Things to Do in Launceston
A dramatic river gorge right in the city, cool-climate wine country, Georgian villages and an alpine national park — northern Tasmania on kanamaluka / the Tamar.
Ways to Experience Launceston
Set on kanamaluka / the Tamar in northern Tasmania, Launceston puts a dramatic river gorge right in the middle of the city and wraps it in cool-climate wine country, Georgian villages and an alpine national park. Walk Cataract Gorge, taste your way along the Tamar Valley, meet the macaques in City Park, and range out to lavender fields and Ben Lomond. Here are the experiences to build your days around.
What to Do
Cataract Gorge
The First Basin, a chairlift, a suspension bridge, walks and peacocks.
Cataract Gorge → Wine routeTamar Valley Wine
Cool-climate sparkling, Pinot Noir and Riesling at cellar doors.
Tamar wine → Free & familyCity Park & Monkeys
A Victorian garden with a Japanese macaque enclosure.
City Park → CultureQVMAG Museum
The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, across two sites.
QVMAG → Day tripBridestowe Lavender
Purple summer rows at Nabowla, about 50 minutes away.
Bridestowe → AlpineBen Lomond
Winter skiing via Jacobs Ladder and summer alpine walking.
Ben Lomond →Heritage & Family
Plan Your Days
- Start with Cataract Gorge — it’s a short stroll from the centre
- Give the Tamar Valley a full, unhurried day
- Add lavender at Bridestowe in December and January
- Travelling with children? See Launceston with kids
- Prefer guided? See our Launceston tours
Things to Do — FAQ
What are the best things to do in Launceston?
Walk Cataract Gorge in the heart of the city, tour the Tamar Valley wine route, meet the macaques in City Park, see the Queen Victoria Museum, and drive to Bridestowe lavender or Ben Lomond.
Is Launceston worth visiting?
Very much so — northern Tasmania’s riverside city pairs a dramatic gorge right in town with cool-climate wine country, Georgian villages, an alpine national park and family favourites, all within easy reach.
What can you do in Launceston for free?
Cataract Gorge’s tracks and the First Basin, City Park and the macaque enclosure, and much of the historic centre cost nothing. Some attractions, the chairlift, cellar doors and tours are paid — check current details.
What is there to do with kids in Launceston?
Plenty — the City Park macaques, the Cataract Gorge chairlift and pool, and hands-on museum galleries. See Launceston with kids.
Launceston, Planned Around You
Cataract Gorge in the heart of the city, the Tamar Valley’s cool-climate wine, lavender fields and Ben Lomond — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry