Exploring Launceston: Tasmania’s Hidden Gem

Explore Launceston Tasmania nestled in the heart of the state, which blends its rich historical roots with a contemporary focus on culture, gastronomy, and outdoor activities, making it a diverse and appealing destination. Visitors tend to head to the State’s capital, Hobart whereas Launceston or “Launnie” as the locals say, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights.

In fact, in 2021 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared Launceston the City of Gastronomy as part of its Creative Cities Network. Launceston is one of only 36 world cities awarded this auspicious title.

In this blog, Travellarks sets the tone for an immersive journey travelling Launceston Tasmania through the city’s enchanting landscapes and seasonal highlights and things to do in Launceston.  We’ll also mention accommodation around Launceston as part of your Tasmanian travels.

Explore Launceston’s Natural Wonders: Riverside Retreats & Scenic Landscapes

Nestled amidst Tasmania’s natural wonders, Launceston is a gateway to breath-taking landscapes, lush parks & gardens and tranquil riverside retreats.

Begin your journey at Cataract Gorge, where the South Esk River winds through sheer cliffs and lush bushland, offering scenic walks and panoramic views. As you explore further, discover the Tamar Valley, renowned for its vineyards and rolling hills dotted with cellar doors offering world-class wines. Don’t miss the Lavender Farms in bloom during summer, painting the countryside in shades of purple and filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Other local attractions & must visit sites are the Tamar Island Wetlands, and City Park, providing travellers with opportunities for leisurely walks, wildlife spotting, and picnics.

Need somewhere to stay? Travellarks Northern Tasmania Accommodation, or North West Tasmania Accommodation.

Discover Cultural Treasures: Historic Sites and Artistic Heritage

Overview: Explore Launceston’s rich cultural heritage, with its historic landmarks, art galleries, and museums, which offer visitors insights into the city’s past and present.

Visit iconic sites such as Franklin House, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery a testament to the city’s colonial past and the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, providing travellers with opportunities for immersive cultural experiences. Discover the latest happenings at Upcoming Events in Launceston.

Launceston’s rich history comes alive through its historic sites and artistic heritage. Wander through the streets lined with elegant Victorian architecture, a testament to the city’s colonial past. Buildings such as the Town Hall, Customs House, and numerous Georgian and Victorian-era houses contribute to its historical charm.

At the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery you’ll explore Tasmania’s cultural evolution through captivating exhibitions and local artworks. Step back in time at the iconic Brickendon and Woolmers Estates, UNESCO World Heritage sites preserving the legacy of Tasmania’s early settlers. For a taste of local creativity, the Design Tasmania Centre showcases contemporary art and design reflecting Tasmania’s creative spirit.

If you like life in the slow lane, take to the streets with a Tasmanian Aboriginal historian and knowledge sharer, at Wallaby Walkabout Tours that also offers menganna labberie education and cultural awareness travel Launceston, Tasmania experiences.

For mountain bikers, head to the historic town of Derby where adventure awaits Mountain Bike Trails. There’s a network of world-class single-track trails, service support and great food. An influx of mountain bikers sees them congregate in the main street, lined with spots to service your bike, hire a bike, and order good food and coffee to “bike talk”. Australia’s only floating wood-fired sauna Floating Sauna is here for ravaged bikers. Heat up in the sauna, then jump in the lake outside – repeat for an hour. So many things to do in Launceston! Now let’s get down to some serious eating…

Find your accommodation, look up Travellarks Northern Tasmania Accommodation, or North West Tasmania Accommodation

Indulge in Culinary Delights: Gastronomic Experiences

Explore Launceston Tasmania region’s reputation for fresh, high-quality food grown in nutrient-rich soils with clean air and water brings cuisine to the table enriched with these elements. This bounty supports over 150 food producers and a vibrant culinary scene with more than 200 cafes and restaurants. Launceston’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy status underscores its global recognition for superior produce, which attracts both domestic and international visitors seeking unique dining experiences.

Indulge your senses in Launceston’s culinary scene, where fresh local produce meets gourmet innovation. Begin your foodie adventure at the Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market, a vibrant hub of Tasmanian flavours offering everything from organic fruits to artisan cheeses. Situated in an inner-city car park in the old industrial precinct, it comes alive every Saturday with over 50 (and growing) stall holders. Let’s take a look at stand out restaurants and eateries which we were spoilt for choice, and is a meagre sprinkling of fabulous finds in Launnie.

