We have pulled together our absolute top picks of things to do around Launceston and around the north of the state...
Launceston
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Cataract Gorge
No trip to Launceston is complete without seeing our beautiful cataract gorge. Take a short drive up the hill or a lovely walk along Margaret st. this iconic part of Launceston is not to be missed. Walk the loop around or take the chairlift, the central span of which is 308 metres is believed to be the longest single chairlift span in the world. launcestoncataractgorge.com.au |
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Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday morning… Our Farmers’ Market brightens a quiet inner-city car park and brings the farm gate to you… a beautiful offering of Northern Tassie fresh produce and handmade treats and demonstrates the very best of the food culture of Launceston. 8.30am til 12.30pm, 71 Cimitiere street harvestmarket.org.au |
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Penny Royal
Rich with history and atmosphere... Whether you’re interested in learning a little of Tassie’s rich convict history or you’re in for a little thrill-seeking on the zipline or rock climb, or even just a coffee or glass of wine set amongst the incredible surrounds, Penny Royal truly has something for everyone. 1 Bridge Rd, Launceston pennyroyallaunceston.com.au |
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Tamar River Cruises
See the Tamar River in style on a Tamar river cruise… With numerous cruise options this is a beautiful way to take in the beauty of Launceston and the Tamar Valley. Home Point Parade, Launceston tamarrivercruises.com.au |
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Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)
Entry is by donation... Found across two locations in Launceston - the Art Gallery at Royal Park and Museum at Inveresk and is a major destination for art, history and natural sciences in Northern Tasmania. QVMAG Museum and Planetarium – 2 Invermay Rd QVMAG Art Gallery – 8/2-8 Wellington St qvmag.tas.gov.au |
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City Park | Design Tasmania Centre
See the monkeys!! Take a stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens, then call into the Design Centre which contains a one-of-a-kind collection of contemporary wood designs and shop featuring an extensive range of products by Tasmanian designers. Corner Brisbane and Tamar Streets designtasmania.com.au |
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Woolmers Estate
A great value lunch on an amazing historic estate... Woolmers is a beautifully preserved example of Tassie’s rich convict history and early colonial life. Located just outside Longford it is well worth a visit to wander the grounds, take a house tour or enjoy the gorgeous Marjories Restaurant. 658 Woolmers Lane, Longford woolmers.com.au |
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Star Theatre
Brought back to its former glory in recent years… The Star Theatre is a beautiful example of art deco cinema architecture from 1937. Now an independently run cinema with bar and café serving local drinks and produce, why not see what’s on show? 217b Invermay Rd, Invermay startheatre.com.au |
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James Boags Brewery
Come and have a beer... Located on the banks of the Tamar River, take a fully guided tour of the historic James Boags Brewery for a taste of its rich history and of course beers paired with delicious Tasmanian cheeses. 39 William St, Launceston jamesboag.com.au |
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Evandale Markets
Every Sunday… Historic town of Evandale hosts a regular county market every Sunday from around 8am to 1.30pm. Falls Park, Logan Rd, Evandale evandaletasmania.com |
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Princess Theatre
Launceston’s home of entertainment… Boasting local shows, comedians, interstate shows and events. See what's on while you are in town! 57 Brisbane Street theatrenorth.com.au/princess-theatre |
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On your bike tours
Get to know Launnie on a bike! On your bike tours offers a fun and unique way to discover Launceston. onyourbiketours.com.au |
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Liberty Balloon Rides
What a way to see our town!! After many years with no hot air balloon flying over the Natural State – Liberty Balloon Flights are putting an end to the void! Vouchers from $460 – departs from Woolemers Estate or The Sebel. libertyballoonflights.com.au |
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for the night owls and crafty folk (LAUNCESTON)
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Red brick road Cider House
Run by a family of cider-makers you’ll find handcrafted ciders and funky ambience. 63a Brisbane Street Monday – Thursday, Saturday - Sunday open from 5pm, Friday open from 3pm redbrickroadcider.com.au |
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Saint John Craft Beer Bar
Features up to 14 taps with the best of international, Australian and Tasmanian craft beer and craft ciders. 133 St John Street Monday to Saturday 12:00pm – late Sunday 2pm – late saintjohncraftbeer.com.au |
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Bakers Lane
a funky little spot to grab a drink and a bite, or settle in and dance the night away... 81 York Street Open Wednesday – Sunday from 4.30pm bakerslanebar.com |
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Grumpy Piper Whisky Bar
For an education in Scottish whiskey and Australia’s only bagpipe museum. 17 Paterson Street Wed & Thu 3-7pm, Fri 3pm-midnight, Sat 11am-midnight thegrumpypiper.com.au |
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Charlies Dessert House
For the late-night sweet tooth, we’ve got you covered! 74 Charles Street Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday 10am - 4pm charliesdesserthouse.com |
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Please check wesbites for current opening hours as these are subject to seasonality!
