Place Type
Population - City
Location
161.27kms North of Hobart - Driving 199 km (2 hours 14 mins)
443.49kms SouthEast of Melbourne - Driving 555 km (21 hours 37 mins)
Address & Contact
93 Paterson St
Launceston TAS 7250
Phone: 03 6323 3000
Email: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au
Web: https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Home
Information
Launceston is a city in the north of Tasmania, at the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers where they become the Tamar River. The area surrounding Launceston is known as the Tamar Valley. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after Hobart. Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and is home to many historic buildings.
The Cataract Gorge is Launceston's largest tourist attraction and is in close proximity to the city centre. It is home to the longest single span chairlift in the world, stretching 308 metres (1,010 ft) across the gorge. A cruise of the lower reaches of Cataract Gorge, at the mouth of the South Esk River, is available from the tourist wharf that is part of residential and commercial development of part of the old freight wharves, now replaced by the Bell Bay shipping terminal near the river mouth.
Launceston has many parks throughout the city, with City Park featuring a large enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys. The Launceston General Post Office clock chimes every quarter-hour. Tasmania Zoo is also popular.