Launceston is located in the Tamar Valley, 198 kilometres north of Hobart. The city is surrounded by many hills and ravines. The topography of the area is greatly influenced by its location at the junction of two rivers which meet to form the broad Tamar River. From here the river valley opens north to Bass Strait only 58 kilometres away. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after the state capital, Hobart, however it is said to maintain a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The Tamar Valley was formed by volcanic and glacial forces over 10 million years ago. Settled in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest cities and is home to many historic buildings dating from the colonial to Georgian and Victorian eras. These have been fondly maintained, housing restaurants, cafés, banks and boutiques. The town was so-called after its English namesake, Launceston, Cornwall.
Old Macs Farm and Fishery, 55 Sandown Rd, offers short and long-term parking to visitors. Unpowered sites are available for those with self-contained vehicles only and will cost $20 per vehicle per night - stays are limited to 7 days. Please note, Old Macs Farm is only available from 1st Oct - 31st May each year due to weather conditions.
Launceston offers something for everyone with the city easily explored on foot. The boardwalk will take you along the modern seaport area with its many cafés and wine bars. Here you will also find the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. For those looking to explore further afoot, the Tamar Valley wine route showcases quality Tasmanian cool climate wines. River cruises are also a popular way to explore the Tamar River and wetland area. Cataract Gorge Reserve is a unique natural formation only 15 minutes' walk from the city centre. A meandering boardwalk follows the cliff face looking down onto the river. The Kings Bridge which spans the George was constructed in 1867. There are eateries located on both banks as well as manicured gardens where you can walk among peacocks and wallabies. The steep rugged cliffs attract rock climbers and other thrill seekers. However a chairlift enables all visitors to experience spectacular views.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Launceston Travel & Information Centre, 68-72 Cameron St, Launceston
Ph: 1800 651 827
www.destinationlaunceston.com.au
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Forster St
Short & Long Term Parking
Old Macs Farm and Fishery, 55 Sandown Rd, Launceston, Unpwr $20 PVPN, 7 day limit, SC vehicles only. (Site available from 1st Oct - 31st May due to weather conditions).
Dump Point
St Leonards Picnic Ground, Station Rd
Potable Water
St Leonards Picnic Ground, Station Rd
Hospital
274-280 Charles St, Ph: 03 6348 7111
Doctors Surgery
Newstead Medical Centre, 165 Elphin Rd, Newstead, Ph: 03 6331 1088
Pharmacy
City Capital Chemist, 27-29 Brisbane St, Ph: 03 6331 6235
Meadow Mews Pharmacy, Shop 15, The Mews Shopping Centre, Kings Meadow, Ph: 03 6344 6622
Dentist
Braeside Dental Surgery, 52 York St, Ph: 03 6334 0788
Caledonian Dental, 1/54-58 Invermay Rd, Ph: 03 6331 7959
Supermarket
Coles, 102 Hobart Rd, Kings Meadows, Ph: 03 6343 1200
Coles, 198 Charles St, Ph: Ph: 03 6334 5731
Woolworths
111 Hobart Rd, Kings Meadows, Ph: 03 6344 7111