4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
1h30 from Melbourne by plane
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Launceston (Australia)
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Blair_25
Practical information on Launceston
Reviews of Launceston
Tasmania's second town, Launceston is a pleasant little place even if it has neither the charm of Hobart nor the advantage of a seaside location.
My suggestion:
If you want to camp or stay in the region, reserve well in advance in summer as there is limited space available in hotels and campsites
My review
There are some towns which have nothing special to offer apart from a certain charm that makes them appealing. For me, Launceston is one of these towns. I stayed there for two nights, between the ferry landing at Devonport and the road to the Bay of Fires on the west coast and in this town with a population of 100,000 I discovered a quaint charm, some beautiful Georgian and Victorian buildings in the town centre and a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
In addition, in the very centre of the town of Launceston, I was surprised to find a pretty park, alongside Cataract Gorge River, which offers a very pleasant walk in beautiful natural surroundings.
Launceston is certainly not unmissable on a trip to Australia but for those who are spending some time in Tasmania it is undoubtedly an important stopover.
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Blair_25
It is the second largest town in Tasmania (82,000 inhabitants) and situated 198 km from Hobart, in the north of Tasmania.
My suggestion:
With both town and nature, Launceston is the ideal place to recharge your batteries after long days of walking. Stay in a bed and breakfast on the side of Cataract Gorge and enjoy the excellent sea food in the area's restaurants.
My review
Launceston is lively than Hobart but not necessassrily prettier. There are numerous shops, restaurants, galleries, a museum and a famous restaurant (James Boag's), which are all worth a visit. But its principal attraction is its immense park: Cataract Gorge. I adored this natural reserve which is only 5 minutes north west of the centre of town.
There are two paths you can take to explore this superb gorge: Cataract Walk and Zig Zag Track, which is a little steeper, and includes the crossing of some impressive suspension bridges. Crossing it in 2 seater cable cars is the ultimate romantic gesture, and you can finish the walk in the little kiosk which has a tea room. I loved the surrealist landscape with wallabies, noisy peacocks, and bright rhododendrons.
Close by are the National Parks of Ben Lomond, in the east, and Narawntapu, on the west coast, which will detain you for several days. The last is nicked named "Tasmania's Serengeti" because of its adundant plant and animal life.
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Alicia Munoz
257 travelers' photos
