Launceston

Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is a city in Northern Tasmania.  Boasting a well preserved cityscape dotted with beautiful parks, Launceston is situated on the confluence of the South Esk River and the North Esk River, forming the kanamaluka / Tamar River estuary.

 Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania after Hobart and as of 2020, was the 17th largest city in Australia. It was voted the most livable regional city, and was one of the most popular regional cities to move to in Australia from 2020 to 2021. Launceston won the Australian town of the year in 2022.

Many of the buildings in the city's central business district (CBD) were constructed in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and Launceston is a major location of Federation style housing. It has many Victorian and Georgian buildings together with a diverse collection of art-deco architecture.

Concerns that high rise developments might compromise the character of the city centre have led to strictly enforced building regulations that restrict the height of new structures in the city, so that most buildings in the CBD have fewer than five storeys.

Numerous large supermarkets are within walking distance of the CBD, alongside smaller grocers and fresh produce markets. All major banks are represented in the CBD.

There are many parklands around the city, with distinguishing features including bike lanes and walking trails. Most have playground facilities. City Park – one of the largest parks within Launceston is home to Macaque Monkeys and also has its very own “train ride”.

There are two schools within the Launceston boundary, however many schools are located just outside official suburb lines. Schools within are Launceston College, catering for students in years 11 and 12 and is the main feeder school for local public high schools; and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School catering for Kinder – year 6. The University of Tasmania campus is currently being moved closer to the CBD, some of which will reside on the banks of the North Esk River.

The Queen Victoria Art Gallery and the Launceston Library are also located within the CBD.

A famous iconic attraction in Launceston is the James Boag Brewery where brewery tours are available.  The Launceston Aquatic and Leisure Centre is situated just on the outskirts of the City Centre.

Launceston is the hub for northern Tasmania with the regions 300 bed public hospital and two smaller private hospitals.   Access is available also to most specialists and dentists within the city. 

The entrance to the Cataract Gorge can be found close to the city centre, just past Penny Royal, another of Launceston's tourist attractions. 

Royal Park offers picturesque views out over the Tamar River and is an access point to the  popular walkway winding around the Seaport .  It's here you can find many of Launceston's great restaurants and accommodation, and also access Riverbend Park via the footbridge.