Launceston is a city of contrasts. A short walk from the city's gracious Victorian and Edwardian era facades is the cataract Gorge reserve, with its tree rhododendrons and peacocks, fern glades and gracious lawns.
Less than half an hours drive from Launceston is the Tamar Valley, Tasmania's premier wine growing region acclaimed for its cool-climate wines. Many of the vineyards are small and family owned and often the growers themselves will greet you to explain how the wine is made and offer you a tasting. The region is also renowned for its locally produced fresh foods including amazing berries and cheeses.
Heli Adventures Tasmania specialise in private and personalised tours and local helicopter scenic flights. They have an array of tour packages available, including winery tours, and golf tours to the world famous Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links and Craggy Peaks. More info. Visit www.heliadventurestas.com.au or phone (03) 6334 0444.
Natural beauty combines with examples of engineering resourcefulness and community vision at Cataract George to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful place where you will find so much to see and experience. Find bushwalk and hiking trails, a suspension bridge, gardens, a restaurant and café, lookouts, swimming pools, peacock gardens, abseiling and rock climbing and for the adventurous the longest single span chairlift in the world.
Launceston is located at the base of the beautiful Tamar River and there is no better way to discover the beauty of the river and the breathtaking views of Cataract George than aboard the deck of a relaxing Cataract Cruise. Cataract Cruises operate daily and have an all-weather vessel which offers comfort along with a relaxing atmosphere and informative commentary.
For the beer lover a visit to 'Boag's Centre for Beer Lovers' is a must. Launceston is home to the J Boag & Son brewery - makers of the world's best beer (you be the judge). The centre features a museum, merchandise shop, the start and finish of the brewery tours (a must) and of course tastes of the States "other sparkling" Boag's premium beers.
Ever wanted to experience the sensation of flying? Cable hang gliding is a safe simulation of free-flight hang gliding where you soar over a 20 metre cliff during your 200 metre flight. It is available for adventure lovers of all ages. For more information visit www.cablehanggliding.com.au.
Launceston is a city rich in culture and heritage that you can easily uncover. The work of many local artists and touring exhibitions are displayed throughout the year. The history of the city is also presented at public and private museums, including the prestigious Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery with a spectacular planetarium. For more information visit: www.discoverlaunceston.com/living/museums.
Just an easy half hour drive away from the bustle of Launceston brings you to Launceston Lakes. You will find Tasmanian Devils, parrots, emus, owls, alpacas and other exotic animals in the Wildlife Park. Test your skills and fly fish for trout in their well stocked lakes. Tuition and equipment is available. Or get wet and wild in bush buggies while driving through the 17 kilometre bush circuit.
This ride is one of the ultimate mountain bike descents possible in Tasmania with a total drop of 1050 vertical metres. Starting at Ben Lomond Ski Village this awesome trip takes you down one of the most spectacular roads in Tasmania, Jacobs Ladder. Local guides can take you through the eucalypt forests along some old 4WD tracks and onto one of the best single-track descents in northern Tasmania, part of the annual Ben Lomond Descent multi-sport race.
Ever wanted to experience the sensation of flying? Located 20 kilometres from Launceston the newest Tasmanian adventure experience allows visitors to glide across the treetops in a unique forest canopy tour, gaining an eagles-eye view of Tasmania’s beautiful forests. This is unlike any other Australian nature experience, and visitors will see the trees and forest ecology in a new light and learn about the growing vibrant Tasmanian forests.
Visit the on-site furniture workshop and see artisans making fine, hand-crafted furniture, mainly from Tasmanian timber such as Huon Pine, Myrtle, Blackwood and Sassafras. 1842 is situated in one of Launceston’s finest heritage buildings, on the Register of the National Trust, and is the booking and start point for Launceston Historic Walks. Visit www.1842.com.au.
Held al fresco in Launceston’s City Park in February each year, Festivale offers more than 65 stalls to taste and savour the highly renowned Tasmanian Gourmet food and wine amid the colour and fun of family entertainment of music, dance and street theatre.
On George Street you will find two unique boutiques. The Sheeps Back showcases Merino Mink wool, a luxurious blend of merino, possum fur and silk as well as beautiful knitwear labels including Casaveen, Optimum, Visage, Kuna, Merino Gold, Sheer Bliss and Toorallie.
While on George Street ensure you drop past Cocobean Chocolate where you will find the most delectable organic, fair-trade coffee and hot chocolate. This chic boutique’s chocolates are all hand-crafted on the premises and beautifully boxed, perfect for gifts. Visit www.cocobeanchocolate.com.au.
Riverside Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course located just four kilometres from Peppers Seaport Hotel. As one of Tasmania’s premier courses (par 72) you will encounter gently undulating fairways and picturesque views from the club house, boasting a wonderful bar and dining facilities. Club hire, cart hire and buggy hire are available. Visit www.riversidegolf.com.au.