Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Launceston
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Josef Chromy Wines Winery
Maybe it's the landscape, or simply the Pinot Noir, but there's something intrinsically magical and charming about Josef Chromy Winery. Set 10 minutes outside of Launceston on Tasmania's northern coast, the winery itself is housed inside an estate from 1880, and views stretch out towards the rolling hills and slopes that are covered in vines. Cozy up to the log fire that's always burning inside, and sample the Pinot and Chardonnay that the winery is famously known for. The vineyard's founder, Josef Chromy, is legendary in the food and wine industry throughout Australia and beyond, and for those who know him, it's little surprise that the restaurant and winery have attracted the attention of Australia's top critics who all offer rave reviews. As the Tamar Valley's most notable vineyard, Josef Chromy offers visitors a range of exceptional culinary experiences, from basic tastings at the cellar door to tours pairing wine and chocolate. For a full experience at the winery and restaurant, join a tour that goes "behind the label" for a glimpse of the winemaking process, which is then followed up by an exquisite meal that's perfectly paired with the wine.
Practical Info
Josef Chromy Winery is located 4 minutes south of the town of Relbia and 10 minutes south of Launceston.
Address: 370 Relbia Road, Relbia, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7258, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm. Closed Christmas Day.
From $ 104
Freycinet National Park
One of Tasmania’s most popular coastal holiday spots, Freycinet National Park is backed by the pink-tinged granite outcrops known as the Hazards.
Low-lying coastal heathland frames views of blue sea and sand throughout the park, with the Hazards looming large in the distance. Bushwalkers head here to follow coastal trails along the peninsula’s secluded coves, and the park is a popular holiday camping spot for families.
The park’s white-sand beaches are beautiful but top marks always go to perfectly formed Wineglass Bay, which often appears in travel top 10s as one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It really does have a circular wineglass shape, fringed by white sand and untouched bushland.
Birdwatchers come to Freycinet to spot seabirds, and you might see cockatoos, wattlebirds and wallabies on the two-hour return walk to the lofty lookout over Wineglass Bay. It’s an often steep incline with steps, or you can follow the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville for less-exhausting but still stunning views of the bay.
Boating and fishing are other popular activities, along with rock climbing, sea-kayaking, swimming at the Friendly Beaches and snorkeling at Sleepy Bay and Honeymoon Bay.
Low-lying coastal heathland frames views of blue sea and sand throughout the park, with the Hazards looming large in the distance. Bushwalkers head here to follow coastal trails along the peninsula’s secluded coves, and the park is a popular holiday camping spot for families.
The park’s white-sand beaches are beautiful but top marks always go to perfectly formed Wineglass Bay, which often appears in travel top 10s as one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches. It really does have a circular wineglass shape, fringed by white sand and untouched bushland.
Birdwatchers come to Freycinet to spot seabirds, and you might see cockatoos, wattlebirds and wallabies on the two-hour return walk to the lofty lookout over Wineglass Bay. It’s an often steep incline with steps, or you can follow the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk at Cape Tourville for less-exhausting but still stunning views of the bay.
Boating and fishing are other popular activities, along with rock climbing, sea-kayaking, swimming at the Friendly Beaches and snorkeling at Sleepy Bay and Honeymoon Bay.
Practical Info
The main settlement in Freycinet National Park is Coles Bay, the place to go for food, drink, shopping and national park information at the visitor center.
Freycinet is around 200km (125 miles) from Launceston and Hobart on Tasmania’s east coast. The peninsula dips south from Coles Bay along Great Oyster Bay, running parallel to the towns of Swansea and Little Swanport.
Freycinet is around 200km (125 miles) from Launceston and Hobart on Tasmania’s east coast. The peninsula dips south from Coles Bay along Great Oyster Bay, running parallel to the towns of Swansea and Little Swanport.
Address: Coles Bay Road, 7215, Australia
Admission: Adults: $12
From $ 97
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
Tasmania’s national car museum has one of the country’s best collections of classic and historic cars and motorbikes, covering more than a century of automobile designs.
Vintage cars are the star attraction here, including old Model T Fords and the sparkling chassis of classic Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguars and Mercedes.
Super cars are another highlight, including streamlined Fords and the famous Australian vehicle of choice in the 1970s, the Holden Monaro – complete with racing stripes.
