Launceston, which sits at the head of the Tamar River Valley is not only the second largest city in Tasmania, but also the third oldest city in the whole of Australia after Sydney and state capital Hobart.
The city, which through the island’s isolation has retained an Anglo-Saxon feel and is awash with fine examples of Victorian architecture, has a relaxed yet invigorating culture. Being a compact place most of them are also within walking distance.
Only 15 minutes walk from the city centre, which radiates from the Brisbane Street Mall outwards in a grid pattern, is the Cataract Gorge with its combination of beautiful scenery, walking tracks and single span chair lift that crosses its girth.
The Launceston Heritage Walk provides an opportunity to discover more about the city’s history, while the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Waverly Woollen Mills and the Tasmanian Design Centre are worth a visit.
The Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s premier food and wine producing region, so local produce is widely used in the city’s award winning eating establishments, which although predominantly Anglo-Saxon do cater for other cuisines.
Launceston has a relatively quiet nightlife, but is home to the world famous J Boag & Son brewery.
The town offers a variety of accommodation that is good value and fairly central with examples being the Flag Inn Balmoral, the Comfort Inn Commodore Regent, Penny Royal Motel, Ashton Gate and Launceston City Backpackers.