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(18 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
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Prospect Vale

Prospect Vale is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Country Club Tasmania and Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area while you're in town.

Prospect Vale
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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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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
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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Newstead

While Newstead may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Launceston Aquatic Centre and Princess Theatre.

Newstead
Coach House Launceston
Coach House Launceston
4 out of 5
10 York Street, Launceston, TAS
Stay at this hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Handy to the city, driveway is a challenge, clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Coach House Launceston
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
4.5 out of 5
29 Cameron Street, Launceston, TAS
The price is £45 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£45
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"I loved the beautiful room, cleanliness, helpful and friendly staff and delicious meals. My only disappointment was that there was no bottled water in the room included in the cost. It would have been nice to have complentaty water available on arrival to the room."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
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 £61 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
£61
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Basic but comfortable apartments, friendly staff, great amenities, walkable and central."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments
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.
Change Overnight
Change Overnight
3.5 out of 5
25 York St, Launceston, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Launceston. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Princess Theatre ...
9/10 Wonderful! (239 reviews)
"change overnight is a very special find and made our stay in Launceston even better. The hotel provided us with various amenities and was very clean and tidy. It was also very spacious, and we found it very cozy. Change overnight is a very unique hotel and we recommend it for anyone who is hoping ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Change Overnight
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,866 reviews)
"Ideally located in a quiet suburb just outside of Launceston and offers various dining options both onsite and at the main Links Golf Club, just down the road. As a travelling family we were comfortable in the three bedroom villa, and were greeted in the morning by the local friendly ducks at the ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Our guests praise ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (614 reviews)
"Friendly staff and safe place"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Launceston Central Apartment Hotel
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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