Launceston Travelers Recommend

Three days in Launceston gives you time to enjoy a combination of activities that showcase the area’s natural and cultural attractions, as well as a day trip to one of Tasmania’s top destinations. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend 72 hours in the city of Launceston and the region.

Day 1: Check Out Local Attractions

Start your stay by visiting one of Launceston’s many museums and attractions: Learn about Tasmanian art and history at the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, cars at the National Automobile Museum, and seahorses at the aptly named Seahorse World in nearby Beauty Point. Avoid ticket lines by purchasing admission tickets in advance. 

For an introduction to Launceton’s great outdoors, head to Hollybank Forest Reserve, located about 20 minutes north of town. Explore this lush forest canopy on a Segway tour or treetops zipline course. If you’d rather get out on the water, try a canoe tour on the Tamar River or a Cataract Gorge cruise. Visit the Cataract Gorge on a twilight walking tour for opportunities to see native wildlife, as well as gain insight into the history and natural environment of the area.

Day 2: Discover the Scenic Delights of the Region

Look out on the hills, vineyards, and rivers of the Tamar Valley on a morning hot-air balloon flight. Some balloon tours offer a breakfast option after the flight. Then, see the area outside of Launceston from a different perspective on an excursion such as a river cruise, a wine tour of the Tamar Valley wine region, or an insider winery experience at Josef Chromy Wines. 

If you prefer to stay in Launceston, head to Penny Royal Adventures near Cataract Gorge to enjoy its many family-friendly activities, such as rock climbing, rope bridges, a cliff jump, and a ghost tour. Refuel with drinks and food at the on-site restaurant, tavern, or wine bar.

Day 3: Journey to a Natural Wonder

Opt for a day trip to one of the state’s most popular natural attractions such, as Cradle Mountain, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area and home to wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities; Wineglass Bay, a turquoise bay located in Freycinet National Park; or the Bay of Fires, where orange-colored rocks create a stark contrast to the white-sand beaches. As three of Tasmania’s most visited sights, these day trips can fill up, so book in advance if you don’t want to miss out.

If you’re moving on to Hobart after your time in Launceston, consider a one-way trip that takes you to Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay before arriving in the Tasmanian capital.

With two days in Launceston, you’ll have time to see the best of this riverside city plus enjoy a wine-tasting experience or outdoor activity in the surrounding region. Here are a few ways to create a 48-hour itinerary that suits your preferences.

Day 1: Local attractions

**Morning:**Begin your stay in Launceston with a visit to a cultural, historic, or wildlife attraction. Options include the Queen Victoria Museum, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, and Seahorse World—purchase skip-the-line tickets in advance to save time.

**Afternoon:**Head to Hollybank Forest Reserve, and explore the lush canopy on a Segway or treetop zipline course. If you prefer to be on the water, opt for a Cataract Gorge cruise or a canoe tour of the Tamar River.

**Night:**Learn about the area’s history and natural environment on an evening walking tour of Cataract Gorge, then unwind over dinner at one of the popular seafood eateries in town along the waterfront.

Day 2: Surrounding scenery

**Morning:**Treat yourself to a hot-air balloon flight over the Tamar Valley’s hills and vineyards to start your day on a high note. Some tours even include breakfast. If you’re on your way to Hobart, a 1-way tour from Launceston stops by top attractions like Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.

**Afternoon:**Discover Tasmanian varietals on a tour of the Tamar Valley wine region, with transportation provided so you don’t have to drive between tastings. Experiences at individual wineries such as Josef Chromy Wines offer a more in-depth look at local wine making.  

**Night:**Make your way to Penny Royal Adventures near Cataract Gorge for drinks or dinner at the on-site tavern, restaurant, or wine bar. If you arrive early enough, take advantage of the complex’s family-friendly activities such as rock climbing, rope-bridge walking, and cliff jumping—or go on a ghost tour.

With attractions that highlight the natural beauty and history of the area, Tasmania’s Launceston is a lovely place to spend an active day. Here’s how to make the most of 24 hours in this city located at the confluence of the Tamar, South Esk, and North Esk rivers.

Morning: Local happenings

Get acquainted with Launceston’s sights and scenery on a walk through the town center or along the waterfront. Then, hop on a Cataract Gorge cruise to take in views of Royal Park, the wharf, and the cliffs from the river—or check out one of the local attractions, such as the Queen Victoria Museum, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, or Seahorse World.

Afternoon: Wine tasting or outdoor adventures

Head to a nearby winery, such as Josef Chromy Wines, for the chance to sample different Tasmanian varietals. Some wine experiences include lunch, a walk through the vineyards, a special tasting session, or a behind-the-scenes tour. For something more active, visit Hollybank Forest Reserve, about 20 minutes north of Launceston. Zoom around the lush forest on a Segway, or admire the canopy from above on a treetop zipline course. If you’d rather be on the water, opt for a canoe tour of the Tamar River.

Night: Cataract Gorge

If you have time left in the afternoon, travelers of all ages will have a blast at Penny Royal Adventures near Cataract Gorge: go rock climbing, walk along rope bridges, jump off a cliff, or go on a ghost tour. Then, unwind over drinks or dinner at the on-site restaurant, tavern, or wine bar. Alternatively, explore Cataract Gorge on a twilight walking tour, learning about the area’s history and natural environment as you go.

Home to the famous Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in Tasmania offers some of Australia’s best hiking opportunities. From short day hikes through rain forests and alpine heaths to strenuous treks to the summit of Cradle Mountain, these are a few trails you shouldn’t miss.

Enchanted Nature Walk (easy)

This short 0.7-mile (1.1-kilometer) loop begins near the park entrance and circles through moorland and rain forest, past waterfalls and pools, before returning to the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Interpretive tunnels along the way appeal to kids. The relatively flat trail is suitable for all levels.

Dove Lake Circuit (easy to moderate)

One of the most popular walks in Tasmania, the Dove Lake Circuit circumnavigates Dove Lake beneath the shadow of Cradle Mountain. Much of the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) loop is on a boardwalk, and there’s only one short moderate hill to climb.

Marions Lookout (moderate)

There are a couple of ways to access the spectacular views from the top of Marions Lookout, each suitable for those with some bushwalking experience. The easier route passes Lake Lilla and Wombat Pool, while a more direct (and strenuous) path heads up the rough and steep terrain along the Marions Lookout Link Track. Both trails have some steep areas and take about three to four hours.

Cradle Mountain Summit (difficult)

Views in the park don’t get much better than from the top of Cradle Mountain, accessed via a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) 1-way trail involving nearly 2,000 feet (610 meters) of elevation change. This challenging hike takes around six hours.

Overland Track (multi-day)

Perhaps the park’s most famous hiking trail is the Overland Track, a 6-day, 40-mile (64-kilometer) trek through the national park from Ronny Creek to Cynthia Bay.