Launceston Tamar and the North

Travel Guide

Colours in the afternoon on the South Esk river in Cataract Gorge Reserve in Launceston.
Colours in the afternoon on the South Esk river in Cataract Gorge Reserve in Launceston.
Deloraine in the early morning mist, snow capped mountains in the distance, mist rising over the town as the sun slowly rises.
As I said elsewhere, there is so much more to Cradle Mountain than just Dove Lake. I drive about 100 kms, starting around 3.30 a.m. and dodging about 30 pademelons (type of wallaby) and two spotted quolls before reaching Dove Lake. Then I set out in the dark and walked for about 2 hours to reach this spot, hoping all the way the weather would hold. Can't begin to describe my joy when I found it like this. Little Horn is the immediate peak you can see with Cradle Mountain behind it. If you get the chance, pencil in Twisted Lakes. You'll probably have it all to yourself.
Then the top of Little Horn peeps up on the horizon, maybe I’m getting close I think. Within another 20 metres the whole purpose of the excursion becomes apparent. The vista before me is simply breathtaking. Twisted Lakes is but a mirror, everything I’d hoped and planned for has come to fruition. When you come upon something as good as this, it’s overwhelming. The sheer majesty of the panorama engulfs you, its power makes you feel so humble in its presence, there’s a distinct aura of “something else”, but it’s indefinable. It’s all my grey matter can do to remind me that I’m here to actually take photos. You just don’t want to stop looking for fear that it will all go away and you’ll be denied any more pleasure; but it stays as I set up the tripod. It’s not often I put myself in the picture, but here I feel it’s a must. Then I can look at it and remember just where I sat and how good it was. There are many angles to be had here. Faint trails indicate where other photographers have been, little flattened sections indicative of footfalls. It takes me around 15 minutes to get what I came for and then I sit down and enjoy breakfast, although “enjoy” seems like a totally inadequate verb in this case, there is a higher plane involved here, one you get to experience so few times in life. The cloud has started to form more seriously now, as predicted, and it adds a little to the experience. Changing lens and shifting position constantly I can but hope I’ve got it covered and, even as I’m moving around, the first gentle ripples of the day’s breezes disturb the surface. Had I been here any later I would have missed it. You like to think it’s good fortune but reflect on that fact that you’ve planned it for a week, constantly following the weather patterns, in the hope that you’ll get it right and leaving early enough to avoid all the problems that occur later. #Nature

Where to stay in Launceston Tamar and the North

Only a 10 minute drive north of Launceston, the perfect way to start your morning is with a leisurely 3km return walk through the wetlands to Tamar Island. Get there early enough and you’ll have the walk all to yourself. A boardwalk extends over swamps and crosses the river to two islets and then Tamar Island,

Riverside

Restaurants, shopping, and river views are some highlights of Riverside. Make a stop by Tasmania Zoo or Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area while you're exploring.

Riverside
Cataract Gorge featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and tranquil scenes

West Launceston

You'll enjoy the restaurants and parks in West Launceston. You might want to make time for a stop at Cataract Gorge or Cataract Gorge Reserve.

West Launceston
Cataract Gorge Reserve at Launceston in Tasmania, Australia

South Launceston

Restaurants and spas are some things travelers note about South Launceston. Check out Centro Meadow Mews Shopping Centre or Quadrant Mall while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

South Launceston
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Summerhill

While Summerhill might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Silverdome and Cataract Gorge.

Summerhill
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East Launceston

Restaurants and gardens are notable features of East Launceston. You might consider a stop by Launceston Aquatic Centre while you're exploring the neighborhood.

East Launceston
Still day in the Tamar Valley - it was late afternoon when I got this shot

Legana

Wineries and shopping are just a few things travelers like about Legana. A stop by Velo Winery is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Legana
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

4.5 out of 5
29 Cameron Street Launceston TAS
The price is P6,891 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
P6,891
P7,580 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Very clean, great staff spacious room and very convenient location.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments

3.5 out of 5
147 Paterson Street Launceston TAS
The price is P6,163 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P6,163
P6,779 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
The staff were fabulous, the room was great and very quiet.The location was perfect for our stay also.Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments
Village Family Motor Inn

Village Family Motor Inn

3 out of 5
84-100 Westbury Road South Launceston TAS
The price is P4,152 per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
P4,152
P4,567 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa motel in Launceston. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (999 reviews)
Value of money Friendly staff Amazing facility for the prices Clean accommodation

Reviewed on Jan 27, 2026

Village Family Motor Inn
See all 604 properties in Launceston Tamar and the North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Country Club Villas

Country Club Villas

4 out of 5
Casino Rise Prospect Vale TAS
Book a stay at this golf aparthotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,895 reviews)
Clean but tired room. We had a Murphy bed and it was quite dusty and dirty behind where the bed was pulled down from the wall. Carpet is old an tearing in places Staff were lovely. The pool was good.

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Country Club Villas
Discovery Parks - Hadspen

Discovery Parks - Hadspen

3 out of 5
Cnr Main St & Meander Valley Hwy ( B54 ) Hadspen TAS
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in Launceston. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Entally Estate and Country ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (436 reviews)
Good room

Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026

Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Launceston Central Apartment Hotel

Launceston Central Apartment Hotel

4 out of 5
16 Paterson Street Launceston TAS
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, dry cleaning or laundry services, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (640 reviews)
Clean, spacious room and friendly staff.

Reviewed on Feb 3, 2026

Launceston Central Apartment Hotel
See all properties in Launceston Tamar and the North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cataract Gorge featuring a gorge or canyon and a river or creek

Cataract Gorge

Swim in a tranquil basin fed by tumbling mountain-spring waters, fly over the water on a chairlift and stroll around the gardens fringed with stunning native forest.

Cataract Gorge
Brisbane Street Mall showing shopping and a sunset

Brisbane Street Mall

Launceston’s best shopping is in easy reach at this busy community hub, where intriguing laneways and historic arcades branch off from a central sheltered mall.

Brisbane Street Mall
Sunrise over Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond National Park

Explore the great outdoors at Ben Lomond National Park, a lovely green space in Ben Lomond. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Ben Lomond National Park
Awesome rock climbing and adventure park in the heart of Launceston #lifeatexpedia

Penny Royal Adventures

Bring the kids to Penny Royal Adventures and have a fun-filled day at this theme park in Launceston. Discover the beautiful waterfalls and shops in this walkable area.

Penny Royal Adventures
City Park featuring a garden as well as a couple

City Park

Stroll around this charming Victorian-era park to see its pretty flower displays, giant chess set, heritage monuments and monkey enclosure.

City Park
Royal Park showing a bay or harbor

Royal Park

After visiting Royal Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Launceston. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Royal Park