Launceston, Australia
Region: Tasmania
Geographic Coordinates: -41.441900, 147.145000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 25.0°C (50°F to 77°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Launceston, Australia vary throughout the year.
Population: 106153
Language: English
Launceston is a charming city located in the northern part of Tasmania, Australia. It is the second-largest city in Tasmania and has a population of around 100, 000 people. Launceston is known for its beautiful parks, Stunning architecture, Rich history and vibrant culture. One of the most popular attractions in Launceston is Cataract Gorge Reserve. This natural reserve offers breathtaking views of the gorge and surrounding hills. Visitors can take a scenic chairlift ride over the gorge or go on one of many hiking trails that lead through the reserve.
Another must-see attraction in Launceston is Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. This museum showcases Tasmanian history and art with exhibits ranging from natural history to colonial-era artifacts. The museum also hosts events throughout the year, Including workshops, Lectures and film screenings. Launceston’s architecture reflects its rich history as an important trading port during colonial times. Many buildings date back to this era, Including City Park Radio Station which was built in 1895 and still operates today as an active radio station.
Foodies will love visiting Launceston’s famous Harvest Market which takes place every Saturday morning at Cimitiere Street Car Park. Here visitors can sample fresh produce from local farmers as well as artisan breads, Cheeses, Coffee and more. For those looking for outdoor adventure activities there are plenty to choose from such as kayaking on Tamar River or taking a hot air balloon ride over Launceston’s picturesque countryside.
no visit to Launceston would be complete without experiencing its vibrant arts scene which includes galleries showcasing contemporary art exhibitions by local artists alongside international works at venues like QVMAG Art Gallery & Museum or Sawtooth ARI Gallery & Studios where you can see works by emerging artists across various mediums including painting sculpture photography video installation sound performance drawing printmaking textiles fashion design jewellery ceramics glass metalwork woodwork bookbinding graphic design animation and more. Launceston is a city that offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in history, Culture, Nature or adventure activities there’s plenty to see and do here. With its friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere, Launceston is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Tasmania’s northern region.
- Cataract Gorge Reserve
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
- Launceston City Park
- Tamar Valley Wine Region
- Boag’s Brewery
- James Boags Brewery Experience
- The Old Umbrella Shop
- Josef Chromy Wines
- Penny Royal Adventures
- Tasmania Zoo
- Tourism: Launceston is a popular tourist destination, with attractions such as Cataract Gorge, Tamar Valley wine region, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
- Agriculture: The region is known for its agricultural production of apples, cherries, berries, grapes, hops and other crops.
- Manufacturing: Launceston has a strong manufacturing sector that includes food processing, timber products and metal fabrication.
- Education: The city has several educational institutions including the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College (AMC), TasTAFE (Tasmanian Polytechnic) and several private schools.
- Healthcare: Launceston has a number of hospitals including the Launceston General Hospital which provides healthcare services to the wider northern Tasmanian community.
- Retail: The city offers numerous shopping centres ranging from small boutique stores to large retail chains like Kmart or Target.
- Professional Services: Legal firms such as Rae & Partners have been established in the city for over 100 years providing legal services across Tasmania while accounting firms like BDO Australia also operate in the area providing business advice to local businesses.
- Transportation & Logistics – Several transportation companies are based out of Launceston that provide freight transport services throughout Tasmania as well as interstate transport services between Melbourne & Sydney.
- Construction – Construction industry is also quite prominent in Launceston with many builders operating out of here providing construction services across Tasmania.
- Finance – Major banks like ANZ Bank, Commonwealth bank etc have their branches operating out of Launceston along with credit unions & other financial institutions providing various financial products & services to locals living here.
- The arrival of Europeans in 1806, led by Lieutenant Colonel William Paterson.
- Launceston was established as a town in 1827.
- Gold was discovered in the nearby towns of Beaconsfield and Lefroy during the late 1800s.
- The Alexandra Suspension Bridge was constructed in 1905 to span the Tamar River.
- Sir Richard Dry served as mayor from 1912 to 1917 and again from 1921 to 1924. He also held a seat in Tasmania’s parliament from 1909 until his death in September of 1933.
- Australian cricketer David Boon, who played for Tasmania and Australia between 1984-1996, called Launceston home.
- Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, born and raised in Launceston, along with Olympic athlete Amy Cure who won bronze at the Rio Olympics are notable individuals from recent times.
