16 Jan 2018
Beyond the Salamanca Markets in Hobart and the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, there's magic to be found in other corners of the state. Launceston is your gateway to Tasmania's north east.
Historic precincts, cool-climate wines, rolling hills of the country side, and the juiciest berries you have ever tasted. Discover our top highlights of the region on your next holiday.
Cataract Gorge
launcestoncataractgorge.com.au
69 Basin Road, Launceston, Tasmania 7250
Prep your gams for walking trails through a shamrock green wonderland. "The Gorge" is a rare natural phenomenon on the South Esk River - with the world's largest single span chairlift. Panoramic views of Cataract Gorge on the suspension bridge are something special: peacocks, forest, and cliffside. Continue on a stroll through to the First Basin to stop and smell the exotic plants in the Victorian gardens and to have a meal at the Gorge Restaurant.
Tamar Valley Food & Wine
Josef Chromy Tasmania; Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
josefchromy.com.au
370 Relbia Rd, Relbia TAS 7258
hillwoodberryfarm.com.au
105 Hillwood Rd, Hillwood TAS 7252
The winemakers of the Tamar Valley have a romance with the region. There's water flowing from the Tamar River, crisp and clean air, a mild climate, and rich soil. It's a mecca for growers. Outside of France, the sparkling wines here are so exceptional they have often been likened to the original Champagne. Stop at Josef Chromy for a glass of Chardonnay and lunch at their resturant overlooking the lake and vineyard. Can't turn down something sweet? Pick your own punnet of strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, currants, or blueberries at the Hillwood Berry Farm.
James Boag Brewery Experience
J Boag & Son Brewery; Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Chris Crerar.
jamesboag.com.au
39 William St Ln, Launceston TAS 7250
The world over knows that Australians love a good froth. James Boag Brewery has been producing premium beer to us since 1881, and we've been thanking our lucky stars ever since. Look at how every step of the process works to concoct a beer and go on a brewery tour - a whole 90 minutes of fascinating facts and the smell of hops. Here's the real tip: you'll taste three of their award-winning beers alongside a plate of Tasmanian cheese.
Launceston City Ghost Tours
Launceston City Ghost Tours; Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
launcestonghosttours.com.au
14 Brisbane St, Launceston TAS 7250
Have you ever seen a ghost? You might see the spirit of a thief on a Launceston Ghost Tour. Sharing tales of Tasmania's past, listen closely to the haunted history of these streets. If you're one that likes to be a little spooked, then this is your bread and butter. The tours can be tailored to suit any age group including children, but it is not recommended for little ones under the age of 10.
Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
QVMAG at Royal Park; Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Sean Fennessy.
qvmag.tas.gov.au
2 Invermay Rd, Invermay TAS 7248
A premier destination in the north west, it's a museum, an art gallery, and a planetarium wrapped into one. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is Australia's largest regional museum and holds one of the best collections of colonial and convict history. Peak into Guan Di Temple, a still working Chinese house of worship that is dated back to the 1880s; keep your eye out for the rotating contemporary art exhibitions; and visit the old Blacksmith Shop.
Mountain Biking
Hollybank MTB Park, Tall Timbers Trail; Credit: Flow Mountain Bike.
Hollybank Treetops Adventure Park
66 Hollybank Rd, Underwood TAS 7268
Trevallyn Nature Reserve
Trevallyn TAS 7250
Kate Reed Reserve
Prospect TAS 7250
Plenty of booters and kickers on these Launceston trails. Tassie's north eest is fast becoming known as a world-class mountain biking destination. Hollybank Reserve has the nation's largest pump track, including 20km of trails for all riding levels. The Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area along the South Esk River has tracks for more veteran riders and Kate Reed Reserve - 10 minutes from the CBD - offers duck-boarded tracks (perfect for families and beginners). You'll be absolutely bonked by the end of the day.
Tamar Island Wetlands
Great Egret, Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve; Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Tamar Island Wetlands Centre.
Tamar Island Wetland Reserve
W Tamar Hwy, Riverside TAS 7250
Preserving our wetlands is more important than you might think. They maintain the quality of our waterways and are home to a colourful range of wildlife. If you're a birder, birdwatcher, twitcher, what have you, then the Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve is a sight to behold. There are 60 species of birds fluttering about. Black swans, egrets, swamp harriers, and white-bellied sea eagles are a handful of the feathery folk you'll come across around here. Explore the reeds and silt islands on the boardwalks, named one of the Top 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania.
With Discovery Parks - Hadspen minutes outside the CBD, plan your next holiday in Launceston, Tasmania.
