Launceston, located in Northern Tasmania, Australia, was settled in 1806 and features several historic structures as well as stunning scenery. There are many other interesting reasons why travelers should make it a point to visit this one of a kind city.
While there are not direct flights from the United States or mainland Europe to Launceston, there are indirect flights that include flying from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney. Flights to and from Launceston can be found on LetsTakeTour.com and on airline websites, Qantas Airlines, Jetstar Airlines, and Virgin Australia.
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The following are the 5 best reasons to travel to Launceston, Tasmania for your next holiday.
1. Cataract Gorge
This beautiful gorge is just a 10 to 15 minute walk from the city. The gorge is where nature meets engineering ingenuity, making it quite a unique place to visit. Visitors can use the walkway or the Alexandra Suspension Bridge for crossing the gorge. There’s even a chairlift to ride. The ride glides over the gorge at a relatively slow pace, giving tourists the opportunity to take photographs and enjoy the view. Visitors may spot a wallaby or a peacock wandering nearby when exploring the area by foot. However a traveler experiences the gorge, the surroundings will be unforgettable.
2. The Wineries
Tamar Valley wineries are known for some of the world’s best cool climate wines. But the scenery itself is worth the trip. There are breathtaking orchards, pastures, and forests to enjoy along the way. There are currently 32 wineries in this particular area that are within driving distance of one another. The area is known for great Pinots as well as delicious Reislings. There are several companies that offer a variety of wine tours throughout Lauceston and the nearby Tamar Valley. Valleybrook Wine Tours and Prestige Leisure Tours are two companies that provide several types of tours.
3. The Tamar River
This gorgeous river provides breathtaking scenery that visitors will want to experience when staying in Launceston. With a climate similar to Southern France, guests can enjoy beautiful weather while exploring the many towns and natural attractions along the river. There are a variety of riverboat cruises to choose from, including those that run during the morning, afternoon, and 4-hour lunch cruises.
4. Cradle Mountain
This mountain is spectacular to see from a distance as well as from the top. The mountain’s beautiful ridges and distinct shape have given it its name. There are different levels of walks and hikes that visitors can take part in when exploring the mountain. There are also day drives that can be taken when visiting the area. Travelers should make sure and check the weather conditions along the mountain at the Visitor Centre before embarking on their journey. The weather conditions can sometimes change quickly.
5. Take a Tour Downtown
There are so many great attractions downtown that it’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few. Luckily, Launceston is not a particularly large city, with a population of just over 100,000, making it easy to take in many sights in one day. The historic Tamar Hotel and the J. Boag and Son Brewery are located next to one another and are must-sees when in the city centre. Inveresk is the heart of the city’s cultural center and offers several great attractions. Visitors won’t want to miss the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. Another section of the Queen Victoria Gallery is located at Royal Park near the river. This area features flora, fauna, and a beautiful planetarium.