Vacation Rentals in Launceston, Australia

The second-largest city in Tasmania after Hobart, Launceston is located on the north end of the island at the head of the Tamar River. Launceston Airport is 15 minutes south of downtown, offering flights to and from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Some travellers choose to travel from the mainland with their cars and then take the overnight ferry ride from Melbourne to Devonport across the Bass Strait. Devonport is one hour northwest of Launceston. Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is a two-hour drive south. Launceston can be travelled by bus or foot, but cars are recommended for travel outside of the city.

Despite being billed as “second largest,” Launceston is a small, compact city with provincial charm. It is filled with colonial architecture and history, in addition to a lively food and art scene. Launceston is also the home of the University of Tasmania, which influences the youthful vibe. The fascinating thing about launching adventures from Launceston is the incredible eco-diversity in any direction — within less than two hours. On the east coast, there are world renowned, yet unpopulated beaches. To the south there is skiing and hiking in national parks, including an epic plateau. Rainforests, glacial lakes, and wild mountains take up the west. The areas in the immediate proximity to Launceston are fertile river valleys and coastal lands known for their wine and agriculture. Any time spent here is time well spent.

• Cataract Gorge Reserve: A pleasant, easy walk west of downtown to the South Esk River, there is a public park called Cataract Gorge Reserve with a pool, walking trails, pedestrian bridges, gardens with peacocks, two cafes, and a unique chairlift. The scenic chairlift ride whisks passengers a 1,500 foot distance over the river basin.
• Ghost Tours: A fun way to see the city at night is by taking a Launceston City Ghost Tour through the historic downtown. Tours last about 90 minutes and tell the history of the local area in an amusing and dramatic fashion.
• James Boag Brewery Experience: The James Boag Brewery Experience was established 140 years ago by a transplanted Scotsman determined to brew beer with the finest local ingredients. Today, the brewery is a social focal point in town and hosts events like trivia, comedy, and bottomless brunches. Tours include an hour through the brewery, followed by a 30 minute guided tasting of their six signature beers.
• City Park: City Park is a historic park with lawns, botanical gardens, a children’s playground, and a Macaque monkey enclosure. The park is located near the river on the east side and accessible from any point downtown. Facilities include a cafe, public toilets, picnic tables, and barbeques.

• City Center: The area just inland from the terminus of the Tamar River, Launceston’s City Center provides the best mix of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The neighborhood stretches many blocks south, but the highest density is closest to the river, in addition to the main roads of Elphin and Wellington. The central location also creates the most convenient access to sights nearby, including Cataract Gorge, Tamar Island, and the University of Tasmania stadium — the largest in Tasmania.

Vacation rentals in Launceston have a price range between $70-$893. The average price for rentals in Launceston is $89 per night.