Just over an hour's drive from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Devonport, Launceston is a tantalising introduction to the island state.
Just over an hour's drive from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Devonport, Launceston is a tantalising introduction to the island state. Tasmania's second-largest city sits at the confluence of three rivers, where nature raps at the doorstep of heritage buildings, and gastronomic aromas scent the air. Vineyards, quirky animal encounters, adventure activities and a gorge right on the city fringe complete this multi-layered riverfront city.
Cataract Gorge
Less than three kilometres from the CBD, Cataract Gorge is a wondrous natural attraction where the South Esk River squeezes between ancient dolerite cliffs. It's also home to the world's longest single-span chairlift (457 metres), a suspension bridge and native and exotic gardens, patrolled by peacocks, wallabies and pademelons. Jump on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, which spirits visitors across the river to the Cliff Grounds, the starting point for the popular Cataract Walk (among others). Grab a bite to eat at The Gorge Restaurant or Basin Café and, in summer, enjoy a swim in the riverfront pool at First Basin.
For an alternative view of the gorge, join a Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise with award-winning Tamar River Cruises. The 50-minute voyages depart from Home Point Parade boardwalk, cruising on a replica of the 1890s Lady Launceston steamboat. The electric-drive boat is silent, enhancing opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting as you pass under Kings Bridge and between the gorge walls.
Seahorse World
Did you know there are 50 different species of seahorse? Some are smaller than a fingernail, and the males give birth to live young. You will learn these facts and more at Seahorse World, Australia's only accredited seahorse farm. The farm (at Beauty Point, a 45-minute drive north of Launceston) breeds seahorses and seadragons for live export to aquariums around the world, and is part of a global conservation effort to preserve the species.
Join a 50-minute tour to see seahorses up close and step behind the scenes to explore the farm's day-to-day operations and view tiny babies. The experience ends in the Southern Ocean Aquarium where you can hold a seahorse in the palm of your hand and view other marine creatures native to Tasmanian waters.
Stillwater Restaurant
A Launceston fine dining institution, Stillwater is set in an 1840s flour mill overlooking the River Tamar/Kamaluka at the mouth of Cataract Gorge. With a seasonal menu infused with local flavours and an award-winning wine list, this is one chef's-hatted restaurant worth splashing out on when you want a night off the pans. Book well ahead to reserve a coveted table by the window and get set for a two- or threecourse culinary journey, featuring dishes such as Stanley octopus with lemon dashi, brown butter and udon noodles; and wagyu rump with grilled local oyster mushrooms and black truffle butter. Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and eating out here is all part of the experience.
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
Family-owned BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is centrally located, a walkable two kilometres from the city centre and Cataract Gorge. The park has updated amenities and hillside city views and is a stone's throw from the Midland Highway. The six-hectare park is a haven for native wildlife after dark – think pademelons, bandicoots and possums – and also boasts giant animal art installations. Choose from a powered concrete slab or standard site, while your non-RV companions will enjoy the brand new luxury villas.
Credit Big4
Tamar Valley Wine Trail
The luxuriant Tamar Valley is Tasmania's oldest and largest wine growing region, renowned for its cool-climate wines. Explore more than 30 cellar doors fanning out along the east and west banks of the Tamar on this scenic journey from bucolic pastures to vineyards. Start with east-side bubbles at the sparkling houses of Jansz Tasmania and Clover Hill Wines, then head west for tastings at the likes of Evenfall, Swinging Gate and Holm Oak, where you can meet Pinot the pig. If you want to let someone else do the driving, book a wine-tasting tour.
Penny Royal Adventure
For high-adrenaline thrills in the heart of Launceston, make a beeline for Penny Royal Adventures. This theme park – set in a replica Van Deman's Land colony – is part historical theatre, part thrill-seeker hub.
Learn about bushranger Matthew Brady on an underground barge ride, sail on the Brig Tamar to explore the haunted prison of Sarah Island, and pan for gold in the gemstone mine. Up the adrenaline on the cliff walk, traversing a dozen suspended rope bridges, and launch yourself into the air on a 20-metre-high cliff jump. Penny Royal also offers ziplining, rock climbing and a barefoot sensory trail. Calm your nerves with a tipple in the Wine Bar afterwards or dig in to a wood-fired pizza at Brady's.
Lake Derby Sauna
Soothe those aching muscles with heat therapy and a cold-water plunge at the Floating Sauna in Derby. This unique woodfired sauna, on a pontoon above Lake Derby, is a 90-minute drive north-east of Launceston; but worth the journey. Built in the Finnish tradition, the architecturally designed sauna floats above the tranquil waters of a swimming hole that was once a tin mine.
Book a private sauna (for up to five people) or sweat it out in a public session. Your experience starts with a 10-minute walk from the car park across an enchanting swing bridge. Once at the lake, you are in the hands of a Sauna Master. When it's time to cool down, jump into the lake's bracing waters, keeping a lookout for trout and platypus.
