Launceston travel guide

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Launceston is a city in the north of the state of Tasmania, Australia, with a population of 103,325 located at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. It is the second largest city in Tasmania after the state capital Hobart. Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and is home to a large selection of nineteenth century buildings. Like many Australian places, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom — in this case, Launceston, Cornwall.

Launceston has also been home to several firsts such as the first use of anesthetic in the Southern Hemisphere, the first Australian city to have underground sewers and the first Australian city to be lit by hydroelectricity. The city has a cool temperature climate with four distinct seasons and is a very popular tourist destination.

Fast Facts

Some of the Tourist Attractions of Launceston are :

√ The lofty Cataract Gorge is the key attraction of Launceston and numerous tourists flock to the city to marvel at the towering formation. The rugged hill is crisscrossed by a number of hiking trails which promise an exciting adventure. A chairlift takes the visitors up the cliff for breathtaking views of the valley below. The Zig Zag Reserve above the Gorge is a frequent visit for the panorama it offers.

√ The Tamar Valley is another major attraction of Launceston as it offers fascinating sites and an enjoyable cruise down the quiet waters. The coasts of the river are ideal for bird watching and the vineyards which stretch along its sides gifts the region with some of its best wines.

√ The Ben Lomond National Park is a popular winter destination as it offers an ideal place for skiing. The park is places on the slopes of Tasmania's second highest peak Legges Tor. Towering dolerite formations and a rugged topography make the park a ravishing locale to be in.

√ The Penne Royal World is a popular entertainment park of Launceston. The park comprises of an abandoned windmill, a gunpowder factory and a museum.

√ The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery traces the colonial life in the city. The building stands as a fine specimen of Victorian architecture and holds up the way of life as it existed a couple of centuries back.

The Tourist Attractions of Launceston are many in number and its no wonder that the city hosts a bulk of Tasmania's tourists each year.



Things To Do

Launceston is a haven for the tourists, offering them a host of activities to pep up their stay in the fascinating city. Cradled by the Tamar Valley and a chain of hills, the city has a breathtaking landscape which is practically a storehouse of excitement. The rich heritage which looms over the city also adds to its attraction to the tourists. With a number of shopping and dining destinations, Launceston is therefore replete with numerous things to do when one is in the city.


√ Sightseeing : - The first thing to do in the city would naturally be to rejoice the scenery which it offers. The Tamar River flows past the city creating a serene haunt for the visitors as they relish the tranquil beauty of the quiet waters. The river valley is an ideal spot for bird watching as numerous species of water birds nest in the quiet coasts. The river is navigable throughout the year allowing a wonderful cruise to the visitors.

The Cataract Gorge which rises over the city is a fascinating locale which keeps its visitors marveling at the towering formation. A chair lift spans the deep gorge taking the visitors in a fascinating ride across the rapids and crevices below.

√ Adventurous Activities : - The topography of Launceston provides ample scopes for a number of exciting activities like hiking or camping. The Zigzag Track is an exciting climb up the gorge with breath taking views to compensate for the strain. A number of lakes near Launceston are home to a host of trouts and are a popular spot for fishing. The Low Head Peninsula is infested with fairy penguins and a night trip to the place can be just as fantastic.

√ Visiting the Places : - Another interesting thing to do in Launceston is to visit the vineyards that line the Tamar. The vineries can offer one a comprehensive idea of the style and expertise with which they brew some of the best wines in the region.

The historic city still houses the remnants of its colonial past and the ancient structures attract the city's tourists to witness the early history of European settlement in the city. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the Old Umbrella Shop, the Waverley Wooden Mills - all stand to narrate the life as it had been in erstwhile Launceston.

√ Shopping is another activity for the tourists in Launceston. The tourists here can take home fine specimens of Australian aboriginal art or the famous woolen clothing of the region.

Launceston is therefore a complete travel destination offering its guests a multitude of things to do.



Entertainment

→ Art Galleries
See the world from a different perspective by heading along to one of the top-notch art galleries in Launceston. Whether you want to view old masters or modern masterpieces, or even purchase a beautiful painting or sculpture yourself you'll find masses here to tempt you. Some of the fascinating art galleries in Launceston are Lakeside Gallery, Treeform, Such Is Life Gallery, The Thistle Gallery, Unique Bieniek Fine Arts and Gallery and so on.

→ Museums
Whether you're a tourist visiting Launceston or a local history buff who wants to learn more about Launceston or are simply looking for somewhere to spend a fun day out, the museums of Launceston are the best way for it. Museums are no longer the stuffy places they once were and are now packed with hands on experiences to keep every member of your family entertained, even the very young.

→ Nightclubs
Escape from the hassles of your everyday routine and head for the bright lights of the nightclubs in Launceston. Whatever your club scene or musical tastes you'll find lots in Launceston to help you get the party started and transport you to another world.

→ Bowling
There's nothing quite like the sound of the bowling ball knocking over all 10 pins and if you've not been bowling for a while, now's the time to take part in a fun family activity in Launceston. Launceston hosts a number of bowling alleys where you can go and have fun.

→ Theatre
There's nothing like the roar of the crowd and the smell of the greasepaint to carry you to another world and if you're eager to see theatre in Launceston you won't be disappointed with the range of drama, musicals, and dance on offer in Launceston.



Food

Launceston specializes in food as fresh as the air that helps nurture the plump and juicy grapes. From seafood including oysters shucked, to artisan breads made from stone-ground organic flour, wheels of cheeses, berries and natural ice creams, rock lobster patés and meats smoked to old family recipes, are all available in Launceston.



Shopping

There are two shopping malls in Launceston, Brisbane Street Mall and the Quadrant Mall. Brisbane Street Mall is great for the larger department stores and mainstream shops, however if you are looking for something more unique, then the Quadrant Mall is home to some fine independent boutiques. For fabulous homewares and Australian designer labels, Homebody in Charles Street is perfect. North West of Launceston is Devonport. Steele Street in Devonport is all about interiors and fine coffee and its all under one roof at Mason & Mason. This is worth making a special trip for. While you're there don't forget to visit the Devonport Regional Art Gallery in Stewart Street displaying a diverse collection of contemporary paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics and sculpture.



Local Transport

Transportation facility at Launceston is very comfortable and safe. There are frequent bus, coach and train and other local transport services that run within and outside the city. There are a large number of buses that move between all possible destinations. Many local transport operators offer bus and coach bookings both online and direct.

The train service at Launceston is also a quick and cheap means of transportation. One can also book and hire taxis to reach various destinations comfortably. Most of the travel agencies offer booking for taxis and comfortable cars. These cars take you to your destination very quickly and safely.

Places like Altarnun, Kelly, Portgate, Barnstaple, Pyworthy and many more can be reached easily in these coaches and cars.



Getting Around

Launceston is about a 45-minute flight from Melbourne and 95 minutes from Sydney. There are about 4 direct flights on weekdays and 2 flights on weekends that ply between these two destinations. These flights connect Launceston with other important cities.

In case you choose to sail across to Launceston, it would take you an overnight cruise to reach your destination. The cruise takes you through the Bass Strait sea road to Tasmania in the Spirit of Tasmania I and II cruises. The regular cruise starts from Port Melbourne (Victoria) to Devanport (Tasmania) all year round.

Each night a cruise starts from both these directions and in the peak season when there is high demand, daytime sailings also take place. The ships that sails are vehicular ferries which makes it possible for people to bring along their cars, vans, or motorbikes. Devonport in Tasmania is just 95 km away from Launceston and is easily reachable in about an hour's time.

The cruise covers beautiful locales and some splendid sights and scenes, thereby making it your dream cruise of a lifetime.