Wondering what to do in the area - we've got you covered!
Alice’s Cottages is located just on the edge of the Launceston CBD, so it the perfect peaceful location to explore both the city itself and Northern Tasmania. Launceston itself is known for its rich heritage and architecture, amazing culinary and foodie scene, natural features including the iconic Cataract Gorge, and as the gateway to the Tamar Valley Wine region and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Launceston provides the perfect base to experience it all!
Alice’s Cottages is located just on the edge of the Launceston CBD, so it the perfect peaceful location to explore both the city itself and Northern Tasmania. Launceston itself is known for its rich heritage and architecture, amazing culinary and foodie scene, natural features including the iconic Cataract Gorge, and as the gateway to the Tamar Valley Wine region and beyond.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Launceston provides the perfect base to experience it all!
Exploring Launceston
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Cataract Gorge
No trip to Launceston is complete without seeing our beautiful cataract gorge. Take a short drive up the hill or a lovely walk along Margaret st and past Penny Royal. This iconic part of Launceston is not to be missed. Walk the loop around or take the chairlift, the central span of which is 308 metres is believed to be the longest single chairlift span in the world. |
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Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday morning… Our Farmers’ Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to you… a beautiful offering of Northern Tassie fresh produce and handmade treats and demonstrates the very best of the food culture of Launceston. 8.30am til 12.30pm, 71 Cimitiere street |
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Penny Royal
Rich with history and atmosphere... Whether you’re interested in learning a little of Tassie’s rich convict history or you’re in for a little thrill-seeking on the zipline or rock climb, or even just a coffee or glass of wine set amongst the incredible surrounds, Penny Royal truly has something for everyone. 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston pennyroyallaunceston.com.au |
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Tamar River Cruises
See the Tamar River in style on a Tamar river cruise… With numerous cruise options this is a beautiful way to take in the beauty of Launceston and the Tamar Valley. Home Point Parade, Launceston tamarrivercruises.com.au |
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Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)
Immerse in local culture... Found across two locations in Launceston - the Art Gallery at Royal Park and Museum at Inveresk and is a major destination for art, history and natural sciences in Northern Tasmania. QVMAG Museum and Planetarium – 2 Invermay Rd QVMAG Art Gallery – 8/2-8 Wellington St qvmag.tas.gov.au |
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City Park | Design Tasmania Centre
See the monkeys!! Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, then call into the Design Centre which contains a one-of-a-kind collection of contemporary wood designs and shop featuring an extensive range of products by Tasmanian designers. Corner Brisbane and Tamar Streets designtasmania.com.au |
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Star Theatre
Brought back to its former glory in recent years… The Star Theatre is a beautiful example of art deco cinema architecture from 1937. Now an independently run cinema with bar and café serving local drinks and produce, why not see what’s on show? 217b Invermay Rd, Invermay startheatre.com.au |
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James Boags Brewery
The home of Tassies best beer... Located on the banks of the Tamar River, take a fully guided tour of the historic James Boags Brewery for a taste of its rich history and of course beers paired with delicious Tasmanian cheeses. 39 William St, Launceston jamesboag.com.au |
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Princess Theatre
Launceston’s home of entertainment… Boasting local shows, comedians, interstate shows and events. See what's on while you are in town! 57 Brisbane Street theatrenorth.com.au/princess-theatre |
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Hotair Balloon Tasmania
What a way to see Launceston! “Balloon rides over Tasmania, the island at the edge of the world. (Launceston)” hotairballoontasmania.com.au |
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Woolmers Historic Estate
A great value lunch on an amazing historic estate... Woolmers is a beautifully preserved example of Tassie’s rich convict history and early colonial life. Located just outside Longford it is well worth a visit to wander the grounds, take a house tour or enjoy the gorgeous Marjories Restaurant. 658 Woolmers Lane, Longford woolmers.com.au |
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Evandale Markets
Every Sunday… The quaint and historic town of Evandale hosts a regular county market every Sunday from around 8am to 1.30pm. Falls Park, Logan Rd, Evandale |
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Launceston for the night owls and crafty folk...
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Saint John Craft Beer Bar
Features up to fourteen taps with the best of international, Australian and Tasmanian craft beer and craft ciders. 133 St John Street Monday to Saturday 12:00pm – late Sunday 2pm – late saintjohncraftbeer.com.au |
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Charlies Dessert House
For the late-night sweet tooth, Charlie's has you covered! 74 Charles Street Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday 10am - 4pm charliesdesserthouse.com |
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Du cane Brewery and Dining Hall Opened in September 2022 is Launceston's first Brewery and Dining hall (set in the old "tent city" building with loads of character). A great spot to soak up some Tassie atmosphere and enjoy a fine brew. 60/64 Elizabeth st Open Daily from 12pm ducanebrewing.com.au |
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Travelling along the west side of the Tamar river...
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Tamar Island wetlands
If you’re feeling like getting out for a walk and enjoying some wildlife... The Tamar Island wetlands is a great spot to visit. Call into the volunteer run interpretation centre for some great information then follow the board walks all the way out to Tamar island and enjoy the many bird species (a small visitor fee applies). W Tamar Hwy, Riverside discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/tamarislandwetlandsreserve |
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Swiss Village at Grindelwald
Little Swiss Village! The little Swiss Village at Grindelwald is a great spot to checkout – whether for golfing or a bit of fun in a paddle boat or putt putt golf, or enjoy a meal at the Alpenrose Lakeside Bistro & Bar. Little shoppes and cafes and more. 7 Waldhorn Drive, Grindelwald tamarvalleyresort.com.au |
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Rosevears Hotel
Beautiful river views, great food, great wine, art gallery and more… 215 Rosevears Drive, Rosevears rosevearshotel.com.au |
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Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage
Historic gold mining town! Beaconsfield is a former gold mining town near the Tamar River. Lose yourself in the history at their Centre. Opening hours – Daily 9.30am – 4.30pm beaconsfieldheritage.com.au |
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Seahorse World
Hold the mysteries of the ocean in the palm of your hand… Completely unique aquarium facility at Beauty Point. Just 45 mins from Launnie. seahorseworld.com.au |
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Heading west towards Devonport...
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Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café
Farm fresh raspberries... A café with a spectacular outlook, great food, a lovely store with berry jams, sauces – even socks! Meander over the beautiful farm grounds. 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town raspberryfarmcafe.com.au |
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Ashgrove Cheese
This is where your cheese in the welcome gift comes from! Award winning Tasmanian Farm Milk, Cheese, Cream and Butter! Visit onsite at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Tasmanian Farm Store. 6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town ashgrovecheese.com.au |
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Reliquaire
Tassie’s most amazing toy and unique gift shop – kids AND adults will be amazed!! Words just can’t describe how incredible this shop is… so many hidden nooks and crannies filled with absolute enchantment and magic! You could spend hours just looking in this shop. Our boys go nuts about the medieval room - filled with cosplay weapons and dragons! 139 Gilbert Street, Latrobe reliquaire.com |
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Anvers Chocolate
A real chocolate taste sensation… When you visit the House of Anvers you can see the qualified confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine couverture chocolat, truffles, pralines, fudges and more! 9025 Bass Hwy, Latrobe anvers-chocolate.com.au |
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Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is without a doubt Tasmania’s most iconic landmark... it is well worth the day trip! Make your way to the newly built visitor centre for loads of ideas on what to explore before catching the shuttle bus.
From Launceston… it is a 2.5 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
NOTE: It is recommended to park your car at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and then catch the shuttle bus in. The last shuttle bus returns to the visitor centre at 4pm so be sure to keep this in mind! Car access is ONLY allowed outside of Shuttle bus hours (8am-4pm).
Please see the Parks website for up-to-date info
From Launceston… it is a 2.5 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
NOTE: It is recommended to park your car at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and then catch the shuttle bus in. The last shuttle bus returns to the visitor centre at 4pm so be sure to keep this in mind! Car access is ONLY allowed outside of Shuttle bus hours (8am-4pm).
Please see the Parks website for up-to-date info
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The Dove Lake Loop Track
Our Recommended Classic Shorter Walk – allow 2 hrs – our kids have done this walk easily A great introductory walk to the park, this walk leaves from the Dove Lake carpark. Take the track on the eastern (left hand) side of Dove Lake and follow it clockwise around the lake. More info |
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Circuit of Cradle via Lake Rodway (overnight stay in Scott-Kilvert Hut)
Our Recommended Overnight Trek – we did this in 2019 with our Dad (Bec & Sarah's Dad) – and absolutely loved it!! See cradle from every angle, as you work your way around its entirety – including the optional side track, to summit cradle mountain as part of the journey. More info |
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The Overland Track
Tassies Iconic Trek… Tom and Sarah (our senior manager / Bec’s sister) along with some close family members recently ticked this one off the bucket list! Absolutely incredible. 65 kms plus of pure Tasmanian wilderness through to Lake St Clair. The walk demands a fair degree of preparation and physical fitness and takes on average 6 days to walk. Bookings are essential. More info |
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Ben Lomond
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Home to one of two ski of Tassie's ski fields, Ben Lomond comes alive during the winter for snow skiing and tobogganing....
Situated just over an hour from Launceston, Ben Lomond National Park is accessible year round via the iconic "Jacob's Ladder" which ascends up the dolerite cliffs to the alpine plateau above. It is important to note the following: - access requires a valid National Parks pass - snow chains are required to be carried in all vehicles between June and September (these can be hired from a number of places around town) - the 'shuffle' bus operates from the lower carpark over Winter and is recommended for access to the ski village. Highly recommend checking out the below website for all the details: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/ben-lomond-national-park |
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