What to Do in Launceston Today (And Tomorrow)

Chris Crerar⁠ at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Tasmania’s northern gem, Launceston, is one of those places that surprises you. It’s compact yet cultured, close to wilderness but brimming with good food, wine, and history. With so much to see and do, how do you know where to begin?

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the city offers plenty of easy wins for every type of traveller. Here’s our recommendations for things to do in Launceston.

First Time in Launceston? What are the Must See Attractions?

If it’s your first visit, start where Launceston’s heart beats.

Cataract Gorge

Chris Crerar⁠ at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Cataract Gorge is the city’s natural playground. You can stroll across the suspension bridge, ride the chairlift over the water, or take the scenic loop along the cliffside trails. The walk is easy and scenic, and even a couple of hours here gives you a great sense of place.

Pack your swimmers if the weather’s warm: the basin pool is perfect for a dip. For a gentler pace, grab a coffee at the café and simply soak up the view. It’s hard to believe you’re still in town.

Credit: Chris Crerar⁠ at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

From there, wander back through the leafy parks and Federation architecture of central Launceston. Prince’s Square and the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery offer easy introductions to local history and the city’s creative spirit.

Love Nature and Wildlife? Where Should You Head First?

Launceston is made for nature lovers, and you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Here’s what to do in Launceston if you want to explore the wildlife.

Ben Lomond National Park

Credit: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Beyond the Gorge, head out to Ben Lomond National Park, about an hour’s drive away. This alpine wonderland rises dramatically from the plains and offers sweeping views from its summit. 

The best time to visit for walks and clear views is during the warmer months (late spring through early autumn) when the wildflowers bloom and the famous Jacob’s Ladder road is open. In winter, the park transforms into Tasmania’s premier ski field.

Tamar Island Wetlands

Closer to the city, you’ll find wildlife-rich reserves like the Tamar Island Wetlands, where boardwalks weave through reeds and open water, perfect for birdwatching and photography.

Seeking Good Food and Wine?

The best way to explore the wineries in a day is by car or on a guided tour, allowing you to sample Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and sparkling wines without worrying about the drive. 

Tamar Valley Wineries

Launceston is the gateway to the Tamar Valley wineries, one of Australia’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions. The valley begins just a few minutes from the city, following the Tamar River north through rolling vineyards and quaint riverside towns.

Wineries like Josef Chromy, Pipers Brook, and Holm Oak offer cellar-door tastings paired with local cheeses and fresh Tasmanian produce.

Beyond the vines, Launceston itself is now a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a title well-earned. The city’s markets and eateries celebrate local producers, from creamy dairy to artisan breads and small-batch spirits.

Travelling with Kids? Helpful Tips for Families

Launceston makes family travel easy, with plenty of low-stress, high-fun experiences for the kids to enjoy. Cataract Gorge is again a favourite: kids love spotting wallabies on the paths and crossing the bridge, while the playgrounds and pool make it easy to spend a full day there.

If the weather turns, there are great indoor options too. The Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk has hands-on exhibits for curious minds, while the Launceston Planetarium offers immersive stargazing sessions perfect for rainy days.

The Tamar Island Wetlands Centre is another family-friendly spot. The flat boardwalks and bird hides make it ideal for prams or little explorers.

For animal lovers, Seahorse World and Platypus House at Beauty Point (about 45 minutes north) offer up-close encounters that delight both kids and adults.

Keen on Culture and History?

Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities, and its charm lies in that mix of preserved heritage and creative renewal. 

Start in Civic Square and the surrounding laneways to admire the 19th-century architecture, then step into the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. Together they tell Tasmania’s story through natural history, industry, and art.

A stroll through Albert Hall and City Park reveals more of Launceston’s Victorian elegance, while design lovers will appreciate how many of the city’s best cafés and bars occupy restored heritage buildings.

Culture here isn’t static either: Launceston hosts some of Tasmania’s best-loved events. 

Plan your trip around Festivale in February for local food and wine, or the Junction Arts Festival for music, performance, and pop-up art. There’s also Tamar Valley’s Vintage Wine Festival in autumn, a must for oenophiles.

Into Biking and the Outdoors? Here’s How to Choose a Trail

Launceston is perfect for cyclists of all kinds. The city’s network of flat paths and quieter roads makes it ideal for relaxed city rides, whether you’re commuting, exploring the riverside, or enjoying a leisurely loop through the parks.

For those seeking more adventure, Launceston’s network of mountain biking trails caters to all skill levels. Just 10 minutes from town, Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area offers scenic cross-country tracks with sweeping Tamar River views.

Beginners can head to the Kate Reed Reserve near Prospect for easy, flowing trails through eucalypt forest.

More experienced riders will love Hollybank Reserve, about 20 minutes away, with longer forest trails and even an exhilarating zipline canopy tour for a completely different kind of thrill.

Fancy a Round? Where are the Best Golf Courses?

Launceston and its surrounds are a golfer’s dream, with top-tier golf courses framed by incredible scenery.

Start with Country Club Tasmania, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Its championship course blends challenging play with fairways lined by gum trees and mountain views. The course suits all levels and is beautifully maintained.

Further afield, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm near Bridport are world-class. In fact, they’re regularly ranked among the best golf courses in the world. Though around 90 minutes from Launceston, they’re worth the trip for any golf enthusiast. 

For something more relaxed, Tamar Valley Resort offers a fun, family-friendly course with mini golf on site, perfect if you’re travelling with kids or just want to unwind.

Up For a Day Trip? What’s Realistic from Launceston?

One of Launceston’s greatest perks is how easy it is to explore the region. Within an hour or two, you can reach beaches, mountains, vineyards, and historic villages. Here’s the best day trips from Launceston:

• Head north to Tamar Valley, following the wine route through Rosevears, Grindelwald, and Beaconsfield, or continue to Beauty Point for marine life encounters.

• To the east, the drive to Scottsdale or Derby brings you into lush forest country, dotted with farm stalls and waterfalls; a dream for nature photographers and bikers alike.

• South of Launceston, Evandale and Longford showcase Tasmania’s colonial heritage, with weekend markets, antique stores, and Georgian homes. 

Where Should You Eat and Drink in the City?

Start your day with a coffee from Sweetbrew or Amelia Espresso, then wander to the Harvest Market on a Saturday morning. It’s where locals stock up on everything from truffles and honey to fresh produce and pastries.

Lunch calls for something laid-back yet local, like Mudbar or The Metz, all serving modern Tasmanian fare with river views. For dinner,  Black Cow Bistro is the place for steak lovers.

Beyond restaurants, you’ll find boutique breweries and distilleries around town. Try Tamar Ridge Cellar Door or Du Cane Brewery for local flavours, or enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir at The Barrel Collective for a relaxed evening wind-down.

Where to Stay in Launceston?

When it comes to exploring Launceston with ease, location makes all the difference, and Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston couldn’t be better placed. Right in the heart of the city, this stay puts you within walking distance of everything that makes Launceston special.

Spacious rooms, friendly service, and modern amenities make it an ideal base for both weekend escapes and longer stays. With car hire options and secure parking available right at the hotel, you can easily plan family-friendly outings or solo scenic drives through the Tamar Valley and beyond.

Whether you’re here for nature, culture, or a little of both, staying at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston keeps everything and everywhere effortlessly within reach. Book your stay direct today.