Launceston what to do nearby

Launceston is the hub to access northern Tasmania. Wine trails, a glorious nature reserve and park at the town’s doorstop makes for great day trip ideas. For families Trowunna Sanctuary and Beaconsfield Heritage Centre are perfect answers to kids asking what they are doing today. Heritage and history fans don’t miss out with Georgian architecture and intact streetscapes to linger on in Deloraine and Evandale. Then for the energetic there is always a cycle wine trail to follow. Plenty of choice for the perfect day out and about from Launceston.

Soaking up the atmosphere of Launceston and day trips is a great idea however do not underestimate travelling times. Winding roads, mountains and valleys with glorious country towns and beautiful scenery can mean the planned Lauceston day trip ends up a journey in itself.

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Cradle Mountains, glorious picture perfect Tasmanian scenery & Wineglass Bay will be a quick camera click then it’s back on the road to Lauceston. Avoid disappointment and plan accordingly.

Why go to Cataract Gorge?

You can walk from the city centre which is extraordinary access for a large town. Scenery, dramatic cliff faces and a river make for a stunning contrast between urban Launceston and the reserve on the edge of town.

Cataract Gorge is a walking trail with swimming pools, picnic areas and a Victorian garden in its formal splendor. The gardens are home to wildlife, peacocks, wallabies and pademelons giving kids plenty of entertainment spotting the wildlife. The picturesque Alexandra Suspension bridge and cable car add to things to do and see.

Why go?

Quintessential country town fans will adore Deloraine +  fabulous Liffey waterfalls

Tasmania spoils visitors with charming vibrant country towns each with their own personality. Deloraine is one of Tasmania’s country town highlights. There is something to interest everyone from quirky town sculptures and statues to art and craft shops galore, glorious Victorian architecture and a picturesque river called Meander. The name meander captures the riverside with its grassy banks, picnic areas and walking trails.

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Bonus Liffey Falls, one of Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls, is four cascades of waterfall glory. The walking trail is approximately 45 minutes through Liffey Falls State Reserve.

How far from Launceston

Launceston to Deloraine to Liffey Falls.

Why go? 

Heritage / history lovers will soak up one of Australia’s best preserved historic towns.

Amble around the late Georgian and early Victorian buildings with a heritage reaching back to 1809.

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Plan a trip around the Sunday country market. The market is packed with fresh produce, secondhand books, food trucks and local crafts. There are even pony rides for kids.

Almost a suburb of Launceston, although Evandale locals would protest strongly at such a description. While Evandale is history buff holiday heaven the place has the fascinating Australian Fly Fishing Museum and is home to the annual National Penny Farthing Championship race where humor is part of the day’s entertainment.

How far from Launceston

Launceston to Evandale

Why go?

E-bikes take the hard work out of cycling and it is immediate and personal on a bike.

For wine trail fans RIDE THE VINES guided tour is a great starting point to getting beyond the cellar door to experience a single origin estate. Josef Chromy’s award winning vineyard is explored with a highlight being a wine tasting / food platter very satisfactory highlight. Combined with discovering Launceston on two wheels. On Your Bike Tours provides a slower paced journey as visitors cycle Launceston’s backstreets, explore local parks and gardens, and discover the hidden treasures and trails the locals don’t even know about. As you ride, your friendly guides will provide you with a colourful history of how Launceston came to be the town it is today. All tours include a bike, helmet and light refreshments.

Why go? 

A former mine site is now home to one of Australia’s best mine & heritage sites. A great family friendly day trip

Highlights for kids and family include:

• Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, stories of heroic mine rescues and the deepest shafts in Australia searching for gold reefs, there is a kids zone where the world of underground mining is explained
• Platypus World, a place where it is guaranteed to view the elusive Australian original, the platypus, while this appeals to kids all age groups will appreciate viewing one of the world’s more interesting creatures
• Seahorse World, vivid coloured floating jewels where peering intently at the ever changing aquarium landscape is part of the experience

Location

Launceston to Beaconsfield

Why go?

A sanctuary at the forefront of conservation and education.

There are over 70 acres of natural habitat for wildlife to enjoy a free ranging lifestyle. The kangaroos and waterfowl can be hand fed with Trowunna supplied pellets as well as three daily interactive guided tours. It is a kid’s highlight making a happy and fun day trip for all age groups. The intimate nature of Trowunna makes for an occasion everyone will remember. The spotted quoll is a favourite together with the mobs of kangaroos, Tasmanian devil and wombat to name a few of the animals who call the place home.

Location

Launceston to Trowunna  Wildlife Sanctuary