Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel and Apartments is a Launceston stay, and the city around it is what this page covers. Check current rates and details with the operator before you book.
Here you will find the setting: a historic northern Tasmanian city, its weather through the year, and the day trips that start from its streets. That is useful groundwork for anyone choosing a base like Leisure Inn Penny Royal Launceston.
Launceston at a glance
Launceston sits in the north of Tasmania, where the North Esk and South Esk rivers meet and become the River Tamar (kanamaluka). The 2021 census counted 76,849 people in the city, and the wider urban area had 90,953. It is the second most populous city in the state after Hobart.
Europeans settled here in March 1806, which makes it one of Australia's oldest cities, and the historic buildings show it. It was also the first Australian city to have underground sewers and the first to be lit by hydroelectricity. In 2021 it was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and in 2022 it was Australian Town of the Year.
The city is about 45 kilometres south of Bass Strait. Devonport, its closest neighbour city, is about 99 kilometres to the north-west. The terrain mixes steep ridges with low-lying ground, and parts of Inveresk and Invermay sit below high-tide level.
What is near the hotel
Our destination note for Launceston points to three things: Cataract Gorge in town, Tamar Valley wine, and the city's role as the north's heritage base. For a wider look, start with our Launceston destination guide, then browse the Launceston attractions page.
Central Launceston is close to the James Boags Brewery, Launceston Seaport, Cataract Gorge, the Princess Theatre, local markets, galleries, gardens and the Tamar Valley wine region. Ask the hotel how far it sits from each.
If you are still comparing places to stay, our Launceston accommodation page is the best starting point. Another city option is Peppers Seaport Hotel.
Launceston weather by month
Launceston has a maritime climate with four distinct seasons, and it is noticeably warmer than the south of the island in summer. January is the warmest month, with an average maximum of 23.8 degrees and a minimum of 10.4. July is the coldest, at 10.5 and 2.8 degrees. August is the wettest, with 109.6 mm over about 16 days.
| Month | Max (C) | Min (C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.8 | 10.4 | 59.9 | 7.3 | 27.5 |
| February | 23.6 | 10.6 | 44.8 | 7.3 | 25.5 |
| March | 21.4 | 9.2 | 56.6 | 7.8 | 28.0 |
| April | 17.2 | 6.8 | 65.0 | 9.7 | 25.5 |
| May | 13.8 | 4.9 | 77.7 | 11.5 | 26.2 |
| June | 11.2 | 3.4 | 90.5 | 12.8 | 24.9 |
| July | 10.5 | 2.8 | 99.5 | 15.0 | 25.4 |
| August | 11.2 | 2.9 | 109.6 | 16.4 | 25.6 |
| September | 13.0 | 3.6 | 91.3 | 13.9 | 25.7 |
| October | 15.5 | 4.9 | 69.0 | 11.5 | 27.5 |
| November | 18.1 | 6.8 | 68.7 | 11.1 | 26.2 |
| December | 20.8 | 8.5 | 61.7 | 9.1 | 27.5 |
These are 1991-2020 averages for the Launceston area. We would pick summer or early autumn for walking, and pack warm layers for anything between May and September.
Day trips and tours from Launceston
Several tours on this site start in or near the city. Closest to town is the Hollybank Tree Ropes Experience, a 2.5 hour ropes park 20 minutes from Launceston, from AUD 69. It has five self-guided courses and suits ages eight and up.
For something gentler, the Bridestowe Lavender Farm Tour including Lunch runs five hours by air-conditioned coach, from AUD 165.
Private options include a nine-hour private day trip to the Bay of Fires, from AUD 700, and a Cradle Mountain day tour charter, from AUD 1500. Both need booking three days ahead.
Multi-day walks
Serious walkers have three guided choices based from Launceston: the four-day Cradle Mountain hiking tour from AUD 2650, the four-day Bay of Fires hiking tour from AUD 2595, and the five-day takayna / Tarkine tour from AUD 3275. There is also a seven-day Highlights of Tasmania group package from AUD 3199, which starts in Hobart and finishes in Launceston.
Drive distances from Launceston
Launceston works well as a hub, though some of Tasmania's best-known places are a good half-day behind the wheel. These are road distances from the Launceston area.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Cradle Mountain | 149 km | about 125 minutes |
| East Coast Tasmania | 163 km | about 131 minutes |
| Bay of Fires | 166 km | about 162 minutes |
| Freycinet Peninsula | 180 km | about 145 minutes |
| Hobart | 201 km | about 151 minutes |
| Huon Valley | 247 km | about 193 minutes |
| Tasman Peninsula | 249 km | about 194 minutes |
| Port Arthur | 254 km | about 198 minutes |
Our view: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula are better as an overnight than a rushed day, given the drive of more than three hours each way.
Caravan and holiday parks nearby
If you are travelling with a van rather than staying in a hotel, we list BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park in the city and Launceston Holiday Park in Legana. Further out are Discovery Parks - Hadspen and Beauty Point Tourist Park. Each offers powered sites and cabins, so contact the park for current rates and availability. For wider planning, the state tourism site Discover Tasmania is a good companion, and the Wikipedia entry for Launceston covers the city's history in more depth.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel and Apartments?
It is in Launceston, in the north of Tasmania.
What is the best time of year to visit Launceston?
Summer is warmest, with January averaging a maximum of 23.8 degrees. Winter is cooler and wetter, with July and August the coldest and wettest months.
How far is Launceston from Hobart?
It is 201 km by road, about 151 minutes of driving.
