1. Visit Cataract Gorge
A trip to Launceston is never complete without a visit to Cataract Gorge. It’s hard to believe this incredible natural feature is only minutes away from the city centre. Loved by locals and visitors alike, Cataract Gorge makes for wonderful experience whether visiting for a short trip or spending the day. Have a picnic on the lawn, go for a dip in the pool, burn some calories on one of the many walks, take in the view via the scenic chairlift, enjoy the gardens, watch the peacocks stroll by or grab a bite from the café. With so many ways to experience the Gorge, you’ll want to keep coming back for more.
2. Go for a stroll along Seaport
Enjoy the best of Launceston’s waterfront at Seaport. Stroll along the boardwalk and take in the view or stop by one of the many restaurants for a drink or bite to eat. Mudbar Restaurant, Rupert & Hound, and Boatyard Launceston are all local favourites.
3. Explore City Park
City Park has been a central space for Launnie locals since 1820. The opulent iron gates welcome visitors to the beautiful park which includes attractions such as a conservatory, several gardens, a giant chessboard, a playground and of course the famous Japanese Macaque monkeys.
4. Sip back and relax at Josef Chromy
Since it first launched in 2007, Josef Chromy Wines catapulted to the top of the Tasmania Wine Industry amassing 14 trophies and 170 medals within a short period of time. The vineyard located just minutes outside of Launceston not only delivers incredible wine but also one of the most delightful food & cellar door experiences in the state.
5. Spend a Saturday morning at Harvest Market
Community is at the core of everything here in Launceston and one of the best ways to experience it is with a visit to Harvest Market. Held on Saturday mornings, Harvest transforms a quiet inner city car park into a welcoming community space. Here, locals and visitors come together to mix, mingle and meet the farmers and producers that create the amazing produce and goodies on offer.
6. Enjoy a day at The Range
Country Club Tasmania’s all-new driving range and social playground is where golf, tech, and good times come together. Featuring state-of-the-art ball tracking, sleek design and a good-times vibe, The Range is perfect for golf lovers, newbies and fun-seekers alike. Swing big, sip something delicious, and get in the game. It all happens here at The Range.
7. Step out of your comfort zone at Penny Royal Adventures
Get the whole family's adrenaline pumping at Penny Royal Adventures. Go cliff walking, rock climbing or on a Dark Ride adventure. For something slightly less exhilarating but equally as exciting, try gemstone fossicking, barefoot sensations, or the Brig Tamar Cruise & Sarah Island Ghost Tour.
8. Car and auto enthusiasts rev your engines
Conveniently located opposite Peppers Silo Hotel and the family friendly Riverbend Park you will find the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania (NAMT). The museum comes alive with varied theme displays each year as well as constantly changing cars and motorcycles in the main hall. And if you are looking for the perfect gift, check out their automobilia shop - one of the largest in Australia!
9. Have quality family time at Riverbend Park
If you thought heading to the park was just a way to keep the kids busy, think again. Riverbend Park has for zones which each contain a variety of equipment and experiences including the usual swings, diggers and sandpits but also a wheelchair carousel, outdoor table tennis and full size sports courts. The park also includes the Sky Walk and ‘confluence net’ which are two of the largest pieces of playground equipment in Australia.
10. Indulge your senses at Stillwater
For a truly luxurious and memorable experience, look no further than Stillwater. Situated at the mouth of Cataract Gorge and built within an original 1840’s flour mill, Stillwater has been an iconic Launceston experience for years. The hatted fine dining experience is one of the best in the state and now you can even book a stay in one of their seven incredible accommodation options. The highly personalised experience helps to create the ultimate comfort for visitors, you might find it hard to check-out!
11. Check out the Queen Victoria Museum and Art (QVMAG)
Spread across two locations, the collection of art, history, and natural sciences showcased at QVMAG has been in the making since 1842. The Art Gallery at Royal Park and the Museum at Inveresk are just a few minutes apart by car or a 15-20 minute scenic walk along the Tamar and North Esk rivers.
