For a city full of historical buildings and panoramic views, Launceston aspires to be one of the best places to visit for your itinerary. Situated next to the Tamar River, the city boasts its rich and unique heritage, offering numerous epic things to do in Launceston.
As you enter the city center, you will come across historical buildings from the colonial period, beautiful public squares, and parks. These structures do not fail to give an English ambiance to Launceston. Hence, you must explore the heritage center through a historical walk around the city. Trust us, this activity will be one of the best things to do in Launceston if you love to see unique buildings.
Going away from the city center will lead you to the Cataract Gorge. While it is one of the best things to do in Launceston, its gorgeous cascades and trails will make you fall in love with it. Thrillingly, the wilderness around Launceston offers some of the most adventurous activities to experience. From ziplining to mountain biking, there’s so much to do but so less time.
Things to Do in Launceston
As mentioned, there are several fun things to do in Launceston Tasmania. Its surrounding countryside, mansions, historical center, and World Heritage Sites are all delight to watch. Unsurprisingly, these stunning places add to the liveliness and prosperity of Launceston.
Quick Tip: Launceston and Hobart are like neighbors. Hence, most visitors plan their trip to Launceston with Hobart. Therefore, we recommend you do the same and make a list of the best things to do in Launceston and Hobart. Click here to learn more about the capital of Tasmania.
Finally, let us look at the list of fun things to do in Launceston for your itinerary. Using our checklist, you can make a list that suits your travel plans and budget. We assure you that you will love your time here!
Things to Do in Launceston (1-5)
1. Relish the Weather at Cataract Gorge
With the South Esk River running through it, Cataract Gorge will leave your eyes delighted with its picturesque sceneries. Luckily, the place is about 15 minutes from the city center, that too by foot. Hence, the place is easily accessible, making it one of the best things to do in Launceston.
This beautiful place offers some magnificent walking trails, taking you to the extremes of Cataract Gorge. Surprisingly, these walking trails were built in the 1890s and are still as strong as before. Aboard the world’s longest single-span chairlift if you want to see the panoramic views of Cataract Gorge. Additionally, the Kings Bridge is worth watching as it’s the perfect place to become photogenic in Launceston.
Cataract Gorge is home to magnificent walking trails, offering panoramic views to tourists. You will be shocked to learn that the 1890s saw the construction of these trails! They are still as strong as before.
Walking south of the river will unlock access to an exquisite swimming pool. However, if the day’s hot, expect heavy crowds near the swimming area due to its high demand. As far as its wildlife is concerned, prepare to get yourself dazzled because of the mesmerizing and kaleidoscopic peacocks here. Hence, all these attractions, the cascades, and the sheer cliffs of Cataract Gorge make up one of the best things to do in Launceston with your family.
- Address: 74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Fun things to do: See the kaleidoscopic peacocks, click photos with the panoramic views of Cataract Gorge, go swimming
- Entrance Fee: $15 for adults and $10 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Auldington Hotel
2. Relax in the City Park
Launceston is home to one of the finest city parks in Tasmania. Surrounded by oaks and elms, City Park of Launceston is full of fun things to do and picnic spots for families. A notable tourist attraction here is the Japanese Macaques and City Park Radio Museum. Both rightfully display why City Park is so popular among tourists.
Furthermore, the Jubilee Fountain serves to be a great spot for clicking photos with your family. If you are traveling with your kids, rest assured, as the City Park gets rated as the #1 place in Launceston for kids.
Rated as the #1 place in Launceston for kids, the city park offers numerous fun and recreational activities.
For adults, this Tasmanian park has a lot to offer. The Albert Hall has all the entertainment you need for a trip as it organizes various exhibitions and concerts very often. Hence, prepare your family to spend a wholesome time in Launceston’s City Park.
- Address: 5-55 Tamar St, Launceston TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Fun things to do: Sit near the Jubilee Fountain, visit the Japanese Macaques and the City Park Radio, and attend concerts in the Albert Hall
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: The Grand Hotel Launceston
3. Visit the Old Mac’s Farm
If you desire to stay at a unique place for your itinerary to Launceston, Old Mac’s Farm is the perfect place. Located a few minutes from the city center, the best and most unusual things to do in Launceston are easily accessible from here.
