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Launceston is a city that has so much to offer - with it's blend of heritage charm, natural beauty - highlighted by the iconic Cataract Gorge, and a thriving food scene, there’s something to suit every style of traveller. Wander the trails at Cataract Gorge, spot monkeys in City Park, or explore local art and history at QVMAG. For something a little different, Penny Royal Adventures offers history and thrills in a dramatic setting just minutes from the CBD. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the vibrant Harvest Market — a showcase of local producers that reflects Launceston’s proud status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. From riverside walks to laneway cafés, art galleries to fresh local produce — this is our guide to making the most of your time in Launnie. |
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must-see launnie
Cataract Gorge & Scenic Chairlift
No visit to Launceston is complete without a wander through Cataract Gorge — a natural treasure just minutes from the city. Explore native bush tracks and Victorian-style gardens, spot wallabies and peacocks, or float above the South Esk River on the Gorge Chairlift (the longest single-span chairlift in the world). You’ll find cafés, a swimming pool (open in summer), picnic spots, and heritage walking tracks including the loop over Alexandra Suspension Bridge and the Gorge Walk follwing the cliffline to Kings Bridge and the city beyond, or upstream out to Duck Reach Power Station and Interpretation Centre.
74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston
launcestoncataractgorge.com.au
No visit to Launceston is complete without a wander through Cataract Gorge — a natural treasure just minutes from the city. Explore native bush tracks and Victorian-style gardens, spot wallabies and peacocks, or float above the South Esk River on the Gorge Chairlift (the longest single-span chairlift in the world). You’ll find cafés, a swimming pool (open in summer), picnic spots, and heritage walking tracks including the loop over Alexandra Suspension Bridge and the Gorge Walk follwing the cliffline to Kings Bridge and the city beyond, or upstream out to Duck Reach Power Station and Interpretation Centre.
74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston
launcestoncataractgorge.com.au
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City Park
A peaceful green space right in the centre of town. Meander beneath huge old trees, enjoy the flower-filled heritage conservatory, or say hello and enjoy the playful antics of the park’s resident macaque monkeys. Don’t miss the Design Tasmania Centre nearby for locally made art, furniture and exhibitions.
45-55 Tamar St, Launceston
A peaceful green space right in the centre of town. Meander beneath huge old trees, enjoy the flower-filled heritage conservatory, or say hello and enjoy the playful antics of the park’s resident macaque monkeys. Don’t miss the Design Tasmania Centre nearby for locally made art, furniture and exhibitions.
45-55 Tamar St, Launceston
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Royal Park, Seaport & Tamar River Cruises
Wander through Royal Park and around to the Old Seaport, where the South Esk and North Esk rivers converge into the Tamar River... a great little hotspot for great food, coffee or a glass of Tassie's finest at the Mudbar, Levee Food Co. or Bar Urbane; or pop across the footbridge to Riverbend park and the Silo's hotel where you'll find the award-winning Grain of the Silo's restaurant.
From homepoint, you can take the opportunity to see Launceston from a different angle with a relaxing cruise along the Tamar River. Cruise options range from short scenic outings to longer wine and wilderness adventures.
Home Point Parade, Launceston
tamarrivercruises.com.au
Wander through Royal Park and around to the Old Seaport, where the South Esk and North Esk rivers converge into the Tamar River... a great little hotspot for great food, coffee or a glass of Tassie's finest at the Mudbar, Levee Food Co. or Bar Urbane; or pop across the footbridge to Riverbend park and the Silo's hotel where you'll find the award-winning Grain of the Silo's restaurant.
From homepoint, you can take the opportunity to see Launceston from a different angle with a relaxing cruise along the Tamar River. Cruise options range from short scenic outings to longer wine and wilderness adventures.
Home Point Parade, Launceston
tamarrivercruises.com.au
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Harvest Market
Every Saturday morning, local growers and producers transform a quiet carpark into one of the state’s best markets. Browse fresh fruit and veg, handmade pastries, cheeses, coffee, wine, and more. It’s a wonderful way to meet locals and sample what makes Launceston a foodies hub.
71 Cimitiere St, Launceston
8:30am – 12:30pm
harvestmarket.org.au
Every Saturday morning, local growers and producers transform a quiet carpark into one of the state’s best markets. Browse fresh fruit and veg, handmade pastries, cheeses, coffee, wine, and more. It’s a wonderful way to meet locals and sample what makes Launceston a foodies hub.
71 Cimitiere St, Launceston
8:30am – 12:30pm
harvestmarket.org.au
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Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG)
QVMAG is Tasmania’s leading museum and is split across two locations:
Art Gallery – Royal Park: Home to contemporary and historical works, plus a permanent exhibition on Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage.
Museum – Inveresk: Features exhibits on natural sciences, colonial transport, industry, and the cosmos — complete with a working planetarium.
Art Gallery: 2 Wellington St
Museum & Planetarium: 2 Invermay Rd
qvmag.tas.gov.au
QVMAG is Tasmania’s leading museum and is split across two locations:
Art Gallery – Royal Park: Home to contemporary and historical works, plus a permanent exhibition on Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage.
Museum – Inveresk: Features exhibits on natural sciences, colonial transport, industry, and the cosmos — complete with a working planetarium.
Art Gallery: 2 Wellington St
Museum & Planetarium: 2 Invermay Rd
qvmag.tas.gov.au
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Penny Royal Adventures
Set beneath the cliffs of an old quarry, Penny Royal is equal parts history, thrill, and scenery. Learn about Tasmania’s colonial past on a dark ride or boat tour, or ramp up the adrenaline with rock climbing, zip lines, and cliff jumps. Prefer to stay grounded? Grab a coffee or glass of wine by the water, enjoy a bite at Alida Restaurant or Brady’s Tavern, or pop into the ice creamery for a treat.
1 Bridge Rd, Launceston
pennyroyallaunceston.com.au
Set beneath the cliffs of an old quarry, Penny Royal is equal parts history, thrill, and scenery. Learn about Tasmania’s colonial past on a dark ride or boat tour, or ramp up the adrenaline with rock climbing, zip lines, and cliff jumps. Prefer to stay grounded? Grab a coffee or glass of wine by the water, enjoy a bite at Alida Restaurant or Brady’s Tavern, or pop into the ice creamery for a treat.
1 Bridge Rd, Launceston
pennyroyallaunceston.com.au
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tours
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James Boag Brewery Experience Take a guided tour through one of Tasmania’s most iconic heritage breweries in the heart of the CBD and the banks of the North Esk river. Learn about the history, the brewing process, and enjoy a guided tasting paired with local cheese. 39 William St, Launceston jamesboag.com.au |
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Launceston by Foot
Engaging small-group walking tours with passionate local guides. Perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting to learn more about the city’s character and stories. launcestonbyfoot.com 
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Self-Guided History Walks
Download a map from the Launceston Historical Society and explore at your own pace. Discover hidden stories, heritage buildings and iconic locations. launcestonhistory.org.au 
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Wallaby Walkabout Tours
Led by Geoff McLean, a local Aboriginal historian, these tours of Launceston and the Gorge offer a rich insight into culture, Country, and Tasmania’s layered history. launcestonwalkingtours.com.au 
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