Launceston
Car Hire Touring Information
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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.
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