Accommodation in Launceston

Tasmania's second largest city is located in scenic countryside at the headwaters of the Tamar River. This garden city is the perfect base for exploring northern Tasmania. Main Attractions: The famous Cataract Gorge on the South Esk River, with its adjacent reserves, is close to the city. Attractions here include a chairlift and suspension bridge, historic King's Bridge (1867), floral and peacock gardens, walking trails and views. Penny Royal World is an impressive tourist development near Cataract Gorge.

Attractions include tramway rides, an early 19th-century gunpowder mill, cannon foundry, arsenal, underground armoury and windmill in a landscaped setting. Opposite is a gallery in historic Ritchie's Mill. The Tamar Odyssey, which leaves from nearby Home Point, offers river cruises. Launceston city centre has very attractive streetscapes including Yorktown Square, which is a quaint shopping centre designed to echo the past, and Princes Square with its magnificent baroque fountain. The Old Umbrella Shop in George St is a genuine period shop preserved by the National Trust. Colonial history and art can be explored at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Wellington St, and a range of classic cars can be admired at the National Automobile Museum in Cimitiere St. City Park has shady lawns, a conservatory, duck pond and monkey island. Just over the Tamar St Bridge is the Inveresk Railyard redevelopment, a focal point for arts and events, including the Esk Market on Sundays.