Launceston - The Australian Traveller Guide
“Lonnie,” as it is known to locals, is Tasmania’s underrated gem. An urban retreat with a twist, the city’s modern boutiques, restaurants and galleries stand among Victorian and Colonial buildings that date back to 1824. A gateway to the fabulous wine tours of the picturesque Tamar Valley, it is the perfect base to travel anywhere else on the island.
It's the capital of the north of the island and heart of 'Boags' country. The island's north south divide is most evident in the choice of beer, Boags in the north and Cascade in the south.
Where to Stay
Like any CBD, Launceston has a variety of places to stay. Backpackers and budget travellers head for the Arthouse Hostel, located in an 1888 heritage listed building.
For those wanting a little more privacy than dorm room accommodation, the Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments are charming, clean and lacking a television – pushing you to explore the CBD just five minutes away. There is also the more up market Launceston Country Club with, as you would expect a golf course and casino.
If getting out of town and luxury are decidedly on the agenda, then Marion’s Vineyard in the Tamar Valley offers a rustic chalet or, for the more adventurous, a Tarzan suite among the trees. Fabulous food, wine at your (cellar) doorstep and private jetty are included in this back-to-nature retreat.
Tassie is more English in landscape than anywhere else in Australia and if you want to pretend your staying with a long lost relative at a grand aristocratic country pile then Quamby Estate and Calstock House are both worth it.
What to Do
Launceston is the destination for the history buff, with places such as the historic mansion Franklin House, the perfectly preserved Old Umbrella Shop and the Queen Victoria Museum, a must for those interested in the city’s history. At night, see the architecture come spookily alive (and dead) in a ghost tour around the alleyways and laneways of Launceston. If natural structures are more your speed, make sure to visit Cataract Gorge to hike, swim, see the peacocks and enjoy spectacular views of the basin from the world’s longest single span chairlift.
For a more decadent day, check out James Boag’s Brewery tour in town. If the one-hour tasting is not enough, enjoy your alcohol with a side of scenery on a cruise along the Tamar River and wine hop around the Tamar Valley. Top off your day by getting pampered and detoxing at the Roman Baths back in the CBD.
Further a field, Barnbougle Dunes is the top public course in Australia and No. 7 in world. While it is a public course, strolling on up to hit a few is just not going to work so make sure to call ahead. It is possible to make a day trip to Cradle Mountain - but its not advisable, make it an overnight trip at least.
For those wanting a little more privacy than dorm room accommodation, the Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments are charming, clean and lacking a television – pushing you to explore the CBD just five minutes away. There is also the more up market Launceston Country Club with, as you would expect a golf course and casino.
If getting out of town and luxury are decidedly on the agenda, then Marion’s Vineyard in the Tamar Valley offers a rustic chalet or, for the more adventurous, a Tarzan suite among the trees. Fabulous food, wine at your (cellar) doorstep and private jetty are included in this back-to-nature retreat.
Tassie is more English in landscape than anywhere else in Australia and if you want to pretend your staying with a long lost relative at a grand aristocratic country pile then Quamby Estate and Calstock House are both worth it.
What to Do
Launceston is the destination for the history buff, with places such as the historic mansion Franklin House, the perfectly preserved Old Umbrella Shop and the Queen Victoria Museum, a must for those interested in the city’s history. At night, see the architecture come spookily alive (and dead) in a ghost tour around the alleyways and laneways of Launceston. If natural structures are more your speed, make sure to visit Cataract Gorge to hike, swim, see the peacocks and enjoy spectacular views of the basin from the world’s longest single span chairlift.
For a more decadent day, check out James Boag’s Brewery tour in town. If the one-hour tasting is not enough, enjoy your alcohol with a side of scenery on a cruise along the Tamar River and wine hop around the Tamar Valley. Top off your day by getting pampered and detoxing at the Roman Baths back in the CBD.
Further a field, Barnbougle Dunes is the top public course in Australia and No. 7 in world. While it is a public course, strolling on up to hit a few is just not going to work so make sure to call ahead. It is possible to make a day trip to Cradle Mountain - but its not advisable, make it an overnight trip at least.
When to Travel
Launceston and the Tamar Valley are pleasant all year round, but it is pretty cold and therefore quiet in winter which means not everything is open. Visiting in the summer months has its other benefits, particularly in February where Launceston comes alive with its highly anticipated three-day food and wine gala, Festivale, held in City Park.
Launceston and the Tamar Valley are pleasant all year round, but it is pretty cold and therefore quiet in winter which means not everything is open. Visiting in the summer months has its other benefits, particularly in February where Launceston comes alive with its highly anticipated three-day food and wine gala, Festivale, held in City Park.
Transport
Launceston Airport is around a 15-minute drive from the CBD, and is serviced by all the major domestic airlines. To get to the city, catch the Airporter Shuttle Bus to the city ($14 one way, 6343 6677) or a cab (approximately $25). While in the CBD, the bus service Metro (13 22 01) makes local exploration convenient. To get out of town, Redline Coaches (1300 360 000) and TassieLink buses aid travel throughout all Tasmania. Alternatively, save yourself the timetable hassle and consider hiring a car, which can be done at the airport, or in town.
Area Highlights
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Great Articles on Launceston from
Australian Traveller Magazine
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084 Twirl a Brolly from a Previous Century The perfect Australian classical-purchase. Snag yourself a brolly! 
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Toasting the Tamar AT reader Charlie Inglefield from Sydney has fallen hard for a burgeoning wine region in Tasmania’s northeast. Can he make it out with his liver alive?
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