Tasmania’s second largest city is nestled in the Tamar River Valley where the North Esk, South Esk and Tamar Rivers meet. Launceston’s ambience is provincial; old buildings, parks, gardens, riverside walks, craft galleries and hilly streets lined with weatherboard houses. It has recreated itself and now has some of Australia’s top restaurants and stylish places to stay.

Explore

• Walk, relax, visit the peacocks, or dine at the wild and beautifulCataract Gorge in the centre of town.
• The Tamar Valley has great boutiques, cool climate wineries and elegant vineyard restaurants where you can meet with the growers and the makers.
• Penny Royal World is a working replica of a 19th century gunpowder mill.
• 50 kilometers southeast of Launceston is Ben Lomond National Park. The steep rock buttresses of Ben Lomond, Tasmania’s highest mountain, frown over the rich farmlands of the Fingal Valley.
• A day trip to cradle moutnain just 2 hrs away. Enjoy horseback trail rides or helicopter flights over the region's rugged mountains or Short walks like Dove Lake Loop Walk, Crater Lake Circuit or Enchanted walk.