Black Cow Bistro – the name is a dead giveaway, literally as to what its signature fare is. Originally a butcher’s shop, Black Cow features premium Tassie beef – grass-fed, free-range, dry-aged superior in taste and quality. State legislation precludes the use of artificial hormones, growth enhancing hormones and antibiotics in red meat production. Got a vegetarian or pescatarian amongst you? No worries, veggie and fish options are available. Tasmanian wines offered here are hellishly good.

A 180-year-old flour mill now represents Stillwater, at the mouth of the Cataract Gorge and was the principal supplier of fresh water to Launceston until 1857. Its evolution over almost 200 years to becoming a multi award winning dining experience is anything but a mistake with passion and pride about integrating gastronomic experiences on the plate.

Sample the region’s famous seafood at restaurants along the waterfront, where Tasmanian salmon and oysters are served fresh from the pristine waters. Cataract on Paterson proudly supports the hard-working Tasmanian farming community, by sourcing produce based on sustainable farming practice to yield outstanding quality produce. Seasonality features on their menus and, if you love the idea of an interactive dining experience, cook your own meal on a 400ºc volcanic stone!  An ultra strong social ethos lies within offering work experience & work placement for students, for people with a disability and long term unemployed to gain hospitality skills. Never satisfied with doing enough for sustainability, new earth-friendly alternatives are sought with recycling and waste reduction to further reduce our impact on our island State & the planet.

For a deeper dive into gastronomy, embark on a gourmet trail through the Tamar Valley, stopping at farm gates and boutique eateries for farm-to-table experiences and cellar door tastings of cool-climate wines. is a vineyard restaurant in the Tamar Valley situated among the Velo Wines vines. Ultra local produce via our backyard trading, drives our vision and menu hence continuously evolves & changes. You get the impression from Timbre that food is simple on the plate but on closer inspection, it’s intriguing & innovative. Presentation is uncluttered and allows local produce to always be the hero. A unique experience.

The largest wine growing region is the Tamar Valley and we can’t go past a few strategic mentions for visitors that reflect cool climate terroir killer wines. This wine region stretches across both sides of the Tamar River Wine Trail with Beaconsfield to the west to Pipers Brook in the east, a 45min drive (50km) north of Launceston. Legana, at the southern end of the Tamar Valley, is a 15min drive (12km) north-west of Launceston. Over 30 cellar doors can be knocked on in the Tamar Valley Wine Trail – and all of them are worth visiting, each with their distinct DNA and within short driving distance of one another.

Utzinger holds a special story and place in our hearts as the wayfaring Swiss winemaker wandered the world wondering where to establish his vineyard. The heart stopping moment was discovering the love of his life in a Tassie girl in 2015. Done! Their land overlooks the Tamar River where Matthias & Lauren Utzinger began in 2018 with their first planting and lo and behold only 6 years later Matthias is a finalist Young Gun of the Year 2024! Certified organic, their wine styles are expanding beyond classic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and a ‘Fumé’ Sauvignon Blanc with inventive vine cuttings to be imported from Matthias’ homeland of Switzerland. By appointment only, Utzingers is worth the effort.

The Josef Cromer Winery also heralds a legend in Tasmania’s wine industry through his long-standing passion for cool climate wine making, now paired with its hatted restaurant. If you don’t have a booking, there’s a walk-in brasserie waiting just for you. The estate is the perfect backdrop for weddings, events and private functions with their picturesque views overlooking the century old garden and lakeside vineyard.

Finding it difficult to choose your wine trail? Try this fab resource to help decision making: Wines Tasmania.

The region’s commitment to gastronomy extends beyond food production to include artisanal products like gin, whisky, truffles, and specialty crops like hemp and wagyu beef and cooking schools, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation and economic prosperity rooted in local agriculture and culinary arts.

Seasonal Highlights

Throughout the year, explore Launceston Tasmania seasonal highlights enchant visitors with unique experiences. In spring, witness the city burst into bloom with vibrant tulips at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Summer invites you to explore the outdoors with bushwalking in the nearby national parks or kayaking along the Tamar River. Autumn brings a tapestry of colours to the vineyards, perfect for wine enthusiasts and photographers alike. Winter transforms the landscapes into a serene wonderland, inviting you to cosy up by the fireplace with a glass of local pinot noir.

Launceston’s allure as a year-round destination offers diverse experiences for visitors whose curiosity about the historical past, those seeking adventure, culture, and culinary delights will find exploring Launceston Tasmania beyond Hobart are a refreshing change from the big smoke. More resources from Travellarks Things to do around Launceston & North East Tasmania; Things to do around Launceston & North Tasmania; Things to do around Ross & Midlands Tasmania.