Launceston Tamar and the North

Travel Guide

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
Heading home after camping, sun setting over the great western tiers smoke filled sky from the many bushfires currently burning around Tasmania, shot captured from the highway near deloraine Tasmania.

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 Tamar Island Wetlands Centre or Tasmania Zoo 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 Brisbane Street Mall while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

South Launceston
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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
panoramic view of cliffs and native tree park area at Cataract gorge national park, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Prospect Vale

Prospect Vale is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Country Club Tasmania or Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area.

Prospect Vale
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 P5,148 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
P5,148
P5,663 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
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! (1,003 reviews)
Room was clean and spacious the property itself is outdated and if you are not staying on the ground floors there is no lift so you have to lug your suitcases upstairs, the on site food outlets were shut. It’s in a good central position

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2026

Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

4.5 out of 5
29 Cameron Street Launceston TAS
The price is P5,663 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
P5,663
P6,230 total
Apr 19 - Apr 20
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! (1,000 reviews)
Food Luke warm and average quality thought it would be better

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
Art Hotel on York

Art Hotel on York

3.5 out of 5
270 York Street Launceston TAS
The price is P5,720 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
P5,720
P6,293 total
Mar 30 - Mar 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this historic hotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
We arrived late but had trouble booking in. Lovely heritage building, clean and interesting.

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Art Hotel on York
See all 579 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 ...
Country Club Villas
Change Overnight

Change Overnight

3.5 out of 5
25 York St Launceston TAS
Stay at this apartment in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Princess Theatre and Quadrant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
Excellent accommodation. We would not stay

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Change Overnight
Adina Place Motel Apartments

Adina Place Motel Apartments

3.5 out of 5
50 York Street Launceston TAS
Stay at this aparthotel in Launceston. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Design Centre of Tasmania and Launceston Aquatic Centre ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (749 reviews)
Clean room. Good easy location. Get what you get for a motel

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Adina Place Motel Apartments
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
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
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
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
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