Making the most of Launceston Tasmania
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Most smaller cruise ships dock right in the city center (on the Tamar River)
Launceston is the second-largest city in Tasmania and is situated in the north of the state on the Tamar River. The city was first settled in 1805 and currently has a population of around 70,000. Locals call this place ‘Lonnie’.
West of the city is Cataract Gorge, a rugged ravine that’s one of the city’s major tourist draw cards.
Home to the longest single span chairlift in the world.
The City Park, which includes an enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys, a gift from the sister-city of Ikeda, Japan.
The Tamar River and tributaries. The Tamar Valley, which is home to some of Australia's best vineyards.
The Boag's Brewery, which produces one of Australia's premium beers. Launceston Lakes Wildlife Park in Riverside.
Getting around
Tamar River Cruises offers several river cruises.
Money
Australian Dollar
Opening Hours and
Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveler and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.
Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.