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Launceston – a vibrant city

The largest in Northern Tasmania

An exciting, cultural and gastronomic hub

Launceston, or ‘Launnie’ as the locals call it is a vibrant city in Northern Tasmania. In 2021, Launceston was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, recognising it as one of 36 of the world’s best epicurean destinations. It’s easy to see why. The area abounds with farm fresh produce, vineyards producing cool climate wines, distilleries, cooking schools, markets, and delightful eateries.

Allow yourself time to visit the impressive Cataract Gorge - a 15-minute walk from the city centre - and ride the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Day trips from Launceston take visitors on a wide range of adventures including the wine trail through the peaceful rolling hills of the Tamar Valley, Tasmania’s oldest winegrowing region and home to more than 30 cellar doors.

Enjoy Launceston tours on a Fun over 50 Tasmanian holiday

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Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
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Tour duration:
10
days

See the icons of the Apple Isle on this in-depth tour of Tasmania. Fly into Hobart for 2-nights and explore the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy an epic Gordon River Cruise travelling to Strahan and Queenstown. Enjoy a train journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway line before arriving into Tullah. Take in all the sights of Wine Glass Bay with an aerial view whilst exploring the Freycinet Peninsula before heading back to Hobart.

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
11
days

Treat yourself this Christmas with the awe-inspiring sights and tastes of Tasmania with 11 days discovering Port Arthur Penal Settlement, Tasman Arch, Derwent Valley, Eaglehawk Neck, Bruny Island and more. We celebrate Christmas in Hobart with a long sumptuous lunch and spend New Years Eve in Launceston. You’ll be tempted by heritage, culture, taste sensations and glorious natural scenery whilst also visiting Cradle Mountain, Strahan and Launceston.

Take time to explore Launceston

There is so much to explore in Launceston and the city is easy to traverse by foot. Stroll along the riverside paths and boardwalks taking in some of the amazing buildings whose designs span many architectural eras. A Launceston tours heritage walk heads along historic Cameron Street and through City Park passing churches, terrace houses, the Post Office, hotels, halls, old warehouses, and schools.

Do a spot of shopping in Brisbane Street Mall with its upmarket boutiques, modern stores, trendy cafes, and artisan shops selling locally made crafts. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) is Australia’s largest regional gallery where you can spend hours wandering through art, history, and cultural displays. 

If you’re in Launceston on a Saturday morning, the Harvest Market is a feast for the eyes and the stomach with local farmers and producers offering the freshest, meats and seafood, fruit and veg, bread, pastry, and dairy.

The largest in Northern Tasmania
The largest in Northern Tasmania

Day trips from Launceston

Launceston day trips offer something for everyone. St Helens on the coast in Tasmania’s northeast is a place of natural beauty that encompasses the Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, and St Helens Point Conservation Area.

Close by is the small farming community of Pyengana. Custodians of the original recipe Pyengana Dairy continue a 135-year-old cheese-making tradition with their farm gate café offering meals, tours, and tastings.

Pass through the former tin-mining town of Derby perched in the northeast’s rugged hills and forest and you’ll see lycra-clad people preparing to take on (or recovering from) the many world-class mountain bike trails in the area. Derby’s charming miners' cottages now house bike shops and quaint cafes.

Not far from Derby are the Legerwood Memorial Tree Carvings. In 1918 nine trees were planted in Legerwood for loved ones lost in WW1. In 2005 chainsaw artist Eddie Freeman turned them into fascinating carvings to tell their stories.

Frequently asked questions

Is Launceston or Hobart a better city to visit?

Both Hobart and Launceston have much to offer visitors. It depends if you want to base yourself in the North or the South. Tasmania offers such diversity so no matter whether you do tours from Launceston or Hobart, you’re bound to be enchanted by the sights.

What is the weather like in Launceston?

The weather in Launceston weather is slightly warmer on average than further south in the state. In summer, the weather is warm during the day and cooler at night.

How far is it from Launceston to Hobart?

It’s just under 200 kilometres between the two cities – a drive of around two hours and 20 minutes.

See nearby cities, sights, and festivals

Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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