This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Launceston’s main attractions are free or cheap and most sit within walking distance of the city centre. The headline draw is Cataract Gorge, a 15-minute walk from the CBD, followed by the 60 km Tamar Valley wine route that runs north from the city. Check the Launceston weather by month page before you go, and use this Launceston travel guide for the wider picture.
Things to Do in Launceston: Nature and Outdoors
Cataract Gorge Reserve
Entry is free and the reserve is open daily. The world’s longest single-span chairlift (308 m) crosses the First Basin for $15 one way or $20 return per adult, $10 one way for children 3-15. Walk the suspension bridge, swim in the First Basin pool in summer and watch the resident peacocks and wallabies. Reach it on foot from the CBD via Kings Bridge in about 15 minutes, or drive to the Basin Road car park on the West Launceston side. It pairs well with a look at the Launceston neighborhoods guide’s East Launceston.
Tamar Valley Wine Region
The Tamar Valley runs north from Launceston for 60 km with more than 40 vineyards. Josef Chromy Wines is 10 minutes south of the city with a cellar door and restaurant, while Pipers Brook Vineyard on the east bank is known for cool-climate pinot noir and sparkling wine. Cellar-door tastings mostly cost $5-10, often refunded with a bottle purchase. The valley is best done by car over a full day; see the best time to visit page to time your visit.
City Park and the Japanese Macaques
City Park on Tamar Street is free to enter and open year-round. Its John Hart Conservatory glasshouse is free, and a troop of Japanese macaque monkeys lives in a free outdoor enclosure, a gift from Launceston’s sister city Ikeda, Japan, since 1965. Oak-lined paths and a playground make it a quick stop between the CBD and the events and festivals venues.
Things to Do in Launceston: Museums and Culture
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)
Tasmania’s largest museum runs across two sites and both are free. The Royal Park site holds the art and natural history collections, while the Inveresk site, a 10-minute walk east of the CBD, covers transport, science and a planetarium. Both open daily 10 am to 4 pm, closed some public holidays.
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
At 86 Cimitiere Street, open 9 am to 5 pm daily, this museum displays classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, from early Holdens to a 1920s Rolls-Royce. Admission is about $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for children and $45 for a family.
Design Tasmania Centre
On the corner of Brisbane and Tamar Streets, this free centre shows the Wood Design Collection of contemporary Tasmanian furniture and craft, with a design shop. It opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Things to Do in Launceston: Family and Unique Experiences
Penny Royal Adventures
At 1 Bridge Road at the base of Cataract Gorge, this adventure park runs cliff walks, zip lines, rock climbing and a boat ride. You pay per activity with packages from about $25, or a day pass. It is a short walk from the where to stay in Launceston guide’s waterfront hotels.
James Boag Brewery
At 39 William Street, tours of the 1880s brewery run about 75 minutes with tastings, from around $35 per person. Book ahead online, as sessions fill up in summer.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
The world’s largest private lavender farm is at 296 Gillespies Road, Nabowla, 45 km northeast of Launceston. The lavender blooms from December to late January, when entry is about $10-15 (free off-season). It is known for lavender ice cream and the “Bobbie the Bear” soft toy. Read the travel tips and FAQ page for getting there by car.
