The Hottest Places to Visit in Launceston this Summer
Summer suits Launceston. The sun glistens on the Tamar River, the days are warmer and longer making it the perfect season to explore our historic city. Our family loves to get out and about our fabulous local town, especially on our days off before vintage starts.
Here’s some of our insider tips of the top things to do in and around Launceston during the summer months.
Indulge by Festivale
Celebrating the very best of Tasmanian food and drinks, Indulge by Festivale is a Tasmanian Food and Wine Festival that will be held in City Park, Launceston from Friday 2 February to Sunday 4 February. With an incredible entertainment line-up of solo artists, duos and jazz bands designed for you to listen to as you sit back and relax. There’s also a raft of food, beer and spirit producers who will offer up a taste of the best from the Apple Isle. We’re sure there’s going to be a great atmosphere to enjoy all the goodness of Summer in Launceston.
Mona Foma
After 10 years in Hobart and three wins as Best Contemporary Music Festival, Mona Foma is heading to Launceston on 2 March 2024. Book your tickets for Evening Concerts by the Tamar as the line-up is impressive, including TISM, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks & Mulga Bore Hard Rock . Enjoy a free laser show at the gorge each night from 9:30pm at Cataract Gorge, with 12m high water jets going off in time with electronic composition beamed straight to your phone. Royal Park is where you will find delicious food courtesy of food trucks and bars, not to mention the live music. For the full program visit Mona Foma.
Launceston Scenic River Kayak Tours
It’s summer and time to get out on the water! It’s a great way to see a different perspective of Launceston rather than on foot. Launceston Scenic River Kayak Tours run a 90-minute guided tour where you can explore the Launceston waterfront and Kanamaluka / Tamar River. And don’t worry if you don’t think you’re up to paddling, these Hobie canoes are pedal -powered, just like a bike. The tour is suitable all ages and a great family activity.
Tamar River Cruises
If canoeing is not your style, a leisurely boat cruise allows you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful views. Tamar River Cruises offer four cruises including the four hour Batman Bridge option that includes a scrumptious lunch. You’ll explore the waterways surrounding Launceston, see Tamar Island, view historical homesteads, vineyards and wildlife. It’s a very relaxing way to spend a summer’s afternoon.
Cataract Gorge
It’s hard not to visit Launceston without spending some time at the picturesque Cataract Gorge. The walk from the centre of Launceston to Cataract Gorge takes just 15 minutes but you’ll feel a million miles away. Surrounded by bushland, Cataract Gorge is home to the world’s longest single span chairlift, which is a must-do while you are here. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the gorge, swimming pool, suspension bridge, restaurant, café and kiosk. There are also several bushwalks leading to lookouts with spectacular views.
City Park
Right in the middle of Launceston is beautiful City Park. Established in the 1820s by the Launceston Horticultural Society it features many mature English trees and shrubs. You can visit the Japanese Macaques, also known as snow monkeys, which were gifted to Launceston in 1965 by Ikeda in Japan when the two cities became ‘sister cities’. Stroll around the park, see the John Hart Conservatory built in 1932 and take the kids for a ride on Lonnie the Loco train, which looks like Thomas the Tank Engine.
Harvest Launceston
Every Saturday, Harvest Launceston is held from 8:30am-12:30pm. Discover the best local produce Tasmania has to offer whilst meandering through the stalls, as well as sampling mouth-watering dishes you can enjoy on the spot, including paella, Afghani Bolani, pastries and cakes. We guarantee you’ll leave with a full shopping basket packed with amazing local fare!
Tasmania Zoo
Tasmania Zoo is home to over 1000 animals from 100 different species, including lions, tigers, lemurs and red pandas. At the Jurassic Swamp exhibition you’ll come face to face with 40 life-sized dinosaurs – replicas, of course! It’s an easy day trip from Launceston and one the entire family will enjoy.
Visit our cellar door
Last but not least, while you are in Launceston, we’d love you to visit our Holm Oak cellar door, which is a scenic 45 minute drive up the Tamar Valley. Before settling in for a tasting, feed Pinot d’Pig a few apples and you’ll have a friend for life! We have some new experiences to discover, including the Top of our Game tennis inspired tasting where we’ll explain where the Wizard name originated and our exclusive Sensory Garden guided tour and tasting. We recommend making a booking, especially if you’ve got a group. Stay on for lunch by making up a picnic of local cheeses, terrines and salmon products. We hope to see you over summer.
