Tasmania — Kanamaluka / Tamar Valley

Launceston & the Tamar Valley

A gorge cutting straight into the city centre, and one of Australia's oldest cool-climate wine regions on its doorstep.

How we operate here: Cooee Tours doesn't run its own vehicles or guides in Tasmania — trips in this region are delivered through trusted local Tasmanian tour operators. We'll help you plan and book, and we're upfront that the on-ground experience is provided by our local partners, not Cooee directly.

Launceston sits where the North Esk and South Esk rivers meet to form the Tamar, in northern Tasmania — settled in 1806, making it Australia's third-oldest city. Its signature feature is Cataract Gorge, a genuinely dramatic natural gorge that cuts almost into the CBD itself, with cliffside walking tracks and the world's longest single-span chairlift.

Launceston is also the gateway to the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania's oldest and most established cool-climate wine regions, running along both sides of the Tamar River north of the city.

1806
Founded, Australia's 3rd-oldest city
Gorge
Cataract Gorge, minutes from the CBD
Tamar Valley
Cool-climate wine region
~200km
North of Hobart
Highlights

What to See & Do

Nature

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Walking tracks, a suspension bridge, and a chairlift over the First Basin — genuinely dramatic scenery a short walk from the CBD.

Wine

Tamar Valley Wine Route

Cellar doors line both banks of the Tamar River north of the city — one of Tasmania's most established cool-climate wine regions.

Heritage

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery

Tasmania's largest regional museum, spanning natural history, Aboriginal culture, and colonial-era exhibits across two sites.

Nature

Tamar Island Wetlands

Boardwalk trails through wetlands just north of the city — a good spot for birdwatching and an easy walk.

Plan Your Visit

Official Resources & Local Tours

Since our Tasmania trips run through local partners, these official sources are a good starting point while you're planning.

Discover Tasmania Official state tourism site Hobart Travel Guide Pair with a Launceston trip
Acknowledgement

Traditional Owners

Cooee Tours acknowledges the Panninher (Leterrermairrener) people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which Launceston stands, on Kanamaluka (the River Tamar), and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Planning a Launceston trip?

Get in touch and we'll help plan your visit through our Tasmanian tour partners.

Enquire Now
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