Besides the lodging options, Old Macs possesses a scenic lake, delicious restaurants, and many other facilities. Surprisingly, the hotel is like a private caravan, allowing the tourists to explore the city with the vehicle they are staying in! Hence, if you travel to Launceston, we highly recommend lodging with Old Macs and getting yourself a motorhome.
- Address: 53 Sandown Rd, Norwood TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Whenever you visit Launceston
- Fun things to do: Stay in one of the most unusual hotels and explore the state in a motorhome
- Hotels Nearby: Old Mac’s Farm is a Hotel itself!
4. Explore the Beautiful Tamar Island Wetlands
Loaded with beautiful birds, Tamar Island Wetlands serves as a happy ground for bird lovers. Thankfully, the place is easily accessible because it lies just 10 minutes away from the city center. As you enter this lush area, you should visit the interpretation center. Here, tourists are taught about the Tamar River, its history, the rich wetlands, and the flora & fauna found here.
Lush vegetation and beautiful wildlife majorly fill the proximity of the wetlands. Some notable wildlife spotted here include black swans, ducks, great egrets, and many more. Interacting with Pademelons is a delight as they peek at tourists from the grasslands.
Meet the beautiful wildlife of the wetlands, which includes black swans, ducks, great egrets, and many more.
When at Tamar Island Wetlands, one cannot ignore the tranquil lagoons and scenic views of nature. Consequently, tourists get the perfect opportunity to click on their photos and post them on their social. The best part of these wetlands is that it is one of the best things to do in Launceston for free.
- Address: W Tamar Hwy, Riverside TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Wednesdays to Sundays between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
- Fun things to do: Meet the wildlife, understand the history of the Tasman River and become photogenic in this beautiful region.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Rosevears Hotel
5. Admire the Art at Queen Victoria Museum
The art fanatics are all in for a treat in Launceston, as the city houses the world-renowned Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. Here is where you will find iconic Australian art with local history. However, before you visit, you should know that the museum and the art gallery locate on two different streets. Hence, make sure to visit both of them while in Launceston.
Firstly, your stop should be the alluring art gallery on Wellington Street. With the grandeur of an impressive art collection from the colonial period, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Launceston for art lovers. The historical photographs and adorning craftwork will melt anyone’s heart with their beauty. Most tourists visit this 10-gallery structure because of the magnific Chinese temple laden with golden leaves.
With the grandeur of an impressive art collection from the colonial period, visiting Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery is one of the best things to do in Launceston for art lovers.
Finally, the Queen Victoria Museum is the next place for your visit. Located on Inverness Street, the museum’s art collection comprises the reminiscents of the convict and colonial days. The attractive planetarium is where you should take your kids to inspire the scientist within them.
- Address: 2 Invermay Rd, Invermay TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Take your kids to the planetarium, admire the Australian and International art, see the historical photographs, and many more
- Planetarium Fee: $8 for adults and $6 for children
- Hotels Nearby: Arthouse Hotel
Things to Do in Launceston (6-10)
6. Discover Launceston through the Heritage Walk
As mentioned, the city of Launceston has numerous beautifully restored colonial buildings due to its rich history and culture. Hence, it is a must for every tourist to visit these historical places once, if not more, when they are in Launceston.
Most people choose their Heritage Walk as the Merchants Machinery Trail, and you should prefer that too. Exploring the mining history of Launceston, the tour will take you to the glorious Neoclassical Customs House, Batman-Fawkner Inn, and many other beautiful buildings.
Alternatively, one can choose the Rags to Riches Trail, which discovers Launceston’s churches and commercial establishments. The Government to Gorge Trail is for those who want a closer look at the city’s administration through the Town Hall. This tour even takes the tourists to the Cataract Gorge. Hence, ensure to go on a Heritage walk, as it is one of the best things to do in Launceston Tasmania.
- Address: St John St & Cimitiere Street, Launceston TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Open 24 hours
- Fun things to do: Go on a heritage trail to see some of the most historical places in Launceston
- Entrance Fee: $15 per person
- Hotels Nearby: Peppers Seaport Launceston
7. A Day Trip to Cradle Mountain
The next entry to our list of epic things to do in Launceston is a day trip to Cradle Mountain. Nature lovers love visiting this place, and we are sure you will also follow the trend.
Daily, several trips leave from the city of Launceston to the gorgeous Cradle Mountains. Each day trip allows the tourists to roam around the vegetation freely and educates them about these mountains. The best-rated day trips to Cradle Mountains include visiting the stunning Dove Lake Circuit. The walking trails here expand over 6 kilometers, giving the tourists enough time to admire the beauty of the place.
