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Things to do in Launceston

Our most recommended things to do in Launceston

Launceston: 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise

1. Launceston: 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise

After departing from the terminal, you will cruise past the historical Kings Wharf, Seaport, and Launceston's delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into Launceston's spectacular Cataract Gorge, as you engage the Lady Launceton's unique silent electric drive function. You can view the sheer cliffs from your comfortable seating, appreciate the unobstructed views on the multi-award winning 1890's style vessel. Whilst aboard the Lady Launceston, you can also enjoy the skipper's captivating commentary which surrounds the history and folklore of this fascinating area.

Launceston: 2.5-Hour Morning or Afternoon Discovery Cruise

2. Launceston: 2.5-Hour Morning or Afternoon Discovery Cruise

Cruise into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston's riverfront precinct. You will head north past Tamar Island, observing historical buildings such as the St. Mathias Church and the Rosevears Pub. Throughout your tour, you will enjoy morning tea, a fresh fruit selection, local wine,  and a beer tasting. You will experience a relaxed variety of life as you cruise past charming riverfront communities, vineyards and farms, and onward to the historical Rosevears and Windemere districts. This fascinating collection of history, fauna, and people at work, rest, and play makes an absorbing narrative which will touch, intrigue and inspire. This tour will provide you with the best vantage point to view the Tamar Valley. At the conclusion of your scenic and relaxing cruise, you will be returned to your point of origin.

Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise

3. Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise

Cruise into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston's riverfront precinct, heading north past Tamar Island, historical buildings, churches, pubs, and significant homesteads. You can sample the rich diversity of life as you cruise past quaint riverfront communities, vineyards and farms, to the notable Batman Bridge. Tamer Valley is steeped with romance and studded with tales of bushrangers, explorers, and gold diggers. Australia's longest navigable estuarine river, it has many natural coves and protected inlets that provide a sanctuary for thousands of native water birds that can only be seen on the river. All cruises depart from and return to Home Point Cruise Terminal, which is a taxi ride only 5 minutes from most CBD accommodations. Home Point is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the city center, and guests are kindly asked to be at the cruise terminal 30 minutes prior to departure

Cradle Mountain: Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch

4. Cradle Mountain: Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch

Meet your coach at one of the Launceston pickup points, and travel in comfort to Cradle Mountain National Park. Take a 15-minute scenic tour through Sheffield to see some of the highlights of the Town of Murals along the way. Journey along the Great Western Tiers of the Central Highlands to arrive at Cradle Mountain Visitor Center. Get a short break before entering the national park to drive to Dove Lake. Embark on a guided nature walk through the rainforest and pass quartzite beaches. Discover the remnants of the last Ice Age at Glacier Rock. Then depart for Waldheim Chalet to enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh rolls, wraps, salad fillings, cheeses, and local meats. Get shown around the first accommodation to open in the national park before a short forest walk, time permitting. Make your way back to Launceston, stopping at the Ashgrove Cheese Farm to taste an amazing array of cheeses and other local produce along the way.

From Launceston: Cradle Mountain Day Tour

5. From Launceston: Cradle Mountain Day Tour

After departing Launceston, enjoy a short stop in Sheffield – 'The Town of Murals' and explore this quirky village where the history of the Cradle Mountain region is depicted in artworks across the buildings throughout the town. This includes the opportunity to see the famous Eason’s Mural. Continue into the mountains and arrive at Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake with around 5 hours of possible walking time before you. Begin with a series of short walks before moving on to a longer walking options for the rest of the day. Choose from the gentle and iconic Dove Lake Circuit or climb to loftier peaks to view the vastness of the surrounding World Heritage Area from Marion’s Lookout. Enjoy lunch by a quiet stream and watch the famous and friendly Cradle wombats in their natural habitat. Your guides will carefully assist to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy walks that best suit them and the day ahead. On your return to Launceston, stop to refuel and refresh at the delicious Van Diemans Land Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. The perfect way to end an exciting day out.

Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

6. Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

Discover the wines of Tamar Valley together with your guide at a variety of cellar doors. Feast on a tasty lunch along the way as you take a winery tour of the Tamar Valley in Tasmania. Meet your guide at your hotel and climb aboard the air-conditioned vehicle to head straight to your first vineyard in the Tamar Valley. Learn about the world-class cool-climate wines produced in the region.  Discover the history of the wines of Tasmania and the grape varieties nurtured in the vineyards. Enjoy a generous menu lunch (or a fresh produce platter) at a restaurant or cellar with a Tamar Valley wine. Hear stories from your experienced wine tour guide and passionate cellar door staff, some of whom are winemakers. Get some wine-tasting tips and receive wine recommendations. Judge the wines you taste.  Enjoy opportunities to purchase wines and ship them home or join wine clubs. After the tour ends, you will be safely transported back to your accommodation in Launceston.

From Hobart: 5-Day Tasmania West & East Coast Tour

7. From Hobart: 5-Day Tasmania West & East Coast Tour

Departing from Hobart, escape into Tasmania's wilderness and travel coast to coast to explore and experience the best of the island on this 5-day tour. Journey to the wild and rugged West Coast for waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. Then experience the startling change of scenery as the tour continues on through the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the white sands of the Bay of Fires. Full of famous attractions, fun and adventure, this tour will show you the best of Tasmania! Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Depart Hobart at 7:00 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley, traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan where you will stay overnight. Day 2: Wild West Coast (B)   In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then, continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls. Or choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Stay overnight at Strahan. Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston (B) Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes you through Sheffield, the "town of murals", to Launceston. Stay overnight at Launceston. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno (B) Head to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim in turquoise waters, with plenty of time to enjoy the pristine white sands and orange lichen-clad boulders. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to the seaside town of Bicheno. Tonight, you may want to join an evening viewing of the Little Penguins (optional at your own expense and seasonal). Stay overnight in Bicheno. Day 5: Freycinet National Park to Hobart (B) An early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford on the way to Hobart.

