Launceston

Vineyards, the Tamar Valley, historic Launceston is quiet, safe, with shopping to die for! Be amazed at the underground Gold Mine at Beaconsfield, dine in luxury at any one of Launceston's fine restaurants or cafes, visit the famous Country Club Casino, or relax on a yacht on the stunning Tamar River. Launceston has the sights and sounds to satisfy your every wish.

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Cataract Gorge:

Welcome to Launceston's Cataract Gorge Reserve or the Gorge as the locals call it, a place filled with stories and memories of our recent and distant past. Here natural beauty communes with examples of engineering resourcefulness and community vision to create a place of drama, romance and respite. The First Basin, on the southern side, features a swimming pool and an open area surrounded by bushland. It is Launceston's beach. In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden where wilderness is exaggerated with ferns and exotic plants, where nature is enhanced by art. Further upstream is the historic Duck Reach Power Station, now an Interpretation Centre. The Launceston City Council originally commissioned the Power Station in 1895, making it the largest hydro-electric scheme of its day. Dividing the two areas is the South Esk River, which through the decades has been the source of enterprise, experiment and engineering feats.

Ben Lomond National Park

National Park Summer or winter, the craggy Ben Lomond plateau attracts adventure seekers rock climbing, alpine walking, cross country and downhill skiing are the highlights of this national park, situated about an hours drive east of Launceston. To reach the park, take C roads from Evandale then follow the 17 km gravel road to the ski village. Jacobs Ladder, a steep and narrow section of the road, demands great care, especially in winter conditions, when chains should be carried. The ranger station at the foot of the mountain can give advice on road conditions during winter. Weather in alpine areas changes rapidly be prepared for cold, wet conditions, even in summer.

Tasmania's best ski fields are located in the north-east at Ben Lomond, and there are several noteworthy historic towns in the area as well.

Seahorse World

Tasmania's latest attraction, a world first Seahorse farm (Hippocampus abdominalis) located just 35 minutes north of Launceston at the mouth of the picturesque Tamar Valley. The working farm and aquarium provides a unique insight into the mystical, intriguing and lovable seahorses from birth, in a working farm. With informative guides providing an educational experience, you will be able to see the weedy Sea Dragons, Pipe Fish and the endangered species. As you pass through the cave of the seahorses you enter the first class aquarium where young and old can take advantage of the touch pool. An aquaculture museum and theatrette graphically illustrates the past, present and future in the enjoyable field of aquaculture. Seahorse World incorporates the Australian Maritime College; the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, supported by Early Maritime Life Tasmania. This Tasmanian icon includes Tasmanian craft, fine foods and a Tasmanian Wine Centre with a Waterfront Cafe Restaurant.
 

Franklin House

A Georgian house built in 1838 for Britton Jones, a Launceston brewer and innkeeper. All the interior woodwork is New South Wales cedar. A fine example of domestic architecture of the period, at one time it was used as a school for boys. The National Trust has restored and furnished the house and recreated the stylish Georgian family home. Morning and afternoon teas are served and the gift shop sells souvenirs.
 

Other Attractions:

Mining heritage on display in the north-east includes relics of the old gold mine at Beaconsfield, and the Derby tin mine. Beaconsfield and Beauty Point serve as good starting points for exploring the natural attractions of the Tamar Valley, which include beautiful waterfalls, scenic views, and safe swimming beaches.

Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, is located on the Tamar River and is known for its attractive parks and gardens. The region's largest town, Scottsdale boasts the southern hemisphere's largest lavender farm. 

We recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered International Travel Agents.
If you are considering booking we recommend the following travel agents:
Australian Discount Travel & Tours,
Travel With A Cause Inc (a not for profit travel agency assisting several projects in many developing countries).

We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings