Launceston is the perfect place to start your Tasmanian vacation. Settle in and explore the parks and streets, admiring the colonial architecture while you sample the fare from the numerous cafes. Take a tour of the historic brewery and definitely visit Cataract Gorge. In the evening, catch a show at the historic Princess Theatre.
The city is close to farms, vineyards and boutique food producers you’ll see locally grown produce and meats on the menus of many of the restaurants. Don’t miss the Harvest Market every Saturday. Hang with the locals and enjoy the ambience while stocking up on locally produced food, freshly baked bread and pastries.
The Tamar Valley boasts 28 vineyards within an hour’s drive of Launceston. The area is famous for its sparkling wines and excellent pinot. It’s worth hiring a guide so you don’t have to drive!
In January, when the flowers are in bloom, don’t miss the Bridestowe Lavender farm. Try the Lavender ice-cream and snuggle with Bobbie the lavender bear.
An hour from Launceston are the famed golf courses at Barnbougle, both listed amongst the top golf courses in the world. Wide open fairways and layouts integrating farmland and rugged coastlines make for an unforgettable challenge.
If you’re after some exercise, put a trip to the renowned Derby mountain bike trails on your list. There’s 85km of trails and you can rent a bike in town. Be sure to plan enough time to stop in at the historic Weldborough pub for a beer and chat with the locals.
Cradle Mountain is a must. Stay at the lodge, or book a spot on the famed overland track. If short walks are more your speed, stroll around Dove Lake, and then hit the spa. Adventurers can experience canyoning with Cradle Mountain Canyons.
Don’t forget to take in the northern coastline. Visit penguins at Low Head, the quirky auto museum at Wynyard, the Nut at Stanley and the Tulips at Table Cape. There’s also distilleries and quality micro-breweries. The north of Tassie is full of hidden treasures – the more you look the more you’ll find.
