Launceston Travel Information

Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania and the backpacker can be sure to find the city’s amenities more than adequate with many Tasmania tours on offer. Located 198 km north of Hobart it is an easy two hour drive through some beautiful country side. There are many shopping malls with large department stores, specialty and boutiques stores as well as food courts. Restaurants and cafes are plentiful and dot the many busy streets.

There are good art galleries with local, interstate and international artists works displayed as well as some fine pieces for sale. There are theatres and museums with interesting exhibits. Launceston also features many well kept parks and gardens for your enjoyment. There is a long boardwalk which joins the bustling Seaport and it many cafes, restaurants and bars to Inveresk where the Queen Victoria Museum will have you fascinated.

Take the time to visit the Cataract Gorge with its rugged cliffs and beauty or enjoy a wine tasting tour to the Tamar Valley Winery or a river cruise on the Tamar River and explore the wetland areas with their diverse plant life and fauna. There are beautiful national parks close by such as Narawntapu where you can see many species of wildlife. Some of the historic village like Evandale and Longford will keep you spellbound with images of yesteryear. Known as a haven for bushwalkers and rock climbers alike is Ben Lomond National park which is only 54km from the city. Other places of interest include Seahorse World, Boags brewery and Franklin house.

Accommodation is plentiful for the backpacker with accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes with guesthouses, B&B’s, budget hotels as well as backpacker style accommodation and caravan and camping parks. This city has great places to eat including the usual multinational fast food outlets. Launceston is a perfect place to use as a base whilst you explore the nearby environs.