Things to do in Launceston, Tasmania
The best things to do in Launceston, Tasmania, include Tamar River cruises on Cataract Gorge, mountain bike tours at Trevallyn Reserve and zipwiring at Hollybank Wilderness Adventures.
Launceston is a destination that flies under the radar, but anyone who does visit is in for a lovely surprise. It is Tasmania‘s second city, roughly in the centre of Australia’s island state and a short flight from Melbourne. Launceston is not too big and not too small. It’s easy to get around and hosts a large variety of options that should keep just about everyone happy. In fact, it’s possible to pick out highlights for all manner of personality types…
Things to do in Launceston, Tasmania: Natural attractions
Launceston’s key draw card is the genuinely stunning Cataract Gorge. Anywhere else in the world, this sort of scenery would require a few hours’ drive from the city centre. In Launceston, it’s a ten minute walk from the city centre. Steep cliffs line the South Esk River, as the water tumbles over rapids into a basin that offers a dictionary definition of ‘blue’. There are walking tracks on either side of the river from the King’s Bridge for those wanting to make the trip as nature intended. Meanwhile, Tamar River Cruises offers a $33, 50 minute cruise down the gorge for anyone wanting a duck’s eye view.
Launceston is also in something of a bowl, surrounded by bushland. On a sunny Tasmanian day, it’s ideal for walkers, and cyclists that don’t mind the odd climb. For guided bike tours in the area, try Mountain Bike Tasmania. There are several options, including riverside trails, the Trevallyn Reserve and the Hollybank Bike Park. Half day tours costs from $100.
If it’s animals you want to see, Tasmania Zoo is a short drive west of Launceston.
Adventure activities in Launceston
The soft option is to take the world’s longest single span chairlift over the Cataract Gorge basin. The views are great, but don’t involve too much energy.
Much more nerve-wracking is flying through the forest with Hollybank Wilderness Adventures. The $120, two-and-a-half hour zipwiring course sees daredevils of all ages flying across the Hollybank Forest and Pipers River on wire cables, and swaying nervously on platforms attached to fearsomely high trees as they wait for their turn. It’s tremendous fun, however. There’s also a cheaper, two-and-a-half hour tree ropes course on site. That costs $48.
By comparison, the cable hang gliding near the Trevallyn Dam seems a little tame. Nonetheless, it’s an exhilarating baby step into the world of wind sports.
Things to do in Launceston for kids
The fearless young dangerhounds will enjoy the same thrill rides as the action heroes, but it’s a strange kid indeed that isn’t charmed by the Japanese macaques in City Park. This completely incongruous monkey enclosure comes as something of a surprise to anyone not expecting it, but it offers hours of entertainment if the inmates are playing.
The Phenomena Factory exhibit at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is a guaranteed crowd pleaser too. It’s all rotating bridges, interactive robot football and lightning tubes. There are plenty of buttons to bash, and even a Thong-o-phone, which turns the uniform Australian footwear into a musical instrument.
Tasmanian wine-tasting in Launceston
The Tamar Valley, which stretches to the north-east of Launceston, is arguably Tasmania’s best wine growing region. Many of the best wineries have cellar doors that can be visited for tastings. Strong options include the pinots noir at the Dalrymple Estate, the Rieslings from Velo and pretty much the entire range from Josef Chromy. There are other underrated wine regions in Tasmania, should they appeal more, however.
Things to do in Launceston: Brewery tours
Alternatively, forget the wine completely and indulge in a skin-full of lovely, precious James Boags. One of Australia’s best traditional beers beer is brewed in Launceston, and 90 minute tours of the brewery are conducted at the James Boag Brewery Experience. This brewery tour, of course, includes a few samples as part of the $35 price tag.
Design Tasmania in Launceston
Design Tasmania at the edge of City Park features some seriously good local craftsmanship. The whole gamut from (expensive) bar stools and ceramic vases to jewellery and picture frames is on display.
The Design Tasmania Wood Collection is also in the building, and features innovatively cool furniture that’s a few leagues ahead of the usual IKEA flat pack efforts.
To explore further afield on Australia’s biggest island, hire a car at Launceston Airport when you arrive. The best driving adventure is tackling the hairpins of Jacob’s Ladder on the way to Ben Lomond National Park.
The drive from Hobart to Launceston should take around two-and-a-quarter hours, while there are several day trips from Launceston that make it a good base.
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