Launceston

Launceston

Cataract Gorge in-town, Tamar Valley wine and the north's heritage-city base.

8 tours
3 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 4 photos
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Tours in Launceston

See all 8 tours →
2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay

2 days
From AUD $405
takayna / Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour - 5 Days

takayna / Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour - 5 Days

5 days
From AUD $3275
larapuna / Bay of Fires Hiking Tour - 4 Days

larapuna / Bay of Fires Hiking Tour - 4 Days

4 days
From AUD $2595
Launceston ( LON-sess-tən) is a city in the north of the Australian state of Tasmania, at the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers, where they become the River Tamar (kanamaluka). As of the 2021 census, the Launceston urban area has a population of 90,953. Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania after the state capital, Hobart. As of 2020, Launceston is the 18th largest city in Australia. Launceston is the fifth-largest inland city and the ninth-largest non-capital city in Australia. Launceston is regarded as the most livable regional city, and was one of the most popular regional cities to move to in Australia from 2020 to 2021. Launceston was named Australian Town of the Year in 2022. Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and it has many historic buildings. Like many places in Australia, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom – in this case, Launceston, Cornwall. Launceston also had the first use of anaesthetic in the Southern Hemisphere, it was the first Australian city to have underground sewers, and it was the first Australian city to be lit by hydroelectricity. The city has a maritime climate with four distinct seasons and is appreciably warmer than the south of the island during summer. Local government is split between the City of Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar Councils.

Background information about Launceston adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Next 7 days at Launceston

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Launceston

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Sep, Oct, Nov — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jun, Jul if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
39°
4° low
53mm
Feb
34°
4° low
39mm
Mar
34°
1° low
63mm
Apr
27°
-1° low
64mm
May
22°
-2° low
74mm
Jun
17°
-3° low
89mm
Jul
15°
-2° low
90mm
Aug
16°
-3° low
107mm
Sep
19°
-2° low
87mm
Oct
24°
-1° low
66mm
Nov
29°
0° low
65mm
Dec
33°
2° low
63mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

What else is around Launceston

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🏖️ Beaches (1)
🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (23)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Launceston

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Cradle Mountain
149 km · 2h 5m
To East Coast Tasmania
163 km · 2h 11m
To Freycinet Peninsula
180 km · 2h 25m
To Hobart
201 km · 2h 31m
To Bay of Fires
166 km · 2h 42m
To Huon Valley
247 km · 3h 13m
To Tasman Peninsula
249 km · 3h 14m
To Port Arthur
254 km · 3h 18m

Photos from around Launceston

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
park
Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Discovery Parks - Hadspen
park
Launceston Holiday Park
Launceston Holiday Park
park
Adventure Tours Australia – Tasmania
Adventure Tours Australia – Tasmania
article

Frequently asked about Launceston

Where is Launceston?
Launceston is in Launceston Region, Tasmania, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Tasmania destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Launceston?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Launceston are typically October, November, September — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. July tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Launceston?
Summer daytime highs average around 39°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about -3°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 860 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Launceston?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Cradle Mountain it's about 149 km — roughly 2h 5m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Tasmania destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Launceston?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Launceston Cenotaph, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery, Edward VII Statue, A B Biggs observatory, Launceston Flood-Protection Works. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Launceston?
We list 3 caravan and holiday parks in and around Launceston above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Launceston?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Launceston to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Launceston good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 28 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Launceston?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Cradle Mountain, East Coast Tasmania, Freycinet Peninsula. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Launceston?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Launceston accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Launceston are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Launceston cost?
Budget travellers can do Launceston on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Launceston?
Most named destinations in Tasmania have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Launceston

