dAda mUse
dAda mUse is Tasmania’s new gallery, located in Launceston. The Surrealist Art Museum is the home of Australia’s largest collection of Salvador Dalí works on paper.
The dAda mUse building is one of Launceston’s most historically noteworthy buildings. Located on Cimitiere Street, the 1842 Johnstone and Wilmot building has been carefully renovated to retain historical features while providing new spaces including the art museum.
Guided tours and event bookings are available via the gallery's website. Entrance to the lower floor, Melting Clocks, is free of charge, although donations are welcome. The second floor, Labyrinth of Dreams, is ticketed, this floor showcases original and rare artworks.
Searching for Nourishment
Around every corner there are foodie delights. Launceston is brimming with quirky cafes, local food haunts showcasing the region's abundant fresh produce, craft breweries, waterfront dining, not to mention a great food truck scene dishing up mouth watering fare that you won't believe was created in a such a tiny van!
Venture a little further to the nearby regions and you find cellar doors, distilleries and paddock to plate experiences. The Tamar Valley is well known for world class cool climate wines and the first of many vineyards is located less than 15-minutes from Launceston.
While you are here, ask a local where their favourite spot is for a bite to eat. Always ready with a smile and a story to tell, they are sure to point you in the right direction.
Read more about why Launceston is recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Getting Here
Travelling to Launnie is easy with direct flights from several mainland cities. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar all service Launceston Airport.
Launceston airport is located a short 15-minute drive from the centre of the city, jump in a taxi, hop in an Uber or grab a hire car from the airport, check in to your accommodation and start exploring.
If you've already decided a longer break is the way to go then pack up your car and take the ferry. Spirit of Tasmania offers regular night sailings from Geelong to Devonport, with additional day sailings during peak demand times. Devonport is an easy 50-minute drive from Launceston with plenty to see and do along the way, you might choose to take a slow drive!
Want to see more events?
Check out what's on in Northern Tasmania.
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