Places to visit

• Cataract Gorge
• Launceston Seaport
• Museum
• City Park
• James Boag’s Brewery
• Tamar River Cruise
• Tamar Wetlands
• Hollybank Treetop Adventures
• Farmers Market
• Ben Lomond National Park

Launceston is located in northern Tasmania and is the second largest city and one of the most liveable in Tasmania . The riverside city is at the confluence of where the North and South Esk River meets to become the Tamar River.

There is so much to do and see here in Launceston This town is well known for the James Boag’s Brewery which is located within the historic grounds of the CBD and surrounded by stunning convict brick buildings. There are daily tours where you can taste the premium larger and learn the history of this iconic brewery which was founded in 1881 by James Boag

Cataract Gorge

The Cataract Gorge is located 1.5 km out of the city centre and is one of the top attractions in this area. The gorge is located at the lower section to South Esk River. This place is an unexpected unique urban secret. The entrance fee is FREE and you get a chance to spend the day walking around the gorge or take a swim in their well located pool right down on the river. They also offer chair lift rides from the entrance over the gorge where you get a panoramic view of everything the gorge has to offer.

There are 2 walking tracks which take you around the gorge. Some of the walks are grade 2-3 and cater for all fitness levels. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge is centre point for the gorge and connects you with the south side of the gorge where the Rotunda and Cafe/Restaurant are. If you choose not to take the Suspension bridge which has a bit of a swing whilst crossing , there is a walkway that will get you there. There are also bbq and picnic areas so you can make a family day of visiting this place.

The gorge is also accessible to a boat cruise ,rock climbing and hang gliding.

Ben Lomond National Park

Ben Lomond is a park for all seasons. It is located 51km east of Launceston. It was declared a national park and scenic reserve in 1947. Ben Lomond is famous for the road in called Jacobs Ladder. It has a series of switchbacks that creates a spectacular and breathtaking journey up to the ski fields. If you choose to visit in winter you will require a 4wd and snow chains.During the winter months there are 2 ski fields for the snow enthusiasts. They offer skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or if you prefer there is a ski village where you can sip on something hot and enjoy the view.

We visited on a beautiful autumn day and walked to the summit which took around 1/2 hour from the village. The views were spectacular up here so we chose to set up and have lunch and take in the amazing views. The alpine landscape and wildlife is in abundance over this time. There was snow on the mountain the week before we visited so there was a bit of snow still on the mountain to greet us.

Ben Lomond is visible from much of Tasmania’s northern midlands and has an elevation of 1572 m. It is the second equal highest mountain in Tasmania .This place offers so many walks and rock climbing for the experienced walkers. They also offer short walks where you can still take in the experience of the mountain and enjoy the views.

Seaport

Located on the banks of the North Esk River in Launceston seaport which offers an array of restaurants with a view. This place caters for everyone from Italian, Seafood, Modern Australian. We chose Levee Food and Co and had fish and chips which is located on the boulevard.

We had the chance to visit here a couple of times and stayed at different places. Our favourite was a camping place called Old Macs caravan and motorhome farm stay located on the outskirts of Launceston. Operated independently it is a great place to camp or visit. They offer powered and unpowered no booking required first in is the winner but there are plenty sites. You will have to be fully self contained. There are toilets provided.

They also have the Apricus Restaurant which offers great food and coffee. There are a few small walks around the property and you can get up and close with some of the farm animals.

I would allow up to 4 days if you want to see some of the sites we visited as some like Ben Lomond National park are day trips.