21 Exciting Things To Do In Launceston That The Locals Love

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Launceston is one of the most popular cities in Tasmania to visit. It’s known for the beautiful Cataract Gorge where you will find hiking trails and views for days, as well as world-class museums, art galleries, and vineyards.

There are a lot of things to do in Launceston that will keep any visitor busy for days.

On our trip to Launceston, we relied on the kindness of locals to share their favourite attractions in Launceston, so we could uncover the lesser known sites and explore off the typical tourist trail. I find that the best way to discover a new area is by talking to the locals, who know the area like the back of their hand.

We visited Tasmania as part of a “behind the scenery” campaign with Tourism Tasmania, which was all about finding the hidden gems the locals love.

There is only so much a guidebook can tell you, and usually, they are handy pieces of information on the must-see attractions – but, we love to dig a little deeper to get to the heart of a place.

In this guide, we’ve shared some tips on what to do in Launceston as recommended by the locals.

Things To Do In Launceston, Tasmania

Without further ado, here are the places and attractions to visit in Launceston as suggested by the locals…

1. Visit The Cataract Gorge Reserve First Basin

We arrived in Launceston and went straight to the Cataract Gorge – a must see destination.

Nestled in West Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a city park and natural wonder that boasts breathtaking views, tranquil walking trails, and the world’s longest a single-span chairlift that offers incredible views of the gorge.

Be sure to walk along the Alexandra Suspension Bridge for amazing views of the lagoon below.

Its unique geological formations and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

This gorgeous gorge is easy to get to from the city. It’s a short walk along the South Esk River and an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and several peacocks and pademelons roaming the grounds.

You can see more in our video of Cataract Gorge.

2. Check Out The Tamar Island Wetlands Walk

We were finishing up a delicious breakfast at the Basin Cafe and ready to do a gorge walk when we started chatting to this…