2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay
2 day Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay
★ 5.0 · from AUD $405
takayna / Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour - 5 Days
takayna / Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour - 5 Days
★ 5.0 · from AUD $3275
larapuna / Bay of Fires Hiking Tour - 4 Days
larapuna / Bay of Fires Hiking Tour - 4 Days
★ 5.0 · from AUD $2595
Launceston Hollybank Tree Ropes Experience
Launceston Hollybank Tree Ropes Experience
★ 5.0 · from AUD $69
wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour - 4 Days
wulinantikala / Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour - 4 Days
★ 5.0 · from AUD $2650
Bridestowe Lavender Farm Tour including Lunch
Bridestowe Lavender Farm Tour including Lunch
★ 5.0 · from AUD $165
Private Day Trips Bay of Fire From Launceston (3days in advance)
Private Day Trips Bay of Fire From Launceston (3days in advance)
★ 5.0 · from AUD $700
Cradle Mountain Day Tour Charter Service ( 3 days in advance)
Cradle Mountain Day Tour Charter Service ( 3 days in advance)
★ 5.0 · from AUD $1500

Caravan parks nearby

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park
Launceston · Launceston City Council
★ 4.3
Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Hadspen · Meander Valley Council
★ 4.1
Launceston Holiday Park
Launceston Holiday Park
Legana · West Tamar Council
★ 4.1

Nearby destinations

Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Country
Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires
East Coast
East Coast Tasmania
East Coast Tasmania
East Coast
Freycinet Peninsula
Freycinet Peninsula
East Coast
Hobart
Hobart
Hobart Region
Huon Valley
Huon Valley
Hobart Region

Launceston travel articles

Adventure Tours Australia – Tasmania
Adventure Tours Australia – Tasmania
Adventure Tours Australia – Tasmania has small group tours from Hobart to Launceston, choose from camping safari and accommodated soft adventure tours and package travel deals, catering for the budget traveler as well as private group charters. This Island state off the southern coast of Australia has distinctive East and West Coast touring environments – dramatic […]
Tasmania Accommodation
Tasmania Accommodation
Are you planning a holiday in Tasmania? Look no further for the ideal accommodation – right through the island. Cities like Hobart and Launceston offer numerous hotel and apartment options; while in stunning natural areas like Frecinet Peninsula or Cradle Mountain there are resorts galore. Additionally, midlands and coastal fringes boast motels and Bed […]
George Town
George Town
» Click here for a List of Accommodation in George Town With its penguin rookeries and rich maritime history, George Town is Australia’s third oldest city following Sydney and Hobart. Located along the banks of the Tamar River only 40 minutes north from Launceston, George Town is a holiday destination that boasts many of Tasmania’s tourist attractions either […]
Peppers York Cove
Peppers York Cove
Property Information: 2 Ferry Boulevard, George Town Peppers York Cove is located in the historic seaside hamlet of George Town on the Tamar River in northern Tasmania. Just a 30-minute scenic drive from Launceston, this new premium waterfront resort will deliver an unforgettable array of experiences. Within the resort, you can indulge your senses in countless ways. […]
Midland Tasmania
Midland Tasmania
» Click here for a List of Accommodation in the Midlands Located between Launceston and Hobart is a section of Tasmania known as the Midlands where you will find history, heritage, agriculture and stunning landscapes all rolled into one. Primarily a farming region because of its low lying region and flat grasslands, there are also many […]
Accommodation
Accommodation
Best Western Hobart [formerly Mercure Hobart] Fountainside Hotel Hadleys Hotel Hobart [formerly Mercure Hadleys] Leisure Inn Hobart Macquarie Leisure Inn Waterfront Lodge Leisure Inn Woolmers Inn Mantra One Sandy Bay Road Port Huon Cottages Quality Hotel Hobart Airport Quality Inn Macquarie Manor Rydges Hotel Hobart St Ives Apartments Wrest Point Located between Launceston and Hobart […]
Accommodation
Accommodation
Best Western Plus Launceston [formerly Mercure Launceston] Comfort Inn Sunrise Comfort Inn The Pier Country Club Tasmania Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments Peppers Calstock Peppers Seaport Hotel Peppers York Cove Quality Hotel Gateway Quality Hotel GatewayQuality Hotel Gateway The Sebel Launceston – Accor With every possibly type of accommodation available within the region […]
Accommodation
Accommodation
Comfort Inn Sunrise Quality Hotel Gateway No matter what type of accommodation you are after for your trip to Launceston you will find just what you are searching for with ease. There are numerous places to select from all ranging in price, so sticking to your budget can be easily done as well. Launceston has long been […]