Launceston is a riverside city in northern Tasmania, Australia. It's famed for the Cataract Gorge, with panoramic views, walking trails, sculpted gardens and a chairlift. The Queen Victoria Museum, in a 19th-century railway workshop, has exhibitions on Tasmanian history. Its sister Art Gallery lies across the river, by sprawling Royal Park. The vineyards of the Tamar Valley stretch northwest along the Tamar River.
Tasmania’s second city has forever been locked in rivalry with big-smoke Hobart to the south. Launcestonians argue that their architecture is more elegant, their parks more beautiful, their surrounding hills more verdant and their food scene zestier. It is indeed a city where art and design are highly valued, the locals embrace the outdoors, and food and coffee culture thrives. A striking new hotel inside the city's tallest building – repurposing grain silos, of all things – has opened, while Cataract Gorge remains the sort of natural adornment you rarely find inside cities, and it's an easy and endearing base for those exploring the Tamar Valley or other parts of the north. There's a lot to like about 'Lonnie'.
Sculpted by the South Esk River, Cataract Gorge lies only 15 minutes on foot from the centre of Launceston. On both sides of the steep gorge, walking trails from the 1890s skirt the cliff face providing panoramic views of the river far below. To reach the top, sightseers can hop aboard the world's longest single-span chairlift. Kings Bridge also offers excellent views. South of the river is a café and a sparkling swimming pool, while on the northern side, at Cliff Grounds, visitors can commune with colourful peacocks and friendly wallabies in the fern-fringed Victorian garden. For a glimpse of the sheer cliffs and cascades from water level, hop aboard a river cruise.
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, in two different locations, is a great place to brush up on some local history and admire Australian and international art. Housed in an impressive 19th-century heritage-listed building, the art gallery on Wellington Street features ten different galleries displaying Tasmanian art from colonial days to the present, historic photos, international paintings, and decorative arts. The gallery also hosts a family art space. Its principal attraction is a splendid Chinese temple decorated with gold leaf, containing ceremonial items from mining towns in north-eastern Tasmania.
• Cataract Gorge
• City Park
• Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
• Cataract Gorge Reserve
• Tasmania zoo
Below is a small selection of the Launceston holidays on offer. If you would like us create a Launceston holiday based on your ideas, please give us a call.
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9 Nights from £2940pp
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Below is a small selection of hotels we have on offer in Lauceston
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At TripsBeyond there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 270 0009
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