Launceston

Welcome to Launceston

Launceston is Tasmania’s laidback riverside city where world-class food and wine meets wild nature - and it’s all on your doorstep. Think Cataract Gorge minutes from the CBD, cool-climate cellar doors in the Tamar Valley, heritage streets, markets, and easy day trips to some of the state’s most iconic landscapes.

Set where the rivers meet in northern Tasmania, Launceston is the kind of place that rewards a long weekend - café breakfasts, gallery afternoons, and golden-hour walks that finish with a local wine (or two). It’s also a brilliant base to explore beyond the city: Tamar Valley wine country, coastal towns, and wilderness experiences are all within easy reach.

Don’t miss Launceston’s signature natural attraction: the Cataract Gorge Reserve, a unique natural formation just minutes from central Launceston with walking tracks, lookouts, a pool, chairlift and plenty of picnic spots.

No idea where to begin? Fear not - below we've put together a few easy itinerary ideas to help you make the most of your time in Launceston, from city strolls to wine trails and day trips into the wild.

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Launceston Itineraries

Launceston is ideal for a short escape, with many of the city’s highlights packed into a compact, walkable centre. Start your visit with a relaxed breakfast in the CBD before heading to one of Launceston’s most iconic attractions, Cataract Gorge Reserve, just minutes from town. Wander along clifftop paths, cross the suspension bridge, or take the chairlift for sweeping views over the gorge and river below. With picnic lawns, swimming spots in warmer months and resident peacocks roaming the grounds, it’s a must‑do on any first visit.

Spend the afternoon exploring Launceston’s leafy streets, historic buildings and galleries, or unwind with coffee and shopping along the riverfront. If you’re visiting over a weekend, plan your morning around a local produce market to sample Tasmania’s fresh berries, baked goods and regional treats.

End your day with dinner in the city, where Launceston’s food scene punches well above its weight, showcasing northern Tasmania’s paddock‑to‑plate produce in relaxed but refined settings. After a comfortable overnight stay, enjoy a slow second morning wandering City Park and its gardens before heading home or onward into the Tasman region.

With an extra day up your sleeve, Launceston becomes the perfect base for a food and wine focused getaway. Start day two by heading north into the Tamar Valley, Tasmania’s oldest wine region, where cellar doors and vineyard views line the riverbanks. Spend the day tasting cool‑climate wines, enjoying long lunches and stopping at scenic lookouts along the way.

If you’d prefer to fully relax, consider booking a guided wine tour an easy way to experience the region without worrying about driving. Many wineries are within a short drive of Launceston, making it simple to return to the city in the late afternoon.

Back in town, choose a riverside restaurant or heritage‑style dining room for dinner, pairing local food with Tasmanian wine, whisky or craft beer. On the final day, enjoy a leisurely café breakfast and spend the morning picking up local produce, gifts or gourmet souvenirs before heading back to Canberra feeling well fed and well rested.

One of Launceston’s greatest strengths is how quickly you can transition from city comforts to wild landscapes. Base yourself in town and dedicate a full day to exploring beyond the city limits, choosing the adventure that suits your travel style.

Nature lovers can set off early for a mountain or wilderness day trip, swapping café breakfasts for alpine air, walking tracks and dramatic scenery. Others may prefer a north‑coast escape, with coastal towns, beaches and wildlife encounters all within driving distance.

If a big day out isn’t appealing, keep things flexible with shorter drives to nearby lookout points, riverside walks or regional towns. After a full day exploring, return to Launceston for a hot meal, a comfortable bed and a relaxed evening - the ideal contrast to a day spent in nature.

Finish your stay with another walk through the city or a return visit to Cataract Gorge, soaking up the best of Launceston before your flight home.

With five days or more, Launceston truly comes into its own as a gateway to northern Tasmania. Spend your first days enjoying the city itself - food, culture, markets and the gorge - then branch out in different directions on separate day trips.

Use one day to revisit the Tamar Valley or explore river towns and cellar doors you missed earlier. Allocate another to a longer wilderness adventure, and keep a final day flexible for weather‑dependent plans, slow exploration or simply relaxing into Tasmania’s unhurried pace.

Rather than moving accommodation every night, staying based in Launceston allows you to unpack once and enjoy a mix of city convenience and regional discovery - one of the biggest advantages of flying directly into northern Tasmania.