Launceston is the second-largest city in Tasmania and provides a base to explore the northern part of the state. The city was settled in 1805 and has a population of 87,645 (2021), making it Australia's fifth-largest inland city.
The best way to get around Launceston is by car. Taxis are available, but may add up to be expensive; try to get a transfer when you are moving from the airport to your hotel. Car rentals are available for reasonable rates. There is also a Metro bus service which goes all through the town. Bicycle is a reasonable way to get around Launceston and out the Gorge. Traffic is fairly quiet in town, and there is a good network of bike paths.
Launceston City Park - includes an enclosure housing a large number of Macaque monkeys Historic houses and buildings including Macquarie House, Franklin House, Entally House, Clarendon House and the 'Old Umbrella Shop'. Tamar Valley - wine-growing area National Motor Museum 1 Tasmania Zoo, 1166 Ecclestone Rd, Riverside, ☏ +61 3 6396 6100. 100 species of animals. (updated Feb 2018) 2 Queen Victoria Museum, 2 Invermay Road, ☏ +61 3 6323 3777. Extensive museum featuring exhibitions of colonial art, contemporary craft and design, Tasmanian history and natural sciences, a working planetarium, and displays related to Launceston's industrial environment and railway workshops.
Cruise the Tamar River Tour the surrounding wineries of the Tamar Valley 1 Boag's brewery, 39 William St, ☏ +61 3 63326300. Tours leave weekdays (from 9AM; closed on public holidays) from the Boag's Centre for Beer Lovers located in the Tamar Hotel in the heart of Launceston. Bookings and fully enclosed footwear are essential. Yoga in the park open classes by local yoga teacher in Launceston parks on weekend mornings. Saturday morning in City Park before the harvest markets and on Sunday mornings in Riverbend Park www.werethee.com.au donation based/bookings not required. Launceston Ghost Tour, 14 Brisbane St, ☏ +61 421 819 373. Starts 8:30PM nightly at the Royal Oak.
1 Morty's Food Court, 25 Wellington St, ☏ +61 3 6331 5788. A small food court with a good variety of dishes (various Asian cuisines and a coffee/wine bar that sells cakes). (updated Feb 2018) 2 Aromas Fine Food Cafe, 272 Charles St, ☏ +61 3 6331 4150. Good coffee and pastries in a quiet and relaxing area. (updated Feb 2018) Fish and Chips at the end of the Wharf, past the end of the flood barrier when walking from town. Possibly the best fish and chips you'll ever have. Prices depending on fish and season. 3 Star of Siam, Paterson St, ☏ +61 3 6331 2786. Informal, casual Thai with a wooden interior.
Launceston has several "olde worlde" UK style pubs, including The Cock and Bull and Irish Murphy's. In the city centre there are pubs on many of the street intersections.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Launceston typically sees ~14°C daytime highs and 11 rainy days.
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