Sights

Cataract Gorge

Out of the Grey

Lauceston is a medium sized town filled with graceful old Victorian buildings. You can walk around and taste the atmosphere in the town where they have chosen to recycle their old buildings, instead of demolishing them. A good example of this is the lively Yorktown Square, where many restored buildings have been turned into shops and restaurants. There are also several museums displaying local history, often located in historical buildings.

For the nature lovers among us, Launceston has a lot to offer as well. There is of course the impressive Cataract Gorge, with the surrounding nature reserve, perfect for a relaxed hike trough the fern gorge. Launceston is also located more or less in the middle between two larger nature reserves: To the west, beyond the gently sloping vineyards and pastures of the Tamar Vally lies the Liffey Valley Forest Reserve that protects the beautiful rainforested valley at the foot of the Great Western Tiers. To the East lies the Ben Lomond National Park, incorporating the Ban Lomond mountain range and famous for its wildflowers and skiing facilities.

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Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

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The Victoria museum has all the ingredients of the Tasmanian experience. You can see reconstructions of the great marsupials, including the Tasmanian Devil, that once roamed the land, a collection of colonial paintings, modern crafts, etc. The building itself is worth visiting: it's one of the oldest buildings seving as a museum in Australia. It includes a Chinese joss house temple, fitted out by Chinese tin miners in the 19th century.

The Victoria Museum and Art Gallery also houses a planetarium.

type:	general
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address:	Wellington Street

Franklin House

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A Georgian house built in 1838 for a Launceston brewer and innkeeper called Britton Jones. All the interior woodwork is New South Wales cedar. A good example of domestic architecture of that time. At one time Franklin House was used as a school for boys. The National Trust has restored and furnished the house and recreated the stylish Georgian family home. Morning and afternoon teas are served.

type:	general
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address:	413 Hobart Road
openinghours:	daily: 9.00 - 17.00 Sep. - May; 9.00 - 16.00 June - Aug.

Old Umbrella Shop

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Built in the 1860's, this is the last genuine period shop in Tasmania. All the proprietors sice 1900 preserved the Victorian structure and fittings of the shop. It sells umbrellas and Tasmanian goods, and has a great display of umbrellas used during the last 100 years.

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address:	60 George Street
openinghours:	Mon. - Fri. 9.00 - 17.00; Sat. 9.00 - 12.00

Cataract Gorge

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Cataract Gorge
photo by: Out of the Grey

The most popular sight around Launceston is without a doubt the Gorge. Located a short (10 Minutes) walk from the city centre you can see almost vertical cliffs lining the banks of the South Esk River as it enteres the Tamar. Walking tracks through the surrounding wildlife reserve lead up to two besins, each filled with water from the South Esk River. At First Basin there is a swimming pool, a restaurant and a cafe. You can also visit the gorge at night when it is lit up beautifully.

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National Automobile Museum of Tasmania

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A fine collection of classic vitage cars and motorcycles. The over 95 exhibits on display are all privately owned, which allows for an ever changing display of rare and interesting items.

type:	Hotspots
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address:	86 Cimitiere St
openinghours:	Daily (excluding Christmas Day), 09:00 - 17:00 Sep. - May; 10:00 - 16:00 Jun. - Aug.