Launceston CBD
The heritage city centre, with Princes Square, the QVMAG art gallery and the Saturday Harvest Market.Best for: First-time visitors
Overview
Launceston Cruise Experiences
Famous Launceston Attractions
The main sights of Launceston sit close together, between the gorge, the river and the heritage streets of the city centre. The wineries of the Tamar Valley begin just north of town.Cataract Gorge Reserve
Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
A museum and art gallery on two sites, established in 1891 and known as the largest museum and art gallery outside a capital city in Australia. The museum stands at Inveresk, on the site of the old Launceston Railway Workshops, with displays on the history, wildlife and landscapes of Tasmania.
The art gallery sits in its original building from 1891 at Royal Park, on Wellington Street. It holds Australian colonial art and the Guan Di Temple, a full Chinese temple once used by Chinese tin miners in the 1800s. Both sites have free entry and are open every day, and the Inveresk site is home to the Launceston Planetarium.
The art gallery sits in its original building from 1891 at Royal Park, on Wellington Street. It holds Australian colonial art and the Guan Di Temple, a full Chinese temple once used by Chinese tin miners in the 1800s. Both sites have free entry and are open every day, and the Inveresk site is home to the Launceston Planetarium.
City Park
A heritage park in the city centre, founded in the 1820s by the Launceston Horticultural Society. It is best known for its troop of Japanese snow monkeys (macaques), a gift from Ikeda, the sister city of Launceston in Japan. The macaques live in their own enclosure in the park and are one of the most popular sights in Launceston.
Within the park, the John Hart Conservatory, from 1932, holds seasonal flower displays, and the Albert Hall, from 1891, stands on its edge. In December 2024, the council decided to stop the macaques from breeding, but the troop is expected to remain in the park for many years to come.
Within the park, the John Hart Conservatory, from 1932, holds seasonal flower displays, and the Albert Hall, from 1891, stands on its edge. In December 2024, the council decided to stop the macaques from breeding, but the troop is expected to remain in the park for many years to come.
Tamar Valley Wine Route
Harvest Market
Tamar Island Wetlands
A wetland reserve on the edge of the Tamar estuary at Riverside, around a 10-minute drive from the city along the West Tamar Highway. It is home to around 60 species of birds, and the reedbeds and mudflats make it one of the best places near Launceston for birdwatching. A boardwalk leads from the visitor centre over the wetlands to a bird hide, and continues to Tamar Island itself. The centre opens Wednesday to Sunday, with entry by donation.
A museum and art gallery on two sites, established in 1891 and known as the largest museum and art gallery outside a capital city in Australia. The museum stands at Inveresk, on the site of the old Launceston Railway Workshops, with displays on the history, wildlife and landscapes of Tasmania.
The art gallery sits in its original building from 1891 at Royal Park, on Wellington Street. It holds Australian colonial art and the Guan Di Temple, a full Chinese temple once used by Chinese tin miners in the 1800s. Both sites have free entry and are open every day, and the Inveresk site is home to the Launceston Planetarium.
The art gallery sits in its original building from 1891 at Royal Park, on Wellington Street. It holds Australian colonial art and the Guan Di Temple, a full Chinese temple once used by Chinese tin miners in the 1800s. Both sites have free entry and are open every day, and the Inveresk site is home to the Launceston Planetarium.
A heritage park in the city centre, founded in the 1820s by the Launceston Horticultural Society. It is best known for its troop of Japanese snow monkeys (macaques), a gift from Ikeda, the sister city of Launceston in Japan. The macaques live in their own enclosure in the park and are one of the most popular sights in Launceston.
Within the park, the John Hart Conservatory, from 1932, holds seasonal flower displays, and the Albert Hall, from 1891, stands on its edge. In December 2024, the council decided to stop the macaques from breeding, but the troop is expected to remain in the park for many years to come.
Within the park, the John Hart Conservatory, from 1932, holds seasonal flower displays, and the Albert Hall, from 1891, stands on its edge. In December 2024, the council decided to stop the macaques from breeding, but the troop is expected to remain in the park for many years to come.
A wetland reserve on the edge of the Tamar estuary at Riverside, around a 10-minute drive from the city along the West Tamar Highway. It is home to around 60 species of birds, and the reedbeds and mudflats make it one of the best places near Launceston for birdwatching. A boardwalk leads from the visitor centre over the wetlands to a bird hide, and continues to Tamar Island itself. The centre opens Wednesday to Sunday, with entry by donation.