12. Fly through the treetops or glide along the forest floor at Hollybank
Adventure awaits out at Treetops Adventure Hollybank on the outskirts of Launceston. Hang out high above the forest floor on the high ropes course or fly through on the zipline. If you’d rather stay a little closer to the ground, you can glide along the forest floor on a Segway tour or mountain bike.
13. Experience the magic of Seahorse World & Platypus House
Discover two of the Tamar Valley’s most fascinating wildlife attractions with a visit to Seahorse World and Platypus House. At Seahorse World, enjoy a personalised and informative experience as you explore the Cave of the Seahorse, tour a working seahorse farm home to thousands of pot-bellied seahorses, and discover the Southern Ocean Aquarium, featuring weedy seadragons, sharks, giant cuttlefish, a Tasmanian Giant Crab and hands-on touch pools for children. Just next door, Platypus House offers the rare opportunity to see Tasmania’s iconic platypuses and echidnas up close in comfortable undercover enclosures, where visitors of all ages can watch these remarkable monotremes feeding and playing while learning about their unique place in Australia’s wildlife. Complete your visit with a coffee overlooking the Tamar River, making this a memorable family-friendly experience.
Image credit: Rob Burnett
14. Take it all in from the water with Tamar River Cruises
Explore the magical Cataract Gorge or cruise along Australia's longest navigable estuary and experience the beauty and magic of Launceston's famous Tamar Valley with Tamar River Cruises.
15. Hop on a wine tour
Our neighbours in the Tamar Valley are well known for their impeccable wine. Considered one of the top wine routes in the world, it’s something you need to taste to believe. Along the West Tamar you’ll find gorgeous boutique vineyards, many of which specialise in Pinot Noir, and, in the Pipers Brook region along the East Tamar you’ll find a plethora of world-renowned bubbly. The best way to experience our wine region is to hop on a tour so you can taste as much as you like and no one needs to worry about being the designated driver.
16. Go underground at Mole Creek Caves
Uncover the magical and mysterious underground world at Mole Creek Caves. There are three cave tours to choose which explore the highly decorated Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons Cave which features lavish colours, formations, and sparkling calcite.
17. Dine at Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall
Du Cane is a family-friendly local favourite in the heart of Launceston, inspired by Tasmania’s wild landscapes and outdoor culture. Offering a range of locally brewed craft beers, woodfired pizzas made with quality local produce, it’s a welcoming place for families, friends and adventurers to gather, relax and share great food and drink.
Image credit: Nick Hanson Visuals
18. Step back in time at Brickendon and Woolmers Estate
Immerse yourself in these neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites just 20 minutes from Launceston. At Brickendon Estate, meet friendly farm animals and explore the 1820s Farm Village and heritage gardens on a property still farmed by seventh-generation Archer descendants. At Woolmers Estate, discover 18 heritage buildings across 13 hectares, wander the expansive Rose Garden and delve deeper into the convict Assignment System story with the UNSHACKLED exhibition. Have lunch at the 1840s Servants Kitchen or Rose Garden Café. You can even opt to stay in original convict-built heritage cottages at both estates. A combined ticket covers both properties and the 2.8km riverside Convict Walk and Suspension Bridge connecting them.
Immerse yourself in the history and delve deeper into the stories with Reassign.
19. Fraternize with the Little Penguins
Low Head Penguin tours have been helping people on meet the Little Penguins since 1996. Their intimate, small group experiences mean everyone who visits has an unforgettable experience while ensuring the penguin’s natural habitat is unharmed.
20. Fall in love with lavender
Sprawled across more than 260 acres, Bridestowe Lavender Estate is the world’s largest privately owned lavender farm. The best blooms are experienced in summer but visit at any time to see the vastness of the farm, taste their famous lavender ice-cream and shop their unique lavender items.
Image credit: Rob Burnett
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