Motorcycles also get a look in, along with rare Ferraris and Daimlers. While the museum is a definite hit with car lovers, it also provides a snapshot of urban history and will intrigue visitors of all ages.
Vintage cars are the star attraction here, including old Model T Fords and the sparkling chassis of classic Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguars and Mercedes.
Super cars are another highlight, including streamlined Fords and the famous Australian vehicle of choice in the 1970s, the Holden Monaro – complete with racing stripes.
Motorcycles also get a look in, along with rare Ferraris and Daimlers. While the museum is a definite hit with car lovers, it also provides a snapshot of urban history and will intrigue visitors of all ages.
Practical Info
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania is in Launceston’s city center on City Park.
Address: 86 Cimitiere Street, Launceston 7250, Australia
Hours: Sep - May: 9am - 5pm ; Jun - Aug: 9am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: AU$10.50
From $ 10
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires got its unique name in the late 1700s from Captain Tobias Furneaux, when he spotted flames along the coast, leading him to believe the country was heavily populated. Evidence left behind by Aboriginal people can still be seen today along the coast, where the bay serves as a popular place among folks who like the outdoors. Known for white beaches, orange lichen-covered rocks and blue water, the area is prime for boating, fishing, swimming, surfing and camping.
The Bay of Fires is divided into a northern, middle and southern section, with the northern piece found within Mt William National Park. This is a day-use only area only. The middle portion is also known as Policemans Points. There are many campsites, some with beach access, but there are no shops or facilities, so visitors must bring everything they might need. Taylors Beach and The Gardens Beach are popular spots with folks just visiting for the day.
Practical Info
Located on Tasmania’s East Coast, the Bay of Fires runs from Binalong Bay north to Eddystone point. St Helens is the closet town to the Bay of Fires, about a 20-minute drive down Binalong Bay Road. Visitors can pick up any needed supplies there.
Address: St Helens, Tasmania, Australia, Australia
From $ 444
Cradle Mountain
With its jagged dolerite peaks standing watch over a trio of glacial lakes, Cradle Mountain is the grand centerpiece of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmania Wilderness, the natural landmark also marks the north end of the famous Overland Track.
The Basics
Surrounded by ancient rain forest, lakes, and alpine heathland, Cradle Mountain is a favorite among hikers. The long-distance Overland Track is the star attraction, but day visitors can enjoy a variety of short and long-distance trails, including the 2-hour Dove Lake Loop, a more challenging 3-hour hike to Marion’s Lookout, the Weindorfers Forest Walk to Weindorfers Chalet, or the short Rain Forest City and Pencil Pine Falls trails.
Day trips to Cradle Mountain from nearby Launceston usually include views of the mountain and Dove Lake, a stop at the visitor center, and one or more short hikes. It’s also possible to visit on a one-way tour from Launceston to Hobart, including Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and Port Arthur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors to the national park are required to purchase a park pass. A pass is also required to hike the Overland Track between October and May.
- Information, maps, park passes, and amenities are available from the visitor’s center, outside the park entrance, and from the ranger station inside the park.
- The park has a number of basic lodging options, including cabins, chalets, and campgrounds.
- The weather can be changeable in the park, even in summer, so dress in layers and be prepared for wind, rain, and low visibility, especially in the mountains.
- Some of the park’s trails are wheelchair-accessible, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent from the visitor center.
How to Get to There
Cradle Mountain lies about 93 miles (150 kilometers) west of Launceston, a 2.5-hour drive. From Hobart, the 187-mile (302-kilometer) drive takes just over four hours. The mountain is located at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Claire National Park and regular shuttle buses run there from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Center, just outside the park entrance.
When to Get There
High season in the national park is from October to May, when there are regular shuttle buses and ranger-led walks. During this period, the Overland Track can only be walked from north to south and advance bookings are recommended. December to April is the optimum time to visit the park, when alpine wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is most reliable.
Hiking the Overland Track
The 40-mile (65-kilometer) Overland Track runs from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St. Clair. The track takes about six days to travel. It is a difficult route that’s best suited to experienced hikers, but those who accept the challenge are rewarded with spectacular scenery and the chance to spot wildlife such as wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons, spotted-tailed quolls, and Tasmanian devils.
Address: Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 97