Precincts & Neighbourhoods
Best for: First-time visitors
Seaport
A riverside precinct with a boardwalk and waterfront dining, close to the Home Point cruise terminal.Best for: Dining and cruises
Invermay
An inner suburb north of the city, home to the QVMAG museum at Inveresk, UTAS Stadium and a car museum.Best for: Museums and live sports
Trevallyn
A suburb west of the CBD on the edge of Cataract Gorge, with access to bush trails.Best for: Gorge walks and nature
Riverside
A West Tamar suburb around 5km from the city, home to Tamar Island Wetlands.Best for: Wine touring and birdlife
Legana
A riverside town on the West Tamar, on the Tamar Valley Wine Route.Best for: Cellar doors and quiet stays
Things To Do In Launceston
On The Water
Cruise Cataract Gorge (recommended)Cruise to the Batman Bridge
Swim at the First Basin pool
Ride the Penny Royal boats
Cross the Alexandra Suspension Bridge
Nature & Outdoors
Ride the Gorge chairlift (recommended)Walk the First Basin Loop
Walk to Duck Reach
See macaques in City Park
Explore Tamar Island Wetlands
Culture & Heritage
Explore QVMAG at Inveresk (recommended)See the Royal Park gallery
Stroll Princes Square
Catch a Planetarium show
See classic cars in Invermay
Food & Wine
Taste Tamar Valley pinot noir (recommended)Shop at the Harvest Market
Visit Boag’s Brewhouse
Taste Tassie sparkling at a cellar door
Dine on the Seaport boardwalk
Popular Day Trips From Launceston
Beauty Point & Beaconsfield
(≈50km | 45 minutes)Two riverside towns on the West Tamar. Beaconsfield was a gold mining town from 1877, and its Mine & Heritage Centre tells the story of the mine, which closed in 2012. Don't miss Seahorse World at Beauty Point, the first seahorse aquarium in the world, and Platypus House next door.
Longford
(≈24km | 22 minutes)A heritage town south of Launceston, home to Woolmers and Brickendon, two farming estates from 1817 and 1824. Both are World Heritage-listed as part of the Australian Convict Sites. Don't miss the rose garden at Woolmers, at its best from October to February.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
(≈52km | 50 minutes)A lavender farm at Nabowla, north-east of Launceston, and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It opens all year, with the fields in bloom from mid-December to mid-January. Don't miss the purple rows in full bloom during summer.
Ross
(≈84km | 1 hour)A Midlands village south of Launceston, known for its sandstone bridge from 1836, with 186 carvings by convict stonemason Daniel Herbert. Don't miss the Ross Female Factory, the most archaeologically intact female convict site in Australia.
Suggested Launceston Itineraries
Day 1: Cataract Gorge By Water & On Foot
Morning: Cataract Gorge cruise from Home PointAfternoon: First Basin, the chairlift & the Alexandra Suspension Bridge
Evening: Dinner at the Seaport
Day 2: Heritage, Museums & City Park
Morning: Harvest Market & Princes Square (Harvest Market runs on Sat mornings only)Afternoon: City Park macaques & QVMAG Museum at Inveresk
Evening: Boag's Brewhouse & dinner in the CBD
Day 3: Full Day Tamar Valley Adventure
Tamar Island Wetlands boardwalkCellar doors on the Tamar Valley Wine Route
Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
Seahorse World & Platypus House at Beauty Point
* You can mix and match these itineraries according to your time, interests and convenience to create your own Launceston experience.
How To Get To Launceston
International travellers:
Launceston Airport has no direct international flights. Most international travellers fly to Melbourne or Sydney first, then take a domestic flight to Launceston. Hobart Airport also has seasonal flights from Auckland. From Hobart Airport, Launceston is around 200km away, or about 2.5 hours by car. Compare fares from different airlines and travel sites when booking flights.Domestic travellers
Direct flights run to Launceston from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Flight schedules can change, so visit the official Launceston Airport website for the latest routes. Travellers bringing a car can also take the passenger and car ferry across Bass Strait from Geelong to Devonport, around 100km from Launceston.Know Before You Go
Transport
Getting to Launceston is easy. Major airlines offer direct flights from major Australian cities to the Launceston Airport (LST).
Public transport includes buses operated by Metro Tasmania, connecting to key areas of the city and nearby suburbs. For interstate travel, long-distance coach services are also available.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Launceston.
Public transport includes buses operated by Metro Tasmania, connecting to key areas of the city and nearby suburbs. For interstate travel, long-distance coach services are also available.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Launceston.
Getting to Launceston is easy. Major airlines offer direct flights from major Australian cities to the Launceston Airport (LST).
Public transport includes buses operated by Metro Tasmania, connecting to key areas of the city and nearby suburbs. For interstate travel, long-distance coach services are also available.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Launceston.
Public transport includes buses operated by Metro Tasmania, connecting to key areas of the city and nearby suburbs. For interstate travel, long-distance coach services are also available.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber operate throughout Launceston.
Launceston’s food scene is deeply rooted in its rich agricultural heritage and love for paddock-to-plate dining. From bustling street stalls to elegant fine-dining venues, the city serves up a vibrant mix of flavours that celebrate the best of Northern Tasmania’s produce.
Launceston offers a variety of accommodation from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. Please note that prices fluctuate depending on seasonality, events and festivals that may be on during the time.