along the tamar river (LAUNCESTON)
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Tamar Island wetlands
If you’re feeling like getting out for a walk and enjoying some wildlife... The Tamar Island wetlands is a great spot to visit. Call into the volunteer run interpretation centre for some great information then follow the board walks all the way out to Tamar island and enjoy the many bird species (a small visitor fee applies). W Tamar Hwy, Riverside discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/tamarislandwetlandsreserve |
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Swiss Village at Grindelwald
Little Swiss Village! The little Swiss Village at Grindelwald is a great spot to checkout – whether for golfing or a bit of fun in a paddle boat or putt putt golf, or enjoy a meal at the Alpenrose Lakeside Bistro & Bar. Little shoppes and cafes and more. 7 Waldhorn Drive, Grindelwald tamarvalleyresort.com.au/ swiss-village |
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Rosevears Hotel
Awesome pub on the river, right next door to Tom & Bec's house! Beautiful river views, great food, great wine, art gallery and more… 215 Rosevears Drive, Rosevears rosevearshotel.com.au |
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Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage
Historic gold mining town! Beaconsfield is a former gold mining town near the Tamar River. Lose yourself in the history at their Centre. Opening hours – Daily 9.30am – 4.30pm beaconsfieldheritage.com.au |
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Seahorse World
Hold the mysteries of the ocean in the palm of your hand… Completely unique aquarium facility at Beauty Point. Just 45 mins from Launnie. seahorseworld.com.au |
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the highway from launceston to north west
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Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe
Farm fresh raspberries... A café with a spectacular outlook, great food, a lovely store with berry jams, sauces – even socks! Meander over the beautiful farm grounds. 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town raspberryfarmcafe.com.au |
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Anvers Chocolate
A real chocolate taste sensation… When you visit the House of Anvers you can see the qualified confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine couverture chocolat, truffles, pralines, fudges and more! 9025 Bass Hwy, Latrobe anvers-chocolate.com.au |
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Ashgrove Cheese
This is where your cheese in the welcome gift comes from! Award winning Tasmanian Farm Milk, Cheese, Cream and Butter! Visit onsite at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory and Tasmanian Farm Store. 6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town ashgrovecheese.com.au |
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Tasmanian Food & Wine Conservatory
Atmosphere, food, wine, sweets… The Conservatory is a culinary feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. An amazing showcase of local produce in a stunning building and country side setting. 9 Conservatory Rd, Sassafras Link to their facebook page |
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Reliquaire
Tassie’s most amazing toy and unique gift shop – kids AND adults will be amazed!! Words just can’t describe how incredible this shop is…so many hidden nooks and crannies filled with absolute enchantment and magic! You could spend hours just looking in this shop. Our boys go nuts about the medievil room - filled with weapons and dragons! 139 Gilbert Street, Latrobe reliquaire.com |
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Burnie / North west
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Makers’ Workshop
Get a taste for all that Burnie is about... The iconic and unique Makers’ Workshop is a great first stop to get a feel for Burnie. Wander the art gallery and speak with resident artists, take an interactive paper-making tour and learn our rich history and links with paper, or simply sit back and enjoy some Tassie produce or artisan cheese overlooking the ocean. This is also the home of the Burnie Visitor centre. 2 Bass Highway, Parklands, Burnie Open 7 days a week from 9 am – 5 pm discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/makersworkshop |
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West Beach | Fish Frenzy
Along the foreshore at Burnie... Located in the city centre, the beach has plenty to offer... you can enjoy a meal at Fish Frenzy (our favourite place to eat in Burnie!) or Bayviews Restaurant and Bar upstairs, have a swim or wander along the boardwalk around to the Makers Workshop and Little Penguin Observation Centre. North Terrace, Burnie fishfrenzyburnie.com.au |
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Little Penguin Observation Centre
Get up close and personal with the little penguin colony… Run by a group of passionate and knowledgeable volunteers. Guided viewings are run at dusk from October 1st and March 31st Parsonage Point, Parklands Link to their facebook page |
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Hellyers Road Distillery
Australia's largest boutique distillery… Hellyers Road is located on the edge of Burnie overlooking rolling hills of farmland. Enjoy whiskey tasking, tours as well as award winning dining. 153 Old Surrey Rd, Havenview hellyersroaddistillery.com.au |
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The Emu Valley Rhododendron garden
