| Launceston
- Although Tasmania's second-largest city and a busy
tourist centre, Launceston retains a relaxed atmosphere. Nestled
in hilly country where the Tamar, North Esk and South Esk rivers
meet, Launceston is also at the junction of three main highways
and has direct air links with Melbourne and Hobart. It is sometimes
referred to as the Garden City because of its parks and gardens.
In town: yorktown Square, The Avenue, Quadrant Mall, Civic Square,
and Princes Square with its magnificent baroque-style fountain
and fine surrounding buildings. Main shopping area is around
the Mall. Old Umbrella Shop, George St, unique 1860s shop preserved
by National Trust. Penny Royal World, Paterson St, collection
of buildings originally near Cressy, and moved stone by stone
to Launceston; md.. tavern, museum, working watermill, corn
mill, windmill, Mole Hill Fantasy (mole diorama), accommodation,
restaurants; linked by restored tramway to Penny Royal Gunpowder
Mill at old Cataract quarry site; boat trips on artificial lake,
paddlesteamer cruise on Lady Stelfox along the Tamar River and
nearby Cataract Gorge. This spectacular gorge is one of Launceston's
outstanding natural attractions. Historic Kings Bridge (1867)
spans the Tamar River at the gorge entrance. Cataract Cliff
Grounds Reserve, on north side of gorge, a formal park with
lawns, European trees, peacocks and restaurant. Area linked
to swimming pool and kiosk on south side by chairlift and suspension
bridge. Walks on both sides of gorge. Ritchies Mill Arts Centre,
Paterson St; art and craft. National Automobile Museum, Cimitiere
St. Parks md. 5-ha City Park with Monkey Island and conservatory
(nearby Design Centre of Tasmania displays contemporary art
and craft), end of Cameron St; Royal Park, formal civic park
on South Esk River; Zig Zag Reserve, leading to Cataract Gorge
area. At Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, in Royal Park
off Wellington St, displays of: Aboriginal and convict relics;
Tasmania's mineral wealth; flora and fauna; early china and
glassware; colonial and modern art. Boags Brewery, William St,
guided or self-guide tours, brochures available. Feb.: Country
Music Festival; Launceston Cup (State's biggest race day); Festivale
(food and wine). Mar.: A Night in the Gorge. Sept.: Garden Festival.
Oct.: Royal National Show; Tasmanian Poetry Festival. Nov.:
Tamar River Festival. In the area: Trevallyn Dam, 6 km w, good
picnic spot. Nearby, Australia's only cable hang-gliding simulator.
Launceston Lakes Trout Fishery, 17 km w, has fly-fishing lessons.
Punchbowl Reserve and Rhododendron Gardens, 5 km Sw, has native
and European fauna in natural surroundings. Alpine Village in
Ben Lomond National Park, 60 km SE; open during ski season;
good views from Legges Tor; easy bushwalking; spring and summer
wildflowers. Launceston Federal Country Club Casino, 7 km SW.
Waverley Woollen Mills, 5 km E, offers tours that md. historic
collection of plant machinery used to create the wool industry
for which Launceston earned its national reputation. St Matthias'
Church, Windermere, 15 km N. Tasmanian Wine Route, Pipers Brook
and Tamar Valley regions, north of the city; brochure available.
Three National Trust historic houses: Entally House, 18 km SW
at Hadspen; Franklin House, 6 km 5; Clarendon 28 km SE, near
Nile. Regular flights to Flinders Island, 175 km NW in Bass
Strait. Visitor information: Gateway Tasmania Travel Centre,
cnr St John and Paterson sts; (03) 6336 3133, freecall 1800
651 827. |
