We get a lot of visitors here in Hobart who ask if they can visit Launceston in a day from Hobart. While it is definitely doable in a day from Hobart there are so many things to see and do in and around Launceston that it deserves a few days.
On my last trip to the North, I made my first stop at the town of Kempton which has some very beautiful buildings. It is home to the Old Kempton Distillery specialising in whisky, gin and other liquors. They provide tours covering a brief history of Dysart House, the Old Kempton Distillery including a behind the scenes tour of the working distillery.
I then made my way to the small township of Oatlands which has Australia’s largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings and another fantastic distillery - Callington Mill. Lake Dulverton is a great spot to relax and spot the cows in the lake (no, they’re not real cows but sculptures)! Oatlands even has a special key that you can pick up to explore the old sandstone buildings.
After Oatlands, I arrived at the famous village called Ross - known for having the best vanilla slice in Tasmania (and judged by those who enjoy a good vanilla slice). They also do really good pies at the Ross village bakery which has existed for over 100 years. Their wood-fired oven is a unique piece of colonial history - a traditional semi-scotch brick "3 bag oven" - with the capacity to bake 300 loaves at a time. Ross also is home to a lovely convict-built bridge and the Ross Female Factory Historic Site.
Next stop - Campbell Town - Home to amazing wooden sculptures, another convict-built bridge, and the cutest lolly shop called "A Little Piece of Heaven". Make sure to add Campbell Town to your list of not to miss places along the Heritage Highway. The Tasmania Shop has got some really great local Tasmanian produce.
Arriving in Launceston or Launnie as the locals call it, City Park is a must-do. Check out the children's play area, the Macaque monkey enclosure, and the John Hart Conservatory. There’s also a train that goes around the park which is great for kids.
Cataract Gorge and First Basin (Credit: Bradley Hudson)
Cataract Gorge & First Basin is located really close (a 15 to 20-minute walk) to the Launceston CBD. This lovely reserve is home to the world’s longest single-span chairlift, peacocks, wallabies, and some great short walks. They also have an outdoor heated pool open from November to March. If walking isn’t for you, simply catch the free Tiger bus to Cataract Gorge. Lastly, don’t miss QVMAG (Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery) which is located in Inveresk - an amazing FREE museum home to Tasmanian art, history, and natural science!
As you can see just getting to Launnie can take up the majority of your day, so make sure your plan accordingly. Of course, if you’re looking for more suggestions in Launnie, make sure to visit the team at the Launceston Visitor Centre who will have specialised local tips to cater to your needs!
Bradley Hudson - Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre