Best things to do in Launceston

Launceston's Absolute Essentials

Launceston combines 19th-century architecture with unique geological features. The city is home to the Cataract Gorge, which contains the world’s longest single-span chairlift and the historic 1895 Duck Reach Power Station. Boag’s Brewery has maintained its operations here since 1883, while City Park features a Japanese macaque enclosure and horticultural displays dating back to the 1820s. Cultural landmarks include the 1911 Princess Theatre and the Earl Arts Centre, complemented by expansive views from Mt Barrow and multiple gorge lookouts.

Launceston's Absolute Essentials — Map

Nick-D / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Launceston City Park

Launceston City Park is a park in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. Established in the 1820s by the Launceston Horticultural Society and…

B

Gorge Lookout

Elevated vantage point providing views over the First Basin and the South Esk River within the Cataract Gorge Reserve.

C

Basin Chairlift (Cliff Grounds Trevallyn Station)

Established in 1972, this chairlift includes the longest single span in the world, crossing 308 meters over the First Basin.

Scott Davis / CC BY 2.5

D

Boag's Brewery

Boag's Brewery is an Australian brewery company founded in 1883 by James Boag and his son, also named James, in Launceston, Tasmania,…

Peripitus / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Interpretation Centre (Duck Reach Power Station)

Duck Reach Power Station was the first publicly owned hydro-electric plant in the Southern Hemisphere, and provided the Tasmanian city of…

Louise Nicdao / CC-BY-SA

F

Suspension Alexandra Bridge Lookout

Vantage point overlooking the South Esk River and the 1904 Alexandra Suspension Bridge, which connects the northern and southern banks of the gorge.

G

Cataract Lookout

Observation point offering views of the rugged dolerite cliffs and the natural basin where the South Esk River meets the gorge.

H

Mt Barrow

A 1,413-meter peak offering 360-degree views of the Tamar Valley, the northern coastline, and the Great Western Tiers.

I

Princess Theatre

Heritage-listed Victorian theatre opened in 1911, featuring a 950-seat auditorium and hosting touring musicals, opera, and dance.

J

Earl Arts Centre

A flexible, 184-seat black-box theatre opened in 1993, specifically designed for local community performing arts and contemporary productions.

Other Lists

Launceston Parks and Viewpoints Tasmanian Wineries