Picture this: sweeping valleys, vast wineries, and gorgeous old towns.
If you’re keen to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, Launnie is the charming weekend destination you’ve been dreaming of! Just 2.5 hours away from Hobart, the northern city of Tasmania is a vibrant hub for all things food and wine, culture, and nature. Launceston is packed for all your R&R needs―and yes, this includes all the glasses of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir you can drink!
Whether it’s a challenging hike to Cradle Mountain or an afternoon of touring Tamar Valley’s food and wine trail, a visit to Launnie is worth your while. To help plan your trip, we’ve collated all the exciting things to do in Launceston and its surroundings. Pick your faves and add them to the itinerary!
1. Cruise the Cataract Gorge
Stroll through Launceston’s famous gorge. Image Credits: @cataractgorge
If you ask what’s the best thing to do in Launceston, we’re sure that many will tell you to visit Cataract Gorge. This scenic river is the star attraction in Launceston, featuring hiking trails, cruises, chairlifts, and a riverside swimming pool! You’ll find an awesome suspension bridge right in the heart of Launnie’s wild wilderness, as well as several charming café and picnic spots for your viewing pleasure.
But the best part about the gorge? You don’t have to travel a great distance to get your dose of fresh air. It’s only about 15 minutes away from the city centre! Alternatively, you can also check out Launceston’s City Park to enjoy live performances and mind-blowing art exhibits.
2. Go Ziplining at Hollybank Treetops Adventure
Feel the rush at this exciting zipline tour! Credits: @hollybankwildernessadventures
Buckle up and get ready for adventure! The perfect way to combine spectacular sceneries is with a thrill-seeking experience at Hollybank Wilderness Adventures. Prepare to soar like an eagle by gliding across Launnie’s evergreens from 50 metres above the ground and enjoying breathtaking views of the Bluegum Forest and Piper River.
Only a 15-minute drive from central Launceston, this outdoor adventure park is the home to Tasmania’s longest and safest zipline, running at almost 1-kilometre long―that’s nearly the same length as San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge! Teens, kids, and the young at heart can have a blast as they take the plunge. Plus, there’s also an off-road segway tour and high rope obstacles you and the entire gang can race to.
3. Explore Cradle Mountain National Park
Be inspired by nature’s best at Cradle Mountain. Image Credits: Klook
This one’s for those who have stopped by Launceston for a short visit: Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s premier World Heritage Site and the fifth tallest mountain in the region. Explore the rugged terrains, stroll along the Enchanted Forest walk, and even spot wombats on your way! This Cradle Mountain Day Tour is perfect for anyone who loves a good hike.
Experience the thrill of walking through the “Rainforest City” and “Pencil Pine Falls” trails and chilling at the breathtaking shores of Dove Lake. Finally, reward yourself with plates of premium cheese from Waldheim Chalet before the day ends. Now that’s how you spend an unforgettable day in Launceston!
4. Join a beer and cycling tour
Helmets on and ready! Image Credit: Klook
Keen for more local sightseeing? Go around town in the flashiest way possible: with a fun-filled biking tour. This 3.5-hour tour is fully guided, so you’ll be able to see the best bits of Launnie’s valleys. Pedal through the backstreets of town and learn all about the city’s culture and history. Then, fill your belly with Boag’s famous ale at the James Boag Brewery. The tour will also take you to Harvest Market, where you can sample Tasmania’s fresh produce from stall to stall.
5. Sip fine wine at Josef Chromy Winery
Cheers to all the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé you can drink! Image Credits: @josefchromywines
Probably one of the best things to do in Launceston is to go on this wine tour of Josef Chromy Winery! On this 3-hour tour, you’ll go behind the scenes and uncover the secrets of the region’s premier winemaking company. Learn all about the art of making wine, from grape to glass.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper wine tour without sampling the goods. Capping off the trip is a mouthwatering two-course lunch and a bottle of sparkling wine against the stunning backdrop of Tamar Valley and acres of vineyards.
