Things to do in  Launceston

With its jagged dolerite peaks standing watch over a trio of glacial lakes, Cradle Mountain is the grand centerpiece of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmania Wilderness, the natural landmark also marks the north end of the famous Overland Track.

The Tamar Valley, situated on Launceston’s doorstep, stretches north to the sea at George Town. This lush, fertile area of emerald hills, orchards, and, perhaps most importantly, vineyards, serves as Tasmania’s prime wine-producing region, known for its pinot noir, riesling, and chardonnay. Spectacular views abound.

The magnificent Cataract Gorge, a river gorge on the South Esk River right at the edge of Launceston, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation that feels a world away from the city. The reserve is home to the First Basin outdoor swimming pool, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, and a Victorian-era landscaped garden.

Stretching across the northeastern coast of Tasmania from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the Bay of Fires is known for its orange-hued granite and white-sand beaches. Here, you can go hiking, camping, boating, birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and surfing.

Extending between Richmond and Port Arthur, the Convict Trail traces the history of Australia— which was initially founded as a convict settlement—back to its origin. Learn about how convicts developed the country’s infrastructure as you pass some of the tallest and most-scenic sea cliffs on the planet.

Sweeping views of vineyards beyond a gentle lake pair perfectly with the fine wine and dining at the estate of Josef Chromy Wines on the southeast outskirts of Launceston. This cool climate Tasmanian vineyard has one foot in the past and one in the future; high-tech winemaking served out of an original 1880s homestead.

Launceston City Park, a historic patch of green in the town’s heart, was developed by the local horticultural society in the 1820s. Today, the gardens are a tranquil oasis of European and native trees, with a duck pond, Victorian fountain, conservatory, playground, bandstand, and a Japanese macaque enclosure gifted from Japan.

An illuminated world of stalactites, rippling rock formations, and glittering crystals is waiting in Gunns Plains Caves in northwest Tasmania. Trickling underground streams, detailed rock sculptures, and the blue light of glow worms pay testament to how strangely incredible nature can be.

The River Leven has spent a long time carving through the wilderness of north Tasmania to create Leven Canyon. Viewing platforms let you look down into this deep river canyon and out over the untouched forest that blankets the surrounding hills. As remote as Leven Canyon may feel, it’s surprisingly easy to get to.

Established to breed seahorses for the Asian market to reduce overfishing in the wild, Seahorse World in Beauty Point, Tasmania, is now dedicated to a wide range of conservation and educational efforts. All 50-plus species of seahorses are classified as endangered, and Seahorse World attempts to support seahorses around the world while providing fun, informative guided tours for visitors.

Offering a taste of Switzerland on the opposite side of the world, Northern Tasmania’s Grindelwald Swiss Village is an actual residential village as well as a tourist destination with eateries, attractions for kids, and shopping at the Tamar Valley Resort. Built in the 1980s by a Dutch businessman, Grindelwald is modeled on a Swiss town of the same name.

At Platypus House, get a close-up look at Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas, two uniquely Australian “monotreme” mammals. Learn about their biology at the center, and watch the animals play in a natural environment set on the Tamar River.

The historic Tamar Hotel, built in 1826, today houses the beer fans' haven known as Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers (Boag’s Brewery). The experience takes visitors through the history of the brewing company, founded by James Boag and his son in 1883, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process.

With 21st-century art, Australian craft, dinosaur bones, a planetarium, convict memorabilia—Launceston’s Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery is a cornucopia of Tasmanian art, history, and design. The museum first opened in 1981 and today it’s one of Australia’s largest regional museums.

Visitors to Beaconsfield, Tasmania, can learn about the area’s gold mining history at the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre. More than simply a museum, the center includes ruins of buildings and machinery used during the gold rush era. As well as 19th-century mining history, visitors can learn about the dramatic 2006 Beaconsfield Mine collapse.