- The city is renowned for its historic architecture that includes Georgian-style buildings such as Franklin House (1840) and Clarendon House (1838).
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
- Cataract Gorge Reserve
- Launceston City Park
- Boag’s Brewery Tours
- National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
- Tamar Valley Wine Route
- James Boag’s Brewery Experience
- Launceston Tramway Museum
- Franklin House
- Design Tasmania Centre
- The Launceston Football Club was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest football clubs in Australia. They have won 17 Tasmanian State Premierships and have produced many notable players, including AFL stars Jack Riewoldt and Grant Birchall.
- The Northern Tasmania Cricket Association was formed in 1956 and represents cricket clubs from Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and surrounding areas. They compete in the Tasmanian Premier League.
- The Tamar Rowing Club was founded in 1880 and is one of the oldest rowing clubs in Australia. They have won numerous state championships over the years and continue to be a competitive force on the water.
- The Launceston Tennis Club was established in 1885 and has hosted many national tournaments over the years. It is home to some of Tasmania’s top tennis players.
- The North Esk Football Club was founded in 1934 as an amateur club for local players who couldn’t make it into professional teams like Launceston FC or Scottsdale FC at that time; they compete against other regional teams such as Bridport FC or St Helens SC nowadays.
- Festivale is a food and wine festival that takes place in February, showcasing the best of Tasmanian produce.
- The Junction Arts Festival is a multi-arts event held in September, featuring music, theatre, dance and visual arts.
- The Launceston Show is an agricultural event held in October, with livestock displays, carnival rides and entertainment for all ages.
- The Australian Italian Festival celebrates Italian culture with food stalls, music and cultural activities every November.
- The Tamar Valley Writers Festival is a literary event featuring talks from local and national authors held annually in August.
- Every Saturday morning the Launceston Harvest Market offers fresh produce from local growers at its weekly farmers market.
- The Tasmanian Craft Fair is an annual event held in Deloraine (about 45 minutes from Launceston) showcasing handmade crafts by over 200 artisans from across Australia.
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery hosts various exhibitions throughout the year showcasing art, history, science and natural heritage of Tasmania.
- Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at Princess Theatre bringing world-class classical music to audiences in Launceston.
- Tasmanian seafood – Fresh seafood such as oysters, mussels, scallops, and fish are a must-try in Launceston.
- Black Cow Bistro – This restaurant is known for its high-quality beef dishes and extensive wine list.
- Stillwater Restaurant – Located in an old flour mill on the Tamar River, this restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine using fresh local produce.
- Mudbar & Restaurant – This Asian fusion restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes including sushi rolls, dumplings, and curries.
- Cataract on Paterson – A popular spot for breakfast or brunch with an extensive menu featuring classic breakfast dishes as well as more unique options like kimchi pancakes.
- St John Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen – Known for their craft beer selection and hearty pub food like burgers and chicken wings.
- Sweetbrew Espresso Bar – A cozy cafe serving up delicious coffee drinks along with sweet treats like cakes and pastries.
- Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant – An Italian-inspired bar serving up cocktails alongside antipasti plates and wood-fired pizzas.
- City Park is a large public park located in the heart of Launceston, featuring beautiful gardens, playgrounds for children to enjoy, and an enclosure for Japanese macaques.
- Cataract Gorge Reserve is a natural reserve that offers visitors walking trails to explore, picnic areas to relax at, a swimming pool for those hot summer days and even chairlift rides!
- Royal Park is a popular spot for picnics and BBQs with plenty of space for children to play on the playgrounds or participate in sports on the sporting fields.
- Heritage Forest is perfect for hiking enthusiasts looking to explore some stunning trails while bird watchers will also find plenty of opportunities here.
- Tamar Island Wetlands Centre serves as an educational center showcasing the wetlands ecosystem of the Tamar River where visitors can learn more about this unique environment.
- Penny Royal Adventures offers an amusement park experience with zip-lining, rock climbing and other exciting activities available for all ages!
- Aurora Stadium hosts cricket matches and Australian Rules Football games making it perfect for sports fans who want to experience some live action!
- Launceston Aquatic Centre provides an indoor swimming facility offering lap pools, water slides, spa pools & more! Perfect way to beat the heat during summer months.
- Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery allows visitors to explore Tasmania’s cultural heritage through art exhibitions & historical artifacts! A must-visit destination if you’re interested in learning about Tasmania’s rich history and culture!