From Launceston: Full-Day Wineglass Bay Explorer Tour

8. From Launceston: Full-Day Wineglass Bay Explorer Tour

Depart Launceston traveling through the well-preserved Georgian townships of Evandale and Campbell Town. Make a short stop in Campbell Town. Discover the Convict Brick Trail that extends through the town, visit the Red Bridge, and check out the tree sculptures. Enter the Freycinet National Park and admire the sight of The Hazards mountain range. Begin by stretching your legs on the Cape Tourville Lighthouse circuit. One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks, this easy 20-minute walk provides spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline. Next, walk for about 60 minutes to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. Once at the top you are rewarded with the world-famous view of Wineglass Bay and the stunning Freycinet National Park. From the Lookout you have the option to return to the start of the walk with the tour guide, or for the keen hikers, you can choose to spend the rest of your time completing the Wineglass Bay beach hike and enjoy some time on the famous beach. The Wineglass Bay Beach hike is a 2.5-hour return walk and good fitness is required. Once on the beach, you can jump in the pristine waters for a swim, or wander along the white sands. If you prefer to select the shorter walking option, return from the Lookout with the tour guide, where you will have time to relax at Honeymoon Bay in the afternoon. The final stop on the East Coast is the stunning Devil’s Corner Winery, where you will have time to take in the magnificent view. On site, you can choose to purchase some wine tasting, wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, or ice cream. Then, relax on the journey back to Launceston.

Tasmania in 3 Days: West Coast from Hobart to Launceston

9. Tasmania in 3 Days: West Coast from Hobart to Launceston

.Day one: Hobart to Strahan Begin your trip with a pick up around 7:00 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley. Travel east to west across the island. See the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park tall trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan, where you will stay overnight.  Day two: Wild West Coast In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls. Or you can choose to join the world-famous Gordon River Cruise at your own expense. Stay overnight again in Strahan.  Day three: Cradle Mountain to Launceston Around 950 meters above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park. Here, choose a walk to take. With an extensive range of tracks, you can stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. After, take a short drive through Sheffield, the town of murals. This tour finishes in Launceston

Tasmania in 6 Days: the Major Highlights and Attractions

10. Tasmania in 6 Days: the Major Highlights and Attractions

Day one: Port Arthur Historic Site Begin your trip with a pick up around 7:00 AM. After a quick look at Australia’s best preserved colonial village, Richmond, head south to explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past at the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. A guided walk and harbor cruise are included. Rich in visual history, learn of the chilling life of a convict in the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins. Visit selected geological wonders within Tasman National Park, to top-off a full day on the Tasman Peninsula before returning to Hobart. Day two: Hobart to Strahan Drive through the Derwent Valley. Travel east to west across the island. See the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park tall trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan, where you will stay overnight. Day three: Wild West Coast  In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls. Stay overnight again in Strahan.  Day four: Cradle Mountain to Launceston  Around 950 meters above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park. Here, choose a walk to take. With an extensive range of tracks, you can stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. After, take a short drive through Sheffield, the town of murals, to Launceston for your overnight stay.  Day five: Launceston to Bicheno Start the day with a journey to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires, where the beaches are gleaming and the is water inviting. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim and to explore the orange lichen-clad boulders, white sands and turquoise waters of the stunning East Coast. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to Bicheno. You will stay overnight at accommodation in Bicheno. Day six: Freycinet National Park to Hobart After breakfast, get ready for an early start to be the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout at the Freycinet National Park. Beat the crowds and the heat for that picture postcard photograph. Relax on a secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford. Return to Hobart for 5:30 PM. 

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What people are saying about Launceston

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 616 reviews

It was a very pleasant and informative trip. Our guide whose name escapes me had a lot of interesting factual information to share about history, the environment and animal and bird life. He had a good sense of humour and we could tell he had a personal interest in the local history. His partner in crime served up a great morning tea and did a great wine presentation and could suggest on a personal level what wine went with what. Both of them took great pride in what they did. The boat was also very comfortable and had good seating options. Well done to Tamar Cruises. A very pleasant 2 and 1/2 hours. Sorry I cannot remember their names but tell the skipper that black swans were in WA long before the English came!!!!! Vicki and David Martin

Beautiful trip with two phenomenal guides Steve & Misty. On this tour you’ll experience the best of the best locations Tassie has to offer. The knowledgeable & passionate guides will eagerly answer questions & ensure you’re having a good time to enjoy the day at your own pace. Not only will you be experiencing the great TASSIE outdoors, you’ll be surrounded by kind & genuine folks seeking to explore & connect with one another. 100% recommend doing this tour solo or with a couple of mates when down in Van Diemen’s Land. A big thank you to Steve & Misty & to the many new friendships for making this trip ever so magical & one to remember.

This trip was incredible, walking around the lake was so enjoyable (although it was raining when we started the hiking but after a while, rains stopped), weather was a bit cold but air was so fresh, lake surrounded by mountains was beautiful. The driver, who was also our guide, shared lots of interesting information about Launceston, the smaller towns we passed by and of course Cradle Mountain. The tour also provided thick raincoat that helped our walk more comfortable.

It was a relaxing 4 hours cruising on the Tamer. The captain Wes very informative and the crew welcoming. Morning tea and lunch were delicious.

My wife and I went on the cruise with our 3 primary school ages kids and we had a great time. Very friendly staff and accommodating.