More about Launceston
Things to do in Launceston
Tasmania’s northern star of Launceston (or ‘Launnie’ to the locals), is where heritage charm meets wild river gorges and punchy pinot. Whether you’re floating above vineyards in a hot air balloon or paddling the Tamar at sunrise, this city dishes up fresh-air adventures with a gourmet twist. It’s compact, creative, and full of those ‘only-in-Tassie’ moments.
Unique Launceston things you can’t do anywhere else
- Hot air balloon ride over Launceston: Fly over rooftops and vineyards as the Tamar River curls below. Tassie mist, golden light, and major main-character vibes.
- Penny Royal Adventure Park: Zip through cliffside air, sail past ghosts, or strike it rich panning for gold in this wild little throwback village carved into the gorge.
- Stones & Truffles tour: Sniff out black gold with a pack of clever truffle dogs, then feast fireside on local bites and Tassie vino. It’s farm-to-fancy done right.
- Explore Tasmania Zoo: Meet big cats, cheeky meerkats and the Tassie devil himself in this bushland sanctuary. It’s low-key wild and kid-approved.
- Forage-and-dine forest tour: Follow a local into the forest for a wild mushroom hunt, then taste it all in a cosy, firelit feast.
Best Launceston attractions to see
- Cataract Gorge & First Basin: A city-centre gorge with cliff walks, chairlifts, and wallabies at dusk. Big nature energy, no car required.
- Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG): Two sites, one brilliant combo of science, art and railway heritage: plus a planetarium thrown in.
- Launceston Tramway Museum: Ride and learn about the trams that once rattled through Launceston. Vintage, quirky, and totally local.
- Wander Cataract Gorge: Cross the suspension bridge, spot wallabies at dusk or take a dip in the basin. All just ten minutes from the CBD.
Best Launceston day trips and tours
- Wineglass Bay Explorer from Launceston: Cruise past Freycinet’s pink peaks and postcard-perfect bays.
- The BIG 3 Tasmania Tour: Launceston to Hobart: Hit MONA, Bruny Island and Hobart on this all-in-one stunner.
- One-Day Launceston to Hobart via Wineglass Bay: See east-coast showstoppers and roll into the capital in a single scenic swoop.
- Kayak the Tamar River: Paddle under bridges and past bushland in a glassy sunrise glide. Keep an eye out for platypus.
- Tamar Valley wine drive: Cruise past rolling vines and cellar doors pouring cool-climate pinot and riesling. Stop in at standout spots like Josef Chromy for a tasting with a view.
Free things to do in Launceston
- Picnic in City Park: Pack local cheese and sprawl under giant oaks. Say hi to the resident Japanese macaques on Monkey Island before you go.
- Stroll the Tamar River trail: Follow this waterside path past vineyards, bridges and riverside gardens. Great for jogs, dog-watching or golden hour wanders.
- Browse Design Tasmania: Entry’s free to this sleek little gallery filled with contemporary woodcraft and bold design. Small, sharp, and full of Tassie talent.
- Track Launnie’s heritage: Take a self-guided walk through the city’s colonial past, from Victorian terraces to convict-era laneways and the grand old Albert Hall.
- Browse Launceston Harvest Market: Every Saturday brings music, baked goods, and Tassie produce. Come hungry and leave with a tote full of local flavour.
Budgeting for things to do in Launceston
Launnie does laid-back luxe just right. Think wallet-friendly culture and big-ticket splurges with views to match. Many of the city’s best bits, like Cataract Gorge or design-packed museums, are totally free. For a few dollars more, you can hop on a wine tour, kayak the Tamar at sunrise, or zip-line past cliff faces at Penny Royal. Hot air ballooning and truffle-hunting tours bring the ‘treat yourself’ feels that you’ll remember them long after the bank balance recovers. Whether you’re tight on coin or ready to splash, Tassie delivers bang for your buck.
