Launceston nestles in the Tamar River valley
in Northern Tasmania where the North Esk and South Esk rivers come
together. While it is Tasmania's second largest city after the capital
of Hobart, Launceston manages to retain the charm and feel of a much
smaller town. One of Australia's most beautiful cities, Launceston is
surrounded by forested hills and farmlands and characterized by the
charming Victorian and Georgian architecture that fortunately hasn't
given way too much to the unsightly modern architecture of so many other
cities.
Launceston
enjoys a temperate climate, with mild winters and summers that are not
too balmy, and there are plenty of activities in the region to attract
visitors the year round, from backpacking and hiking in the nearby
northern Tasmanian mountains, to a number of prime surfing beaches along
the coast just a short drive away. But there are plenty of activities
and attractions right in town to keep any visitor busy. The
breathtaking Cataract Gorge Reserve
is just a short walk from the city centre and sightseeing cruises along
the Tamar River are very popular, as are various self-guided walking
tours of the downtown area to learn about the history and heritage of
Launceston.
Launceston also boasts a vibrant cultural scene and is home to the Queen Victoria Museum
and Art Gallery, the largest, oldest and most-renowned museum outside
of a State capital in Australia, with collections that range from Fine
Art to History to Zoology, the Physical Sciences and Geology. The
Design Centre, dedicated to sustaining the wood design industry of
Tasmania, is also a must-see with numerous and always-changing exhibits
and interesting displays. Also located in the city centre is City Park,
a heritage reserve created from the original grounds of the Governor's
19th century Northern residence, containing a Conservatory, a Rose
Garden, a Children's Train, numerous sculptures and memorials, as well
as many rare botanical specimens.
Launceston's Tamar Valley is
also a premier wine-producing area, with many wineries perfecting
Australia's fast-maturing viticulture. Nor is Launceston short on many
world-class restaurants that take advantage of Northern Tasmania's
abundant agricultural produce and access to fresh seafood.
Accommodations are also numerous, ranging from posh hotels to quaint Bed
& Breakfasts to youth hostels that cater to the backpacking set.
Launceston is just a quick flight from Melbourne or Sydney on Virgin Blue or Qantas, or a few hours by car from the State capital of Hobart through some of Tasmania's most scenic and spectacular landscapes.