You can also craft your own bottle of wine here!
6. Meet the penguins of Low Head Coastal Reserve
Penguins of Madagascar, move over! The Penguins of Low Head are here. Image Credits: @lowheadpenguintours
Did you know that the colony of Little Blue Penguins is found on Bass Strait’s pristine shores? That’s less than an hour away from central Launceston. Watch these adorable birds swim and waddle to the Low Head Coastal Reserve, where you can meet them up close and personal. As many as 200 penguins come ashore at night flipping their flippers!
For more wildlife adventures, hop on over to Tamar Island Wetlands, a 50-minute drive from the coastal reserve. Marvel at the blue lagoon teeming with the green and gold frogs, reptiles, birds, and other animals!
7. Bike around Tamar Valley
The dreamiest place in Launceston! Image Credits: @tamarvalleytasmania
Launnie isn’t short of stunning landscapes, and Tamar Valley’s winding roads and still river waters are definitely a can’t-miss!
Stretching 60 kilometres north of Launceston to the Bass Strait, Tamar Valley is one of Tasmania’s prettiest regions and oldest wine destinations. This quaint town has over 32 vineyards and 170 kilometres of local food showcases. Restaurants offer scrumptious plates of Tasmanian specialities and produce such as local honey, truffles, abalone, and many more.
Of course, cycling is the best way to enjoy the valley views. Join this relaxing bike tour of North Esk and Tamar River and get to know the Launnie like a true local!
8. Dine (or stay) at Stillwater Restaurant
Here’s a tip: get your photos taken at this Instagram-friendly spot right by the restaurant entrance! Image Credits: @seanella.hr
If you’re feeling a bit lazy, feel free to take your brunch at Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston’s popular fine-dining spot. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this charming restaurant offers the best local produce (Cape Grim beef, anyone?), premium Tasmanian wine, as well as magnificent sights of the Tamar River. The old flour mill-now-turned-restaurant sits atop the right riverbank, giving the place a relaxing ambience.
And if you’ve got time to spare, stay the night at Seven Rooms, Stillwater’s swanky staycation spot. This way, you can check out more terrific things to do near Launceston or head out on the ultimate Tasmanian road trip.
9. Experience soap making at Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Get lost in a sea of purple! Image Credits: @bridestoweestate
You’ve seen the sights, sampled the finest wines, and you’re ready to take it easy in Launceston. Drop by Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere and among Tasmania’s premier tourist destinations. From December to January, visitors flock to the estate to see the spectacular rows of lavender blooms, manicured gardens, and native bushland set against the backdrop of Mount Arthur.
Unique finds also fill this magnificent place. Get your stock of Bridestowe Lavender Estate’s signature lavender oil or taste the famous lavender-flavored ice cream. Afterwards, the entire group can try the soap-making workshop and spend the noon crafting your own special souvenir!
10. Spend a day in Freycinet National Park and Bay of Fire
Climb Mount Amos and be greeted with a view! Image Credits: @samaraeaton
When we say Launnie is jam-packed with incredible nature, we mean it! Rounding off our list of best things to do in Launceston is a trip to Freycinet National Park, home of Mount Amos, Honeymoon Bay, and Wineglass Bay Beach. Challenge yourself by conquering the highest mountain peak―or the Wineglass Bay Lookout Trail for a more moderate hike.
Join this day tour of Freycinet National Park and be prepared for an action-packed adventure. Our guide will walk you through the well-preserved Georgian town of Evandale, the best hiking trails, and the Cape Tourville Lighthouse for unmatched 360-degree views.
If you’re not in a rush, don’t forget to also stop by the Bay of Fire, among Tasmania’s hottest travel destinations (no pun intended). Here, you’ll find white sand beaches and gigantic granite rocks 2.5 hours away from the park!
Make the trip memorable!
Launceston offers many awe-inspiring sights and experiences, making it a great destination for travellers all over the world. For more exciting things to do in Launceston, check out our complete list of activities!
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