Set on 11 hectares The Emu Valley Rhododendron garden offer a stunning display featuring over 22,000 rhododendrons and other plants. 55 Breffny Road, Romaine emuvalleyrhodo.com |
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Fernglade
You might just see a platypus! Located on the outskirts of Burnie on the Emu river, this beautiful recreation area offers a beautiful spot for a picnic lunch, or follow the Platypus walk along the rivers’ edge, with plenty of tips to help you see platypus in their natural habitat. Fernglade Road, Burnie |
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Burnie Arts and Function Centre
Discover what’s on show or exhibition while you’re in town… 77 Wilmot st, Burnie burniearts.net |
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Burnie Regional Museum
Learn the rich heritage and history of Burnie and surrounds… Little Alexander Street burnieregionalmuseum.net |
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Burnie Park
Located just out of the town centre, and opposite the Makers’ Workshop wander through the tranquil lawns and gardens and up to Oldaker falls. 27 W Park Grove, Parklands discoverburnie.net/What-to-see/Explore-the-Outdoors/Burnie-Park |
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Guide Falls
Just a short 2o-minute drive away you’ll find Guide Falls waterfalls picnic area and walking trails. Ridgley rd, Ridgley discoverburnie.net/What-to-see/Explore-the-Outdoors/Guide-Falls |
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Federation Walk
Learn the history of Burnie’s architecture... with this self-guided tour map and information. Available from the visitor information centre or Regional Museum. discoverburnie.net/What-to-see/Explore-the-Outdoors/Federation-Walk |
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Stanley
(1hr from Burnie) Climb the iconic nut… Beautiful beachside town well worth the drive to check it out! About 1 hour drive from Burnie. discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/north-west/stanley |
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SEASIDE TOWNS TO THE EAST OF BURNIE
Penguin (17 mins from Burnie) Awesome little boutique shops discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/north-west/penguin Ulverstone (26 mins from Burnie) Great warf and township discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/north-west/ulverstone |
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SEASIDE TOWNS TO THE WEST OF BURNIE
Wynyard (19 mins from Burnie) Wynyard is a relaxed seaside town famous for flat-topped Table Cape and fields of stunning tulips. discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/north-west/wynyard Boat Harbour (26 mins from Burnie) If you enjoy a quiet bay with white sands and clear water, then Boat Harbour is guaranteed to steal your heart. discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/north-west/boat-harbour |
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cradle mountain
Cradle Mountain is without a doubt Tasmania’s absolute and most iconic landmark! Highly recommend at least a day trip! Or if you are more hardcore…book in the overland track expedition for a later date!!
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The Dove Lake Loop Track
Our Recommended Classic Shorter Walk – allow 2 hrs – our kids have done this walk easily A great introductory walk to the park, this walk leaves from the Dove Lake carpark. Take the track on the eastern (left hand) side of Dove Lake and follow it clockwise around the lake. More info |
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Circuit of Cradle via Lake Rodway (overnight stay in Scott-Kilvert Hut)
Our Recommended Overnight Trek – we did this recently with our Dad (Bec & Sarah's Dad) – and absolutely loved it!! See cradle from every angle, as you work your way around its entirety – including the optional side track, to summit cradle mountain as part of the journey. More info |
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The Overland Track
Tassies Iconic Trek… we are yet to do this ourselves but our Dad (Bec & Sarah's Dad) and other family and friends have done it and RAVED about it! 65 kms to Lake St Clair. The walk demands a fair degree of preparation and physical fitness and takes on average 6 days to walk. Bookings are essential. More info |
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How to get to Cradle Mountain
From Launceston… it is a 2.5 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
From Burnie… drive 2 hours along the A10 and C132 from Queenstown or 1.5 hours from Burnie via B18 through Ridgley, then the A10 and C132 to reach the park.
NOTE: It is recommended to park your car for free at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and then catch the shuttle bus in. The last shuttle bus returns to the visitor centre at 4pm so be sure to keep this in mind! Car access is ONLY allowed outside of Shuttle bus hours (8am-4pm).
Please see the Parks website for up-to-date info
From Launceston… it is a 2.5 hour drive on the Bass Highway (A1), then the signposted route via B13 and C156 through Sheffield.
From Burnie… drive 2 hours along the A10 and C132 from Queenstown or 1.5 hours from Burnie via B18 through Ridgley, then the A10 and C132 to reach the park.
NOTE: It is recommended to park your car for free at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and then catch the shuttle bus in. The last shuttle bus returns to the visitor centre at 4pm so be sure to keep this in mind! Car access is ONLY allowed outside of Shuttle bus hours (8am-4pm).
Please see the Parks website for up-to-date info
