Things to do in Launceston

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Cataract Gorge Reserve is a natural gorge adjacent to the city center of Launceston. The South Esk River flows through the valley, and steep cliffs enclose a pool of emerald water, preserving a rare touch of wilderness on the edge of the city. From Kings Bridge, follow the cliffside trail along the north bank into the gorge, and you will soon reach the open First Basin. Here, you will find an outdoor swimming pool and large lawns by the water, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to swim and picnic. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge, which spans the basin, was built in 1904 and, along with the suspended chairlift, is an iconic feature of the gorge. Taking the chairlift allows you to overlook the entire pool and the surrounding cliffs from above. On the cliff top on the opposite bank lies a Victorian-style garden, where ferns and exotic plants are layered, and free-roaming blue peacocks stroll leisurely across the lawns. Around dusk, you may even encounter wildlife such as wallabies. Continue along the trail deeper into the gorge to reach the Second Basin and the old Duck Reach Power Station. This hydroelectric plant, built in the late 19th century, once lit the streetlights of Launceston and has now been converted into a venue showcasing the history of early hydroelectric power, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in industrial heritage.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald, a Swiss village, is a community town in the northern suburbs of Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania, Australia, about 15 kilometers away from downtown Launceston. Grindelwald's name comes from the city of the same name in central Switzerland. It was built in 1980. It was inspired by the Alpine-style architecture of Switzerland that he and his wife Miep Voss fell in love with when they visited Switzerland, and thus developed this small village in Grindelwald on the northern outskirts of Launceston. Grindelwald covers an area of ​​400 hectares, including hundreds of houses and a restaurant and bar, as well as golf courses, tennis courts and hotel accommodation, and a Swiss-style chalet with a history of more than 50 years. Today, as a "tourist town" in Launceston, Grindelwald attracts many tourists every year. It is very pleasant to take a walk by the lake and have a cup of coffee on the roadside.

City Park

Launceston City Park is elegant and tree-lined, located in the northeast of the city center. In 1965, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan established diplomatic relations with Launceston. As a gift, a macaque monkey hall was built in the courtyard. Next to the park is the Victorian Albert Hall, and next to the hall near the entrance to the park is the CityParkRadio. On the other side of the park entrance is the Tasmanian Design Centre (Tasmanian Design Centre), which features exhibitions of some local designers and is worth visiting, and the city park is also where the annual food festival is held.

Tasmania Zoo

Tasmania Zoo is located 18 kilometers west of Launceston. Don't worry too much about the zoo keeping chickens, sheep, cattle, dogs and other livestock. After all, there are also Tasmanian devils (tasmanian devils), penguins, and many birds. In addition, the zoo has barbecue facilities, a children's playground with swings and other rides, a gift shop, and a café.

Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is divided into two parts, one in Inveresk, on the north bank of the Tamar River, is the part of the museum, which mainly exhibits taxidermy, dinosaur fossils, and the Australian Railway Transport and Transportation Museum, and the Planetarium . The other is RoyalPark, which is part of the art gallery. It exhibits colonial oil paintings, paintings by local artists and modern art works. There is also an exhibition hall of the Guandi Temple in the museum.

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

The scenery here is beautiful. Ride the cable car across the valley to overlook mountains, lakes, basins, forests, and more, with expansive views.

Penny Royal Adventures

Treetops Adventure Hollybank

Treetops Adventure Hollybank is located in Underwood, Tasmania, Australia, approx. 20 minutes from Launceston. It is an outdoor adventure center and a large-scale park. The park offers four major experiences: the treetop ropes course features 7 routes and 78 obstacles, reaching up to 18 m; the zipline tour lasts approx. 2.5 hours, allowing you to soar over the Pipers River, with the highest point 50 m above the ground, including 7 zipline segments spanning 400 m; additionally, there are guided off-road balance bike tours and mountain bike rentals.

National Automobile Museum of Tasmania

The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania (NationalAutomobileMuseumofTasmania) is located in Launceston and provides Australia's important car collection. Featuring an impressive collection of traditional and contemporary cars spanning a hundred years of style and technical achievement, this is a must-see for anyone who values history, design and engineering.

Tamar Island Wetlands Centre

Tamar Island Wetlands Centre is an important nature reserve and tourist attraction. The wetlands are home to various rare bird species, including black-necked cranes, cormorants, and egrets. Visitors can observe these beautiful birds from the bird-watching platforms provided by the center and learn about their habits and ecological needs.