Nature lovers love visiting the gorgeous Cradle Mountains, and we are sure you will also follow the trend.
The other features of these day trips include the gorgeous Waldheim Chalet. The nearby Weindorfers Forest allows tourists to relax and become one with nature. Finally, we highly suggest opting for the day trips as they are the best way to get to know the place and socialize with locals and fellow tourists.
- Address: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: Summer, Spring, and Autumn months
- Fun things to do: Take a day trip to Cradle Mountains and visit the Dove Lake Circuit, Waldheim Chalet, and the Weindorfers Forest
- Entrance fee: May vary depending on the Day Trip fee
- Hotels Nearby: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
8. Get your Adventure Gear Ready for Hollybank Wilderness
Your trip to Launceston will be incomplete if you don’t channel your adrenaline by visiting Hollybank Wilderness Adventures. Located 15-minutes from the city center, it is one of the best things to do in Launceston if you love the thrill.
An enormous 2.5-hour-long zipline adventure is waiting for you here at Hollybank Wilderness Adventures. Thrillingly, this activity reaches 50 meters above the ground as it cruises through the forests. Alternatively, the self-guided ropes course is also famous among tourists as it is a highly interactive and fun activity. The shaky bridges to crawling through nets help bring your inner child out.
Your trip to Launceston will be incomplete if you don't channel your adrenaline by visiting Hollybank Wilderness Adventures.
Finally, the 90-minute Segway tour is a great way to satisfy your adventurous desires. The facility also provides mountain biking for those who have always dreamt of doing so! Hence, visiting Hollybank Wilderness Adventures is one of the best things to do in Launceston.
- Address: 66 Hollybank Rd, Underwood TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Channelise your adrenaline through ziplining, a segway tour, a self-guided ropes course, and many more
- Entrance fee: Varies depending on what you want to do here.
- Hotels Nearby: Hotel Verge
9. See the Iconic Automobiles at the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania (NAMT) is where you find all car enthusiasts admiring the vintage automobile collection. Located opposite the City Park, NAMT boasts its beautifully restored and iconic cars and motorcycles. With over four exhibitions happening each year, you will find vintage cars of Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Aussie icons, and many more.
Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Launceston due to the abundance of beautiful automobiles. Thankfully, the facility also has a gift shop where you can find themed and memorable gifts. Purchase some for the car lovers you know, as these souvenirs will blow their minds.
- Address: 84 Lindsay St, Invermay TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fun things to do: Visit NAMT to see the iconic collections of automobiles from Jaguar, Rolls Royce, and many more
- Entrance fee: $14 for adults and $7.50 for children (under 16)
- Hotels Nearby: Peppers Silo Launceston
10. Spend the night at Prince’s Square
Established in the 19th century, Prince’s Square is one of the best places in Launceston to enjoy the moments of life. Being one of Launceston’s most visited public spaces, Prince’s Square is full of the grandeur of Victorian buildings.
Historically, the place got used as a clay pit and a parade ground. However, the mid-19th century saw a change where the place got developed into a beautiful place for rejuvenation.
The best time to visit this ecstatic region is during the sunsets. You can sit near the glowing fountain and admire the beauty of this wonderful place.
- Address: Elizabeth St, Launceston TAS, Australia
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: During sunsets
- Fun things to do: Admire the peace in prince square and relish the moments of life
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotels Nearby: Sporties Hotel
FAQs
When should I visit Launceston?
The best time to visit Launceston is in the summer months, December to February. The weather is suitable for adventurous activities and exploring Launceston to its fullest. However, ensure to pre-book your hotels as this is where the crowds are at their highest.
How many days are enough for a trip to Launceston?
A three-day itinerary to Launceston is enough to see all the famous tourist attractions. A more prolonged period may offer you ample time to explore Launceston and not rush things. Finally, a minimum of three days should be your goal for this itinerary.
Why is Launceston famous among tourists?
Since it mixes city charm with its rich historical culture, Launceston aspires to be one of Tasmania’s best places to visit. The urban wilderness, historical monuments, and the nearby lush Cradle Mountain make it a famous attraction among tourists.
Which is bigger, Launceston or Hobart?
Unsurprisingly, both these cities are the two largest cities in Tasmania. However, Hobart takes an edge here, becoming the largest city.
Leave a reply