Launceston is in the limelight thanks to the staging of Mona Foma over summer, but that’s not all there is to do in Tasmania’s northern riverside town.
Legions of tourists flocked to Launceston this January to attend Mona Foma, held exclusively in the northern Tasmanian city for the first time.
A previously Hobart-based festival from the masterminds of Mona (Museum of Old and New Art) and Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie, its move north was designed to disperse some of its cultural and economic cachet throughout the state.
The fact that the Tasmanian State Government has committed to funding Mona Foma for a further two years in the city that sits on the Tamar Estuary means Launceston – or Launnie as is affectionately known in Tas Vegas – is destined to receive a lot more love.
Here are all the best things to do when you’re there.
1. Go for a swim in Cataract Gorge
Walk across the picturesque Cataract Gorge Suspension bridge for the best view of the gorge.
Get a glimpse of Tasmania’s mystical forest when you walk underneath a canopy of massive branches belonging to stands of giant slate-grey gums that line the Cataract Gorge Reserve. Immerse yourself in the landscape by descending into the wilderness and finding a sheltered pocket of shade by the water.
Launceston has its fair share of shiny hippie people: follow their lead and sway down the path that snakes its way to the cool, jade-green water. Having a swim here is compulsory. You can also enjoy views over the water percolating down from the mountain courtesy of the Gorge Scenic Chairlift or suspension bridge, both of which offer panoramic views. Sit near to the ribbon of water and listen to the branches squeaking in the breeze and the mournful echoes of birds sending their songs high into the trees.
2. Visit Harvest Market
A visit to the Harvest Market is a little like buying tickets to a travelling production of Hair. There are dreadlocked hippies, grey-haired gents wearing brown berets, middle-aged women in carefully coiffed up-dos and little girls with beribboned braids.
Go for breakfast, when Launnie locals are sitting with their perambulating trolleys filled with haunches of ethically farmed meat and hand-shaped loaves of sourdough from APC.
The decibel at this time of day ramps up somewhat as marketgoers sit and graze on falafel wraps from the Wanderlust vintage van while listening to live music. Launceston is a no-fuss kind of place and the market is a microcosm of that: it’s a relaxing place to be marooned at. Pick up a cave-matured wodge of cheddar from Elgaar and rye and linseed crackers from The Grain Family for afters in City Park.
Visit the fresh Harvest Market
3. Bread & Butter
PART of Small-Batch butter producers the Tasmanian Butter Co.’s factory, Bread & Butter IS Launceston’s trendiest brunch spot largely due to its mouth-watering baked goods and, you guessed it, incredible butter.
The large warehouse space boasts an open-fronted bakery and kitchen, enabling hungry customers to see the heart of the action as trays of piping hot croissants, loaves and cinnamon-laced buns are Churned out. Get in early at weekends to be sure to have your pick of the pastries.
If pastries are your poison you can’t go past Bread & Butter.
4. Enjoy a tipple during your travels
On the Apple Isle, the cider house rules, so content yourself with its riches at the Red Brick Road Cider. The ciderhouse handcrafts ciders and ‘perries’ (pear cider) based on traditional techniques. Pick up a sixer of the Red Brick Road Scrumpy from the cider house cellar door and sit while sipping and flipping through the racks of vintage vinyl. Snooty beer nerds can also get their thrills on an ale trail that veers from the newly refurbished James Boag Brewery to Tandy’s Alehouse and St John Craft Beer Bar which has 14 brews on tap.
The world-class wine industry in Tasmania has also helped bring the state to life: solicit suggestions from the staff at Sinapius Cellar Door and Clover Hill Wines, which are both new and noteworthy. Josef Chromy is listed as one of the Top 10 Cellar Doors of Australia and a visit to the stunning vineyard and restaurant presents an exceptional Tasmanian food and wine experience.
Make like a tree and wrap yourself in a colourful knit to better blend in with the Launnie locals at the Kingsway Bar, where you can sample small batch tipples such as Abel Gin and Poltergeist Gin.
