Launceston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston

Admire heritage buildings and explore stunning countryside around one of Australia’s oldest and quaintest cities.

Launceston was established in the early 1800s on the banks of the Tamar River. It has one of the best-preserved inner-city precincts of any Australia city, with many of the buildings from the early years after settlement still remaining. It’s Tasmania’s second city, but with a small population, it maintains a friendly atmosphere. The surrounding countryside is some of the prettiest in the region, with vineyards, wool farms, lavender fields and gorgeous small towns and villages.

Walk the streets to see stately old buildings. Restrictions in Launceston have kept the skyline low, and local heritage intact. You’ll see immaculately preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings all around the downtown area. Drop by Franklin or Macquarie House and take a look inside two of the most significant. Many other old buildings have restaurants which serve up gourmet local produce and superb wines from the area.

History buffs and art lovers should head to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. It’s spread across two sites and has an excellent collection of Tasmanian art and exhibits about local history. Bring the kids and explore the Family Art Space and the interactive science area, the Phenomena Factory.

If you are a car fan, check out the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania. There are iconic Australian cars as well as vintage motorcycles. Take a tour of the James Boag & Son Brewery. You’ll learn about the brewing process and get to taste different varieties of Tasmania's best-known beers. Relax in City Park it’s home to the botanic gardens, a macaque monkey enclosure and a radio museum.

Head out of town to explore the Cataract Gorge Reserve. Hike trails of varying difficulty or go for a swim in the gorge. To get better views, take the chairlift that goes all the way across. You’ll also find playgrounds, cafés and a swimming pool in the area. If you have a little more time to spend, a tour of the Tamar Valley to sample wines from its many vineyards is a great idea.

Where to stay in Launceston

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Launceston CBD

4.5/5(1,746 area reviews)

Launceston CBD is known for its enchanting waterfalls, and you can make a stop by Launceston Aquatic Centre and Boags Brewery while in the area.

Launceston CBD
Cataract Gorge

West Launceston

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in West Launceston. You might want to make time for a stop at Cataract Gorge or Cataract Gorge Reserve.

West Launceston
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South Launceston

If you're spending time in South Launceston, you might enjoy its restaurants and spas. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Centro Meadow Mews Shopping Centre or Brisbane Street Mall.

South Launceston
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Invermay

Travellers like the museums in Invermay, and University of Tasmania Stadium is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Invermay
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Summerhill

Summerhill might not have many top sights, but Silverdome and Cataract Gorge are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Summerhill
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Trevallyn

Travellers like the historical sites in Trevallyn, and Cataract Gorge Reserve is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Trevallyn
Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
147 Paterson Street, Launceston, TAS
The price is AU$148 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$148
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"All was excellent"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

4.5 out of 5
29 Cameron Street, Launceston, TAS
The price is AU$161 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$161
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"It was disappointing not to have complimentary water on arrival. The staff did a wonderful job assisting with our needs. The food options were rather expensive, but very substantial."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
Mantra Charles Hotel Launceston

Mantra Charles Hotel Launceston

4 out of 5
287 Charles Street, Launceston, TAS
The price is AU$161 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$161
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Parking is an issue"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Mantra Charles Hotel Launceston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Country Club Villas

Country Club Villas

4 out of 5
Casino Rise, Prospect Vale, TAS
Stay at this 4-star golf aparthotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,877 reviews)
"Clean and well serviced units. Very friendly and helpful team."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Country Club Villas
Launceston Central Apartment Hotel

Launceston Central Apartment Hotel

4 out of 5
16 Paterson Street, Launceston, TAS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (622 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Upgraded on arrival, enjoyed our stay, convenient to shops, cafe's, restaurants. Would recommend and stay here again."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2025

Launceston Central Apartment Hotel
Discovery Parks - Hadspen

Discovery Parks - Hadspen

3 out of 5
Cnr Main St & Meander Valley Hwy ( B54 ), Hadspen, TAS
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cabin in Launceston. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Entally Estate and Country ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (421 reviews)
"Cabin had everything we needed beds were comfortable"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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