Launceston Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston

One of Australia’s oldest cities is well known for its heritage architecture, breweries and colonial art, as well as its proximity to the picturesque Tamar Valley.

Explore heritage buildings, art museums and breweries in Launceston. This small city in the north of Tasmania is one of the oldest cities in Australia. Many buildings in the centre date back to around the time of its settlement in the 1800s. Stroll along the banks of the pretty Tamar River and dine in restaurants beside the water. Once you’ve spent a few days getting to know the city, hire a car and explore the surrounding countryside. Lavender fields, vineyards and small villages dot the picturesque landscape.

Launceston is serviced by an international airport and is a 2.5-hour drive from Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Explore the centre of the city on foot. Georgian and Victorian-era buildings line pretty streets filled with quaint shops. Local cafés and restaurants serve fresh produce and wine from nearby vineyards. Visit Franklin and Macquarie House to see two of the best examples of the city’s historic architecture.

Make a stop at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery beside Royal Park. A large collection of colonial art features fine and decorative arts pieces and there are contemporary works by local artists. The Museum’s second site lies across the river at Inveresk and features preserved railway workshops, model planes and dinosaur exhibits. Kids will love the Phenomena Factory, a hands-on science centre within the museum.

Tasmania is known for its excellent breweries and wineries. One of the most well known is the James Boag & Son Brewery, a short walk from Royal Park. Take a tour to learn about how beer is made and try some of the different brews on tap. Just around the corner, City Park is a great place to relax. Stroll through botanic gardens, visit a radio museum and see monkeys up-close in a macaque enclosure.

Hire a car to see the Cataract Gorge Reserve, a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Hiking trails cut through scenic bushland, past wildlife and across the gorge on a suspension bridge. See the park from above on a chairlift. From here, it’s an easy drive to many nearby attractions, including wineries and lavender farms in the Tamar Valley.

Where to stay in Launceston

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Invermay

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

Invermay
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
The price is NZ$132 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$132
8 July - 9 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our 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 NZ$110 per night from 23 July to 24 July
NZ$110
23 July - 24 July
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 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 NZ$138 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$138
20 July - 21 July
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! (1,000 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 WiFi, 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 WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (615 reviews)
"What i liked was the locations in the heart of Launceston, Close to cafe's, bars and shops and a great weekend market. Room was a very simple layout great size bedroom, lounge and kitchen area all separate. And i loved the bath and on arrival staff warm welcome. One thing ask for a room at back of ..."

Reviewed on 4 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Launceston