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 berth on the Tamar River, directly in the city centre.
Launceston sits on the Tamar River in northern Tasmania and is the state's second-largest city. First settled in 1805, it now has a population of around 70,000. Local people call the city 'Lonnie'.
To the city's west, Cataract Gorge is a rugged ravine and one of Launceston's principal visitor attractions.
The gorge is home to the world's longest single-span chairlift.
City Park contains an enclosure for Japanese macaque monkeys, presented as a gift from Launceston's sister city of Ikeda, Japan.
Explore the Tamar River and its tributaries, as well as the Tamar Valley, home to some of Australia's finest vineyards.
Boag's Brewery makes one of Australia's premium beers. Launceston Lakes Wildlife Park is located in Riverside.
Getting around
Several trips on the water are available through Tamar River Cruises.
Money
The currency is the Australian dollar.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services typically open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many businesses remain open late on Thursday or Friday evening, usually to 9pm, and throughout Saturday. Shopping malls often trade on Sundays too.
In remote rural areas, roadhouses supply all essential services and generally remain open 24 hours a day on the main highways. Even in tourist districts far from established routes, tourist offices are frequently open daily, or at least on weekdays and weekend mornings. Urban information centres are more likely to keep normal shopping hours.
Visitor sites such as museums, galleries and staffed historic monuments often open daily, although those in rural communities may follow irregular hours.