TASMANIA SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2026
Term 1: 18 April to 3 May
Term 2: 11 July to 26 July
Term 3: 3 October to 18 October
Term 4: 19 Dec - (end date not confirmed)
Term 1: 18 April to 3 May
Term 2: 11 July to 26 July
Term 3: 3 October to 18 October
Term 4: 19 Dec - (end date not confirmed)
Launceston Cup (25 February)
The Launceston Cup is a 150-year-old annual horse-racing event. With a prize money of A$300,000, it is a Group Three open handicap thoroughbred race that attracts bidders and enthusiasts from all over Tasmania. The cup is a well celebrated event in the city and would be a great experience for tourists as well.
Festivale (TBC)
Festivale is one of Australia’s most vibrant food and fine festivals, showcasing Tasmania's local produce, beverages and exceptional entertainment in an outdoor venue located in the fringes of the city. Usually taking place around February, this event draws over thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.
Australian Music Theatre Festival (May)
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival, held annually in May near the Tamar River, showcases top-quality musical productions, and emerging talent. Here, you’ll get a chance to meet Australia's biggest star and experience new renditions of beloved musicals.
The Launceston Cup is a 150-year-old annual horse-racing event. With a prize money of A$300,000, it is a Group Three open handicap thoroughbred race that attracts bidders and enthusiasts from all over Tasmania. The cup is a well celebrated event in the city and would be a great experience for tourists as well.
Festivale (TBC)
Festivale is one of Australia’s most vibrant food and fine festivals, showcasing Tasmania's local produce, beverages and exceptional entertainment in an outdoor venue located in the fringes of the city. Usually taking place around February, this event draws over thousands of visitors from all parts of the world.
Australian Music Theatre Festival (May)
The Australian Musical Theatre Festival, held annually in May near the Tamar River, showcases top-quality musical productions, and emerging talent. Here, you’ll get a chance to meet Australia's biggest star and experience new renditions of beloved musicals.
Australia-wide holidays:
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
8 Jun (Mon) – King’s Birthday
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
Tasmanian observed holidays
9 Feb (Mon) – Royal Hobart Regatta
9 Mar (Mon) – Eight Hours Day
7 Apr (Tue) – Easter Tuesday *
2 Nov (Mon) – Recreation Day
Regional observed holidays
7 Jan (Wed) – Devonport Cup
25 Feb (Wed) – Launceston Cup
3 Mar (Tue) – King Island Show
8 May (Fri) – AGFEST
2 Oct (Fri) – Burnie Show
8 Oct (Thu) – Royal Launceston Show
16 Oct (Fri) – Flinders Island Show
22 Oct (Thu) – Royal Hobart Show
27 Nov (Fri) – Devonport Show
*Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday in Tasmania. Observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service.
1 Jan (Thu) – New Year’s Day
26 Jan (Mon) – Australia Day
3 Apr (Fri) – Good Friday
6 Apr (Mon) – Easter Monday
25 Apr (Sat) – Anzac Day
8 Jun (Mon) – King’s Birthday
25 Dec (Fri) – Christmas Day
26 Dec (Sat) – Boxing Day
28 Dec (Mon) – Boxing Day Holiday
Tasmanian observed holidays
9 Feb (Mon) – Royal Hobart Regatta
9 Mar (Mon) – Eight Hours Day
7 Apr (Tue) – Easter Tuesday *
2 Nov (Mon) – Recreation Day
Regional observed holidays
7 Jan (Wed) – Devonport Cup
25 Feb (Wed) – Launceston Cup
3 Mar (Tue) – King Island Show
8 May (Fri) – AGFEST
2 Oct (Fri) – Burnie Show
8 Oct (Thu) – Royal Launceston Show
16 Oct (Fri) – Flinders Island Show
22 Oct (Thu) – Royal Hobart Show
27 Nov (Fri) – Devonport Show
*Easter Tuesday is a restricted public holiday in Tasmania. Observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service.
The best time to visit Launceston is during the summer months of December to February. This time offers warm weather, clear skies and festivals. The shoulder months of March to May provide fall weather and ideal temperatures for sightseeing.
We recommend that you spend two to three days in Launceston to explore the city’s main attractions.
We recommend that you spend two to three days in Launceston to explore the city’s main attractions.
Launceston Tourist Information
Brisbane Street Mall offers a central shopping experience with boutiques, department stores and more. Visit the Evendale Sunday market for a wide range of stalls selling antiques and regional crafts unique to Launceston.
World Street Eats Launceston is a monthly activity that usually takes place on the last Sunday of the month at the Civic Square. This is a community-based festival with cultural performances, drinks and lots of street food!
Harvest Launceston Market is a popular farmers market held on Saturdays, where you can sample and buy the finest local produce.
World Street Eats Launceston is a monthly activity that usually takes place on the last Sunday of the month at the Civic Square. This is a community-based festival with cultural performances, drinks and lots of street food!
Harvest Launceston Market is a popular farmers market held on Saturdays, where you can sample and buy the finest local produce.