Hotels in Launceston

When we arrived we had no plans and no real clue as to what we would do for the weekend. We grabbed a free Tasmania Travel Guide of Launceston on the way out of the airport and it was the greatest assistance. We took the walking tours as suggested around the town and found so many more things to see. We followed the suggestions for dining in the booklet and as a result had some amazing meals. The Black Cow Bistro is a must as well as Stillwater River Café and The Waterfront. The parks are fantastic with the added surprise of finding a troop of monkeys in the City Park. The museum was great too, such a lot in such a small space and very interactive for the kids (including the big ones). We walked along Zig Zag track (not for the feint hearted) and stumbled upon an oasis that appeared to be straight out of the 1950s. A Lido in the bush and beautiful café. And the scenery... Amazing!! We walked back via the easier cataract track (paved and easy for pushchairs and the like). If you are a keen photographer you won't be disappointed.

We had a fantastic time at the Seahorse World and Platypus and Echidna House. Also the ferry cruise up Cataract Gorge was a must, great commentary. A two hour drive gets you to Freycinet and Coles Bay, awesome countryside. Binnalong Bay to see the Bay of Fires. Bicheno for great fish and chips and oysters. Drop into Legerwood to see the remarkable memorial for world wars. These were trees that have been chain sawed. They were the original trees that were planted in 1919 to commemorate each of the locally born soldiers that died in the war. Take a walk through the great Aussie bush to St Columba's falls or Ralph Falls. Visit Entally House for some remarkable Australian History. Or maybe a short drive to the World Heritage Sites of Brickendon and Woolmers to learn about Australia earliest settlements. So much to see around every corner amongst some of the friendliest people in the world! a MUST!

We enjoyed a drive up the Tamar Valley including time at the Beaconsfield Museum which was informative and most interesting so well worth a visit . Later we enjoyed a tour of Seahorse World which was most informative and enjoyable. We also planned a trip to Stanley however the bush fire smoke last week was so severe we stopped at Wynyard which looks to be a lovely seaside town but was enveloped in smoke . En route we enjoyed excellent coffee and cake at the Elizabeth Town cafe and dropped in to sample cheese and chocolate a little further on. Launceston Gorge is always worth a visit and I enjoyed an early morning walk along the track above the gorge.

It is a beautiful place. Try to stay where you can overlook the River. The Cataract Gorge is an oasis and a must-do! Reserve a few hours for a stroll through the wonder of nature close to the city centre. Plenty of great food options around. We had amazing food at the Stillwater, but a little pricey and menu does not have much variety. If you like steak why not try the Black Cow? Launceston is a cheaper option for flights or ferries in as compared to Hobart. It has a more laid-back relaxing feel. Make sure to rent a car and explore the coast (view fairy penguins for free at major towns from Burnie onwards instead of being ripped off at the Phillip Island), the many national parks of Tasmania such as Cradle Mountain and Freycinet that can be done in a self-drive tour.

I picked up a map from reception at the Sebel and also visited the Tourist Information building. It is easy to walk to all the sites from the Sebel Hotel and was a great base. I visited all the Museums, did the Gorge walk twice (once in the morning and once in the evening - on different days), listened to the music at the Basin Festival, did the Historical Walk around Launceston, did the Wetlands Walk along the Tamar river, took the Tamar river cruise, walked to all the parks within the Town. I did not eat out as I had a self catering room at the Sebel. The people are very friendly and helpful in Launceston and didn't hesitate to point me in the right direction if I was looking rather puzzled !

I didnt have a favorite place place cos l loved all of Launceston & out skirts. We loved the english pubs like the Cock & Bull, but ate Italian & Chinese, anything you feel like eating you can get at Launceston. Launceston was so easy to get around with a car, l have no sense of direction but with the help of a local street map l was never lost.Signage, Launceston is the best town for signs to let you know if streets are one way, 3 lanes, no turns or direction for where you want to go. This was one of the first things l told my friends about, it is just soooo easy to get around. On a beautiful sunny day there is no better place but to be sitting on a bench seat in one of the beautiful parks, just magic so peaceful. I love Launceston, it may have been my first trip there but certainly not my last.