This Australian city is the second biggest in Tasmania, and has plus/minus 105,000 residents. It is one of the country’s oldest cities, as can be seen by the many majestic 19th Century buildings. In recent years, Launceston has become a tourist Mecca with more than 400,000 visitors annually.
It was established by European settlers in 1806. Like a lot of Australian places, it was named after a British town – Launceston in Cornwall. The city boasts a number of ‘firsts’. It was the first place in the southern hemisphere to use anesthetic. It was also the first Australian city to install underground sewers, and the first Australian city to use hydroelectricity.
Launceston enjoys a temperate climate and the four seasons are distinctive. During mid-summer in February, 24C is the average temperature. During mid-winter in July, 12.5C is the average temperature. This beautiful cool weather allows visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoor life.
A three-hour city tour is the perfect way to get to know this city. A professional, friendly and informative guide will tell you about each attraction. You will find that the ambiance in Launceston is unmistakably Victorian and very hospitable. The wonderful architecture is immaculately maintained. The Cataract Gorge is a major attraction.
During the tour, you will see most of the other popular attractions. These include St John’s Anglican Church, the Princess Theater, Princes Square, City Park and The Mall. See the famous Albert Hall which now serves as a convention center, the Australian Maritime College, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.
A definite highlight of the city tour is a stop-over at Penny Royal World. Here you will step back in time to the 19th Century in this functional ‘little town’. This area tells the story about an early pioneer, Andrew Gatenby, and his family. There are attractive apartments here for rental, close to the Cataract Gorge.
You can sample some fine Tasmanian wine in the Tamar Valley. This region is known throughout the world for its classical ‘cool climate’ vines. If beer is more to your liking, pop into Boags Brewery and enjoy a glass of cold James Boag’s Premium.
Take a stroll on one of the city’s attractive heritage walks and stop at Macquarie House. This is home to the prized Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. Walk on to the gift and craft shops on George Street, or spend some time at the National Automobile Museum. Take the George Walkway to the beautiful city park which is situated above the First Basin. The basin is a wide swimming hole that has a suspension bridge and a chairlift that is apparently the longest in the world.
To ensure the best Tasmanian experience, book your Launceston accommodation early.