5. Stillwater
Housed in an old flour mill, fine-dining restaurant Stillwater serves up modern Tasmanian dishes alongside its river views. Stillwater’s events calendar is always worth a look, as the venue frequently welcomes internationally recognised chefs and specialists through its doors to host sought-after experiences.
Booking is recommended, especially at weekends, when you will want to be sure to ask for a window seat. And with the recent opening of Stillwater Seven, you can now sleep here too.
Stillwater is Launceston’s answer to fine dining. A meal here is always a superb treat.
6. Saint John
Keen to kickstart your visit with a pint of something deliciously unique? Founded by local beer nerds Tim Jarosz, Luke Dempsey and Ryan Campling, Saint John Craft Beer celebrates the best native brews alongside lesser-known guest beers in a cosy bar.
Expert advice on what to sip on comes as standard and the team opens up its hidden food truck from 5pm (4pm on Sundays), ensuring that punters’ hunger is satisfied by a selection of wholesome bar food and seasonal specials.
7. Embrace the local art scene
A stroll through The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery in Launceston does not have the same disorienting effect as tumbling down the rabbit hole that is MONA in Hobart. But the gallery is still a major destination for art, history and the natural sciences in northern Tassie.
QVMAG stands on the ancestral lands of the Tyerrenotepanner, Leterremairrener and Panninher clans and The First Tasmanians: Our Story is a permanent exhibition that pays respect to their customs and culture. You can also strap yourself in to a former aircraft seat for a feature presentation of the night sky, presented like a dot-to-dot at the planetarium.
Those who value craftsmanship should also factor in a pit stop at Design Tasmania, which celebrates beautiful workmanship. Tassie is prime territory for those who love the arts: events worth circling on your cultural calendar include Effervescence, Festivale, Junction Arts Festival and, of course, Mona Foma.
One of the installations on display during Mona Foma, Launceston.
8. Seagrass Design
Nature-inspired prints and vibrant block colours are staples at Seagrass Design, Launceston’s go-to for adults’ and children’s fashion, homewares, ceramics and art prints. The brand was founded over a decade ago in Brisbane by Jamie and Kimberley McCabe.
The couple have since relocated to Launnie, which is where – if you’re lucky – you’ll find them selling their colourful wares. A guaranteed hit with design lovers, both big and small.
Seagrass is Launceston’s go-to
9. Kosaten
A new addition to the city’s dining scene via its sister space in Hobart, Kosaten fuses fresh Tasmanian seafood with Tokyo-inspired pop styling in a Japanese restaurant that delivers, whether you’re after a Speedy sushi train snack or an umami feast. Ordering dish by dish using your table’s personal iPad is the perfect solution for those who can never tell how hungry they are until they start eating. We won’t blame you for ordering double fried chicken!
Kosaten is a local favourite for a reason: it consistently serves up quick, fresh and delicious Japanese food.
10. Birrell Collection
Launceston central is chock full of surprises, and the Hatherley Birrell Collection – jaw-droppingly beautiful boutique studio accommodation owned and operated by the duo behind the Birrelli architecture and design studio – is top of our unexpected finds.
The private residences combine art, sculpture, design and garden spaces to make for the ultimate in self-catered luxury. Celebrating something special? Be sure to book the magnolia garden pavillion, which comes complete with its own outdoor bath, set into an impressive slab of volcanic stone.
11. Red Fox Antiques
Located on Tamar Street, Red Fox Antiques is the perfect spot to pick up a precious memento when visiting. Home to a hand-picked selection of silverware, jewellery, furniture, homewares, textiles and vintage fashion pieces, the tiny shop is part-museum, part-retail space, all enviably stylish.
Pick up a precious momento
12. The Florance
For those who prefer bedding down in a pocket-friendly property that sings with history, The Florance guest house is for you. Combining traditional Victorian architecture with contemporary styling, it’s a stone’s throw from the city’s action. Think original stained glass, sumptuous textiles, and a light-filled conservatory in which to bookend your days.
Carla Grossetti travelled to Launceston as a guest of Tourism Tasmania and MONA FOMA.
Nice article, but it would have been good to see Design Tasmania featured.