Launceston sits where the North Esk and South Esk rivers meet and become the Tamar, so a good deal of the choice about where to stay in Launceston comes down to which part of that landscape you want outside your window. The city, the river and the vineyard country all offer a different kind of base.
This page looks at the settings and areas worth considering, then at the four caravan and holiday parks listed on this site. For individual properties, our Launceston accommodation page is the place to start.
Choosing a base in Launceston
Launceston is Tasmania's second most populous city after Hobart, with an urban area population of 90,953 as of 2021. It was settled by Europeans in March 1806, which makes it one of Australia's oldest cities, and it has many historic buildings to show for it. Local government is split between the City of Launceston, Meander Valley and West Tamar councils, which is why the parks below sit in different council areas.
Our destination note sums the place up as Cataract Gorge in town, Tamar Valley wine, and the north's heritage-city base. That is a fair guide to the options: stay in the city for walkability and history, or stay out in the valley for space and a slower pace.
Settings for apartment-style stays
In the city centre
Apartment-style accommodation in the city suits solo travellers, families and larger groups, and it can be a good option for business trips too. Being in the centre means you can wander the streets directly from your front door, with the city's parks and gardens close by. Garden views from a private balcony are one of the pleasures of city properties.
Along the Tamar River
Some stays look out to the Tamar, where the river heads toward Bass Strait. The river is used for commercial and recreational boating, and the Port of Launceston wharves once stood in the city centre and at Invermay, so the waterfront has a working history. A note of caution: parts of Inveresk and Invermay sit below high-tide level, and some low-lying areas are liable to poor drainage and periodic flooding. It is sensible to ask a property about this when you book.
Vineyard settings
Out in the Tamar Valley, secluded vineyard properties offer a quieter, more romantic option, often chosen for honeymoons and getaways. Apartment-style stays in the area range from studios to one, two and three bedroom apartments, king suites, villas and spa suites. Packages such as family deals and weekend retreats are common, so ask about rates and specials. If you are weighing up price, our Launceston budget accommodation and Launceston luxury accommodation pages sit at either end of the scale.
Caravan and holiday parks around Launceston
Four parks are listed on this site, spread across three council areas. All four offer powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability before booking.
| Park | Suburb | Council |
|---|---|---|
| BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park | Launceston | Launceston City Council |
| Launceston Holiday Park | Legana | West Tamar Council |
| Discovery Parks - Hadspen | Hadspen | Meander Valley Council |
| Beauty Point Tourist Park | Beauty Point | West Tamar Council |
The first is in Launceston itself. The others lie out in the valley at Legana, Hadspen and Beauty Point. If you are travelling in your own rig, our page on Launceston campervans and motorhomes may help too.
What the weather means for your stay
Launceston has a maritime climate with four distinct seasons, and it is appreciably warmer than the south of the island in summer. Summer afternoons average about 24 degrees in January and February, while July is the coldest month, with highs of about 10.5 degrees and lows of about 3 degrees. Winter is also the wettest stretch, with August the wettest month at about 110 mm over roughly 16 days.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.8 | 10.4 | 59.9 | 7.3 |
| February | 23.6 | 10.6 | 44.8 | 7.3 |
| March | 21.4 | 9.2 | 56.6 | 7.8 |
| April | 17.2 | 6.8 | 65.0 | 9.7 |
| May | 13.8 | 4.9 | 77.7 | 11.5 |
| June | 11.2 | 3.4 | 90.5 | 12.8 |
| July | 10.5 | 2.8 | 99.5 | 15.0 |
| August | 11.2 | 2.9 | 109.6 | 16.4 |
| September | 13.0 | 3.6 | 91.3 | 13.9 |
| October | 15.5 | 4.9 | 69.0 | 11.5 |
| November | 18.1 | 6.8 | 68.7 | 11.1 |
| December | 20.8 | 8.5 | 61.7 | 9.1 |
Winter smoke is a local issue. Wood heating caused about 73% of winter air pollution in a 2007 study, though far fewer households use wood heaters now than in the early 1990s, and air quality has improved.
Using Launceston as a touring base
Launceston works well as a hub. By road, Cradle Mountain is 149 km away (about 125 minutes), the Bay of Fires is 166 km (about 162 minutes), Freycinet Peninsula is 180 km (about 145 minutes) and Hobart is 201 km (about 151 minutes). Port Arthur is the longest at 254 km, around 198 minutes.
Several tours on this site start from the city:
- The Hollybank Tree Ropes Experience, from AUD 69, is 20 minutes from Launceston and runs for 2 hours 30 minutes.
- The Bridestowe Lavender Farm Tour including Lunch takes five hours, from AUD 165.
- The Cradle Mountain Hiking Tour runs four days, from AUD 2650.
For more ideas, see our Launceston activities page, or the state tourism site Discover Tasmania. General background on the city is on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Are there caravan parks near Launceston?
Yes. Four are listed: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park in Launceston, Launceston Holiday Park in Legana, Discovery Parks - Hadspen, and Beauty Point Tourist Park. Each has powered sites and cabins.
What kinds of apartment stays are available?
The range runs from studios to one, two and three bedroom apartments, plus king suites, villas and spa suites, in the city centre or in vineyard settings.
Is Launceston a good base for day trips?
It is. Cradle Mountain is about 125 minutes by road and the Bay of Fires about 162 minutes, and the city has tours that depart for both. Start with the Launceston destination guide.
