You could spend the day ticking off the big attractions. Or you could slow it down a little.
Start with a wander through the city, browse a local bookshop, discover some Tasmanian food and wine, let the kids burn off some energy, then settle in for a glass at Highclare Wine Room before dinner.
Here are a few of our favourite ways to spend a day in and around Launceston.
Start with a wander through the city centre. Launceston is a genuinely warm and welcoming regional city full of historic buildings, independent shops, galleries, cafés and plenty of places to stop for something good to eat.
Launceston Central is the city’s own guide to what’s happening, where to eat, shop and explore. Explore Launceston Central →
If you’re the kind of person who can’t walk past a bookshop, make time for one.
Petrarch’s Bookshop on Brisbane Street has been a Launceston institution for decades, while Quixotic Books on George Street is another lovely independent option.
Pick up something for the afternoon, then find somewhere quiet to sit with it.
If you’re travelling with children, Riverbend Park is well worth the detour.
Riverbend Playground and Park is an all-abilities park with water play, sand pits, swings, musical instruments, a sports court and a fenced toddler area. The Sky Walk and giant confluence net are the big drawcards.
It’s also close to the Seaport, QVMAG and the waterfront, so you can easily turn it into a longer afternoon.
We’re slightly biased about this one.
Highclare Wine Room sits directly opposite the City Park gates, so it’s an easy place to start or finish a wander through one of Launceston’s prettiest green spaces.Discover more of Launceston’s parks →
Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so we’d suggest leaving some room in your itinerary for eating.
Launceston Central is a great place to see what’s happening across the city’s restaurants, cafés, bars and food events.
A few places worth knowing about:
For dinner: Pachinko in The Quadrant Mall and Toong Tong Thai in York Town Square are great mid range options. If you are looking for something truly stand out you can’t go past Stillwater or Black Cow.
For the waterfront: Mudbar Restaurant Launceston or Rupert & Hound at the Seaport.
And if you’re heading somewhere for dinner, why not start with a glass of Tasmanian wine first?
That’s where we come in.
If you’ve got a car and a little more time, head north from Launceston and explore the Tamar Valley wine route.
The valley is home to more than 30 wineries and vineyards, stretching along the Tamar and through some of Northern Tasmania’s most beautiful farming country. We have free maps in our Wine Room and are happy to help you plan your journey.Explore the Tamar Valley wine route →
And if you don’t have time for a full wine-country day, you can get a taste of the Tamar Valley right here in Launceston.
We’re a Tamar Valley City Cellar Door, right at 68 Tamar Street, opposite City Park.
Come in for a tasting, settle in with a glass or bottle, or build your own cheese and charcuterie platter.
It’s a particularly good stop when you have an hour to fill before dinner, a show or the next thing on your itinerary.
Open from midday. No bookings needed, but you are very welcome to lock in your time CLICK HERE
If you’re staying in Launceston for a little longer, Launceston Central has plenty of ideas for exploring the city — from galleries and architecture to food, markets, parks and events.
And don’t forget:
Saturday morning: wander through UNESCO Gastronomic recognised Harvest Market for Tasmanian produce, breakfast and coffee.
Cataract Gorge: walk, swim, picnic or simply wander beside the river — it’s only minutes from the city. While there enjoy the scenic Chair Lift.
Tamar River: take a cruise and see the Tamar Valley from the water, with vineyards, historic properties and river communities along the way.
A slow morning in the city. A book you didn’t need but bought anyway. Something delicious for lunch. A wander through City Park. A glass of Tamar Valley wine at Highclare. Then dinner somewhere good.
Not a bad way to spend a day.
