Making the most of Launceston

As Tasmania’s oldest and most charming town, Launceston possesses the perfectly old-timey atmosphere that will leave everybody satisfied and relaxed. Take advantage of the cooler weather and cosy-up amongst its traditional bed and breakfasts, rolling hills and valleys, and expansive farmland and nature. Delve into the surrounding Tamar Valley region to explore quaint villages and feast upon culinary delights in the surrounding areas, perfect for a romantic getaway or a low-key weekend with friends! Hobart and Devonport are basically around the corner, too, each only a few hours’ drive away. Get down south with half-price flights from the start of April, and Tassie will be sure to show you some love!

Treat yourself to a feast for the eyes by heading to Cradle Mountain. Just shy of two hours from Launceston by car, Cradle Mountain is North Tassie’s best feat of nature and its sixth highest mountain. Think an expanse of mossy rainforests adorned with glacial rivers running along gorges, cutting through the rocky faces of each mountain slope. The chilly atmosphere creates a pristine, dewy layer across the terrain, making everything look picture-perfect and untouched.

Take a day tour from Launceston and enjoy the humble towns of Deloraine and Hagley on your way to the mountain, or opt for another that goes through Sheffield and get your fix of mountainous history by studying all the beautiful murals of the town. Get your cameras and grins ready for Dove Lake along the Enchanted Forest Walk in the mountain! You’ll have hours to explore and choose the path best suited to your fitness, interests or little ones. See if they can spot the wombats, wallabies and echidnas ambling along the path with you. Sample some beautiful local cheese from the Ashgrove cheese farm on the way back – a reward for all your exercise during the day.

If hiking didn’t wear out your itchy feet well enough, the braver at heart can opt for canyoning through the upper areas of the Dove Lake. Beginners are welcome to get up close and personal with the quartzite gorges of the mountain, and canyon their way through the dewy valleys. Hold on tight as you traverse the chilly flowing waters across the face of the ranges, and marvel at the surrounding King Billy pines towering around you. The wombats snuffling around the mountains’ paths might give you funny looks, but it’s probably just your huge helmet they’ll be staring at. The more experienced canyoners can traverse a more complex route and up the adrenaline-filled ante.

Wine lovers are going to fall in love with Launceston’s delightful selection of grapes. Visit the Josef Chromy Winery and indulge in a tasting and two-hour lunch menu by the open log fire, overlooking the estate’s shimmering lake. For the avid sommeliers, take a tour of the estate and sample new wines before anyone else! Go a step further and learn how to make your own sparkling wine, taking tips from the professionals themselves! The next day, jump on a river tour around Cataract Gorge, taking in the romantic, idyllic riverfront buildings and sampling the best local beer and wine from the region. There’s also a local cheese platter available onboard to enjoy with the beverages.

If you’re planning on venturing down towards Hobart, why not make the journey memorable and get to know the terrain intimately on your way down with one of our transport tours? Take a day to get yourself there, stopping in Campbell Town for a brief history lesson and taking happy snaps at the Great Oyster Bay lookout. Finish with arguably the most beautiful body of water in Tassie, the pristine Wineglass Bay, and stretch your legs around the expansive Freycinet National Park. If you’re after a longer journey and prefer to milk the most out of every day, check out our three-day tour, where you can smash out Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay and Port Arthur over only two sleeps.

Start planning your visit to Launceston here, with our range of curated experiences certain to make your holiday extraordinary. Tasmania is the overseas holiday you need right now and the adventures start right here.