Launceston's tourism results primarily as a result of the city's topography. Placed in the picturesque land of Tasmania, the city bears a landscape which promises a memorable experience for the tourists here. With a winding river valley, a steep gorge, and a pleasant climate, the city offers several destinations to its tourists. Remnants of Launceston's colonial past add to the charm of being here.
The serene landscape and the numerous sites scattered across the city contribute to Launceston's tourism. The Cataract Gorge stands as a major attraction for the tourists and locals alike, leading to the growth of a number of hotels and travel services to crop up in the vicinity of the location. The towering gorge is a fascinating site with its deep crevices and steep, rugged structure. A chair lift has been arranged to carry the visitors to the top of the hill. A number of pools are indented into the gorge and provide the visitors with a perfect refuge after a steep climb. The gorge is crisscrossed with a number of hiking trails that provide an exciting activity to the visitors here.
The valley of Tamar River is another enticing locale as the river curves down with lush vineyards on its sides. The coats of the river are home to numerous species of water birds and are naturally a heaven for the bird watchers. A temperate climate keeps the river navigable all through the year. The vast golden stretches of vineyard which fringe the sides of the Tamar add to the serenity of the coast.
The colonial settlement in Launceston has left its marks in the architecture of the city. The majestic Victorian houses now stand to amaze the tourists with their stately structure.
The Launceston City Park and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery are frequently visited by the tourists for their heritage.
History of Launceston
Launceston is seeped in a history that dates back a couple of centuries, making it the third oldest city in Australia. The city owes its origin to the European settlement in the eighteenth century, when a group of European settlers chose the coast of the Tamar River, and the city was established in 1805. The city had served as a seat of the colony's administration till the proclamation of Van Diemen's Land in 1823, and now stands as a major centre of Tasmania's commerce.
Launceston had been established by Lieutenant Colonel Paterson, and was initially called Patersonia after its founder's name. The name was however, later changed to the present one as Paterson sought to name the city after the birthplace of the erstwhile Governor King. Launceston had been home to John Batman as he planned the city of Melbourne from here. The city had also been a witness to the exile of Irish nationalist leader Terence MacManus who was transported to the city in 1848.
Though Launceston was established in 1805, its history can actually be traced back to 1798 when a group of explorers headed by Bass and Flinders discovered the land and named it Port Dalrymple. The area had originally been home to the aboriginal communities until the European settlers started flocking in from 1804. The first settlers chose the mouth of the Tamar River and the settlement was then moved to the site where the city presently stands.
The remnants of its historic past are scattered across the city to speak of the bygone years. The European settlers had constructed the city's dwellings in a typical Victorian style, and the majestic Victorian structures still line the streets of Launceston. Preserving the bits and pieces of the old colonial life, the city exists as a 'living heritage' of Tasmania.
Sightseeing in Launceston
Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania. It is popular tourist destination for the Australians and for those who visit the country for it offers variety of Sightseeing places. Apart from places with natural beauty, Launceston is also famous for having important relics of Tasmanian history in the form of Museums, Shops and others.
Some of the Sightseeing Places in Launceston have been listed below-
Cataract Gorge Reserve
Cataract Gorge Reserve is located only a kilometer from the main city but its wilderness never fails to amaze those who witness it. Among the many attractions in the Reserve, the First Basin is quite popular. Fringed by verdant bushland, the Basin is also used as a swimming pool. The flora and the fauna in the Gorge make it a major attraction.
Penny Royal World
This is a replica of the famous Penny Royal Windmill, which was built in 1840. Penny Royal World functions as quite a popular tourist destination. The site features a 16.5 metre windmill, a fort, a gunpowder mill, a paddlesteamer and a cannon foundry.
Launceston City Park
Launceston City Park is Heritage Park which has a monkey island, duck pond, Albert Hall Convention, City Park Radio and Design Centre of Tasmania. Apart from these mentioned features, Launceston City Park also few rare plants.
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania is a must visit for all car lovers. The Museum has an enviable collection which seeks to trace the history of Automobiles in Australia. Most of the exhibits are brought on loan by the Museum.
Waverley Woolen Mills
Established in 1874, Waverley Woolen Mill is the oldest in Australia. The Mill organizes tours for the visitors through the old mill. Also present is a small museum containing memorabilia of the Mills' past.
Tamar Valley
Located less than half an hour by car from Launceston, Tamar Valley is made scenic by the lush wine orchard. Visitors can follow the special Wine Route which along some breathtaking sceneries to view.
The Old Umbrella Shop
Looking elegant in Tasmanian blackwood, this once umbrella shop has now been taken under the wings of National Trust and now serves as an important heritage site.
Aquarius Roman Baths
Aquarius Roman Baths is inspired by the ancient Roman Baths and offers special spa facilities as well as beauty solutions. There are special massage treatments which have been known to cure body aches.
Franklin House and Franklin Village
Another of the historic houses in Launceston, Franklin House was built by the convicts in 1838. Now under the care of National Trust, the House has some interesting exhibits.
The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
The Museum is popular among the tourists; it contains impressive pieces of Tasmanian history which go back to both the Aboriginal and convict days.
J. Boag & Son Brewery, Launceston
One of the most famous of the beer brands in Australia, J. Boag & Son Brewery is now open to the public. The brewery organizes tour of the century old brewery, which also has some interesting photographs for exhibition.
Ben Lomond National Park
Ben Lomond National Park occupies an area of 165 sq. km and covers the mountain Ben Lomand which is the second highest mountain in Tasmania. Skiing in the valleys of the Park during winter time is highly favoured.
Festivals & Events in Launceston
Launceston is the third oldest and the second largest city in Australia. The place abounds with many historic places and attractions. The festivals & events in Launceston are various and throw light on the culture of the city.
The Roberts Royal Launceston show is an agricultural event where thousands attend to enjoy live events like music and sports and also to taste food. The festival of kites in Launceston is a time to enjoy outing with ones family with innumerable food stalls and your kite flying in the sky. The Franklin House Victorian Picnic would be a time for the visitors and the Launcestonians alike to enjoy this event of the bygone times when people came together to enjoy the picnics during the Victorian times and was considered a high fashion. So now everyone can enjoy the Victorian picnics.
Events like the Tasmanian Craft Fair is the largest working craft fair in Australia. It would a be time to witness the diverse craft work like woodcarvings, metal work, pottery, silver and gold smiths, oil paintings, water colors and many others. Some international events in Launceston like the Ten Days on the Island is a time when the local, country and the international visitors come to witness the arts festival.
Launceston Festivals and events celebrate food, wine, music and art of Tasmania. This would be a time to get to know the culture of one of the oldest city of Australia. Thus a combination of scenic waterside setting, parks, gardens, Victorian architecture and the festivals and events of Launceston would make the visit to this place a unique experience.
How to Get in
Launceston Tamar Valley is made for exciting yourself - in exploration, romance and adventure, by land, air, river or sea. It is just a 45-minute flight or a soothing overnight cruise from Melbourne, and a 95-minute flight from Sydney. There are four daily flights from Melbourne during the week and two on weekends.
Flights connect with other major centres. Bass Strait is the sea-road to Tasmania. Spirit of Tasmania I and II cruise regularly from Port Melbourne (Victoria) to Devonport (Tasmania) all year round. There is a sailing every night in both directions and, during high demand periods, daytime sailings as well. Both ships are vehicular ferries, so you can bring your car and/or caravan, or motorbike. Devonport is 95 kms from Launceston and can be reached in about an hour
Hotels in Launceston
