Launceston - Australia's Third Oldest City

Established on the banks of the Tamar River, Launceston is Tasmania's northern capital city and the epicentre of the diverse and picturesque Tamar Valley.

Australia's third oldest city, Launceston sits at the foot of the spectacular Cataract Gorge and at the beginning of the beautiful Tamar Valley, Tasmania's premium wine region. Founded in 1805, it has managed to maintain much of its heritage architecture. Although it is Tasmania's second largest city, Launceston has an ambience of times gone by. Often called 'the Garden City' due to its beautiful parks, it is renowned for great dining and superb local wines.

1842
One of Launceston's oldest buildings now has a new life as an artists' co-op where fine handcrafted furniture and wooden products are made and sold. You can see artisans at work and learn about some of Tasmania's finest art and artists on site. It's also Launceston's largest commercial gallery and exhibits work by Northen Tasmania's foremost artists. Situated in a huge 160-year-old warehouse and counting house that was once Launceston's major foodstuffs purveyor.
Corner of St John and Cimitiere Streets, Launceston
Open 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Weekends.
Ph: 6331 2213

Boag's Centre for Beer Lovers
Situated in the historic Tamar Hotel. Three floors contain brewing memorabilia, Boag family history, a merchandise retail shop, tour reception and tasting bars. Learn how traditional brewing methods have been upheld by the master brewer, and end with a unique and memorable tasting session. Tours conducted 9am, 11am and 2pm bookings advisable.
39 William Street, Launceston
Open 8.45am-4.30pm weekdays;
Ph: 6332 6300
www.boags.com.au

Cataract Gorge Reserve
Ten minutes walk from the city centre, the South Esk River passes through the spectacular Cataract Gorge. There is a choice of two walking trails from Kings Bridge to First Basin. At Cliff Grounds is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants.

Franklin House
This Georgian-style house, restored by the National Trust, serves morning and afternoon teas.
413 Hobart Road, Franklin Village;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 6344 7824

Launceston Travel and Information Centre
Your booking centre for all your Local & Intrastate Travel. Reservations, bookings, accommodation, tours, car hire, sea travel, Spirit of Tasmania, River Cruises, Conferences, state-wide attractions, special events, general visitor information. Welcoming you to your Tasmanian experience.
Cornwall Square Transit Centre 12-16 St John St, Launceston
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 3pm. Sun 9am -12pm
Freecall 1800 651 827
E-mail: Travelcentre@launceston.tas.gov.au

Mud Club and Peppers Seaport Hotel
Mud Club, the luxury day spa and fitness studio, offers vichy showers and body mud treatments and top fitness equipment. The adjacent Peppers Seaport Hotel offers luxury boutique accommodation and is a great base for exploring the region.
Launceston Seaport,
Mud Club 6334 0033
Peppers 6345 3333

National Automobile Museum
One of Australia's best collections of vintage and verteran automobiles and motorcycles from the twenthieth century.
86 Cimitiere St, Launceston City;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 6334 8888

The Basin Cafe
The new Basin Café located in the Cataract Gorge grounds has fantastic views and offers great food and beverages. John Temple photography can be viewed and purchased.
Cataract Gorge
Open from 8am
Ph: 6331 5222

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery at Royal Park & Inveresk
Through the treasures of its collections, the Museum presents Tasmania's story at two magnificent sites. Housed in a Victorian building the Royal Park site focuses on Tasmanian natural heritage. Also home to the Launceston Planetarium, the children's interactive space - Discovery Plus, and a unique Chinese Temple.

At Inveresk, this extraordinary industrial heritage site, the former Launceston Railway Workshops, has been transformed into a new cultural precinct for Launceston. The Museum has established a magnificent new Art Gallery to showcase its renowned fine art, decorative art and craft collections, from colonial to contemporary.
Open 10am-5pm
Ph: 6323 3777

Tamar River Cruises
The popular 50 minute Cataract Cruise on the new Lady Launceston is the perfect way to experience Launceston's beautiful Cataract Gorge. The Warm Winter Schedule departures are: 11.30, 12.30, 1.30 everyday from now until the end of August. No minimum numbers apply. Fully heated, full commentary. Fares: $15 Adults, $14 Concessions, $8 Children, $38 Family of 4.
Wonderful wildlife including sea eagles, wild ducks, black swans, pelicans and many other varieties of waterfowl.
Cruises depart from Home Point, on the boardwalk, at the end of Home Point Parade, Launceston
Ph: 6334 9900
www.tamarrivercruises.com.au