Regions of Tasmania

Launceston and the North East

Living in Launceston

Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and well known for its great food and drink culture, heritage architecture, city parks and easy lifestyle. There’s good reason around 110 000 Tasmanians live in this northern city. Its pocket sized, yet thriving across business, tourism, design and adventure. Plus, it’s easy to always find a good coffee here.

Things to do in Launceston

Built on the Tamar River banks, Launceston is fortunate to have an urban playground just minutes from the city streets. Cataract Gorge is a lush escape complete with walking trails, rock climbing, chairlift, swimming pool and proud resident peacocks. The city also teems with artists, designers and makers; a community turning out everything from pottery to some of our finest furniture.

Launceston is a welcoming city known for its great restaurant and café culture, from iconic Charles Street to Seaport. Live here, and you’ll eat well. Chefs don’t have to look far beyond the plate to celebrate local produce and the Tamar Valley is renowned for its premium cool climate wines. It’s little wonder many are drawn to the region’s strong agricultural industries where vineyard owners, beef farmers, bee keepers and cheese producers thrive.

Launceston enjoys a central location, about two hours’ drive to Hobart and an easy hop to the major population centres along the north west coast. This region also boasts a major shipping port and the Bell Bay Industrial Precinct, responsible for 59 per cent of all Tasmania’s manufactured exports.

North East Activities

Venturing out to the north east, pack your golf clubs and sense of adventure. Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm have been named among the world’s best public golf courses. The historic town of Derby has been transformed into a mountain biking mecca, drawing riders from across the globe. Further east, St. Helens Mountain Bike Trails journey from mountain to sea. The nearby Bay of Fires coastline is striking; crystal-clear waters, white sand and orange-lichen capped boulders. Though, we admit the water can be chilly!

Just off the north east coast, a short flight from Launceston Airport or Bridport, is Flinders Island. The largest of the Furneaux Group of 52 islands, around 900 locals call it home. Those with a penchant for crayfish, hiking, epic scenery, Killiecrankie diamond hunting and wombats find it hard to leave.