As a tourist city, Launceston has everything you could ever want. It has the culture and rich history you would expect from a European vacation, as well as the natural wonder and beautiful landscape that travellers love about Australia. With Launceston, you don't have to feel torn as to the type of vacation you're looking for. You can have it all.
From historic buildings to ghost stories, to beaches, rivers, and world-famous wildlife, Launceston is the ultimate vacation destination with something that the entire family can enjoy.
Getting in and around Launceston
Launceston Airport
For international travellers and those travelling from the mainland, getting in to Launceston is best done by plane. Many of the major airlines fly daily into Launceston, including Virgin, Jetstar and Qantas. It's a very short trip from nearby Melbourne and flights are also available from Sydney to Launceston. Flights from Brisbane are also available every few days. International travellers will want to connect first to one of these cities.
Launceston Transport
Car hire is the most economical way to get around Launceston. Launceston also has taxi services, however getting around on foot is always a good way to discover a new city.
Launceston Car Hire
Launceston car hire is affordable and numerous car hire companies operate within the city.
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Launceston accommodation
Launceston accommodation has something for everyone. There are hotels, motels and hostels aplenty. The best thing about hotels in Launceston are the unique buildings. Often you can find accommodation at every price point that's housed in one of Launceston's historic buildings.
Luxury
The Country Club Resort is in a class all by itself with great food, excellent service and beautifully spacious rooms.
Auldington is a beautiful boutique hotel that is conveniently located and ranks high on style and service. The Country Club Resort is in a class all by itself with great food, excellent service, and beautifully spacious rooms.
Auldington is a beautiful boutique hotel that is conveniently located and ranks high on style and service.
Mid-range
The Grand Hotel does the old-world historic charm that Launceston is known for on a budget most can afford.
Hotel Grand Chancellor offers guests a warm relaxing experience with delicious food for a reasonable price. The City Park Grand Hotel does the old world historic charm that Launceston is known for on a budget most can afford.
The Hotel Grand Chancellor offers guests a warm relaxing experience with delicious food for a reasonable price.
Budget
At the Art Hotel on York, visitors get to experience the historic architecture and charm of Launceston on a budget while surrounded by art.
The Quality Hotel Colonial Launceston is great value for money with comfortable rooms, helpful staff and a convenient location. At the Old Bakery Inn, visitors get to experience the historic architecture and charm of Launceston on a budget.
The Quality Hotel Colonial Launceston is great value for money with comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and convenient location.
Backpackers
The Arthouse Hostel is in a beautiful historic building with all the usual amenities and friendly staff.
Launceston Backpackers is well known as one of the best hostels in the city with complete amenities and stylish lodgings. The Arthouse Hostel is in a beautiful historic building, you'd never know that you're staying in a backpacker's accommodation.
Launceston Backpackers is well known as one of the best hostels in the city with complete amenities and stylish lodgings.
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Things to do in Launceston
Launceston caters to a wide variety of people with an assortment of things to do. Everyone from the adventurer to the cultured historian will be kept busy in this great city. Venture outside the city for a taste of the Tasmanian wilderness and wine tasting or stay in the city limits for a never-ending supply of rich history and luxury.
Launceston City Park is just one of many parks in the city. City Park, however, is special as it is also where visitors can see the famous Macaque monkeys, which were originally a gift from Japan.
The Launceston General Post Office isn't just your average city building. It's a testament to the historic architecture that Launceston is known for. The building itself dates back to the 1880s and the later addition of the clock tower is now a city landmark.
Launceston Historic architecture. Launceston is known for having some of the most beautiful 19th century buildings in Australia. The town itself is a gorgeous, nostalgic experience. The Macquarie, Franklin, Entally and Clarendon Houses are among the more well-known buildings. Walking tours of Launceston's historic districts are available.
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania is a great outing for the entire family. This great attraction features some of the auto industry's greatest achievements from the last century in automaking.
Launceston Ghost Tours. Don't believe in ghosts? Take one of Launceston's City Ghost Tours and you may change your mind. Get the inside scoop on some of the darkest and possibly haunted corners of Launceston.
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Day trips in and around Launceston
Cataract Gorge is a must-see when in Launceston. Not only is it one of the most beautiful river gorges, it is also believed to house the longest chair lift in the world.
Cruise the Tamar River. The Tamar River takes you through town and into the countryside. Tamar River Cruises offers luxurious day cruises with delicious food and wine and a cosy setting in which to take in the amazing sites of Tasmania and Launceston.
James Boag Brewery. Get a taste of the Australian brewery business with an inside look at one of the greatest breweries in Southern Australia.
Launceston Wine Tasting. Tamar Valley is a well-known area for the wine industry and is a great place for enthusiasts to have a unique wine tasting experience.
Launceston Lakes and Wildlife Tours. If you enjoy fishing, or just want to get out of the city, Launceston's Lakes and Wildlife tours are for you. Take a tour of the many surrounding lakes and have a day of fishing and relaxation.
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