We stayed in Launceston for a few nights simply because that is the starting point for the guided walk of the Overland Track with The Tasmanian Walking Company. If you have time to spend a night or 2 in Launceston, then I highly recommend fitting in a few of these activities during your stay.
First let me recommend 2 lovely places we stayed in during our time in Launceston, one inner city and the other, close to the Red Feather Inn which is the meeting point for your Overland Track guided walk.
Where to stay in Launceston
Innercity
We stayed at Peppers Seaport Hotel situated right on the harbour and right next door to several restaurants. The room was huge, with a kitchen, living room and separate bedroom.
With a balcony to sit and watch the world go by, it was a perfect place to relax after finishing our 6-day hike.
Peppers also have a sister hotel just across the river Peppers Silo, which looked lovely as well, but we really wanted a balcony and to be as close as we could to restaurants (our feet were still recovering!)
City Outskirts
Just South of the city in the lovely suburb of Longford, is the historic accommodation where we chose to stay before our walk commenced. The charming Woolmers Estate, is one of only 11 World Heritage Listed Convict sites. It was an absolute delight staying here, and I have to say, when I booked it, I really had no idea of the history and significance of the Estate.
Woolmers Estate tells the story of the convict Assignment system, where convicts were assigned to free settlers, who fed, clothed and housed the convicts in return for their labour. At Woolmers and the neighbouring Brickendon estates, there are numerous buildings where convicts and ex-convicts once laboured and lived, and where you as a guest, can now stay.
The Estate is open to the public, but by the time we arrived in the late afternoon, the visitor centre had closed. Using a lockbox system, we accessed our gorgeous ‘Gardener’s Cottage’, and couldn’t wait to start exploring the estate. Luckily, the caretaker hadn’t locked all of the gates etc. to the exhibits yet, so we were able to wander around and had the entire estate ourselves!
The first stop was the stunning Rose Garden. Only opened in 2001, on the site of the original apple orchard, the Rose Garden contains thousands of roses, with a design inspired by French formal gardens of the 1600’s, it was beautiful.
Armed with a map of the estate we were able to visit Coach houses and Garages containing original vintage vehicles, various domestic and service cottages and just before the gates were locked, we were able to view the grand ‘Woolmers House’, originally built in 1820.
If you have read any of my other blog posts, you will know I love staying in places that have a story to tell…. that have a history. Oh, I loved this place!
Our quaint Gardner’s Cottage had a fireplace in the cosy living room, a modern bathroom, and lovely seating out in the garden to enjoy a glass of wine as the sun set and the rabbits started hopping about in the late afternoon.
We enjoyed a little sleep in and then had to return our hire car. With a bit of time up our sleeve before we were to meet our fellow walkers at the Red Feather Inn, we decided to store our luggage and tick another item off our Launceston must do list, which I will now give more details on.
1. Walk the Cataract Gorge
The number one activity to do in the heart of Launceston is to visit Cataract Gorge Reserve, which is the main entrance to the beautiful Cataract Gorge, where you can swim or picnic, and do a number of walks or hikes along and around the Gorge. We chose to do the main Gorge Walk which is relatively easy and short but was well worth it.
If hiking is not your thing and you still want to see the Gorge, you can choose to go on a Cataract River cruise, which is a short cruise along the Launceston’s waterfront into the gorge beneath its towering cliffs.
Peacocks are everywhere in the reserve…. EVERYWHERE! Families of peacocks were around every corner, entertaining visitors with their showy dance.
2. Go on a Tamar Valley Wine Tour
This is a popular activity, so make sure you book ahead as tours sell out. In a small group Tamar Valley Wine tour, visit some of the local vineyards, do some wine tasting, and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch at one of your stops. The best bit is they pick you up and drop you off from your hotel in Launceston!
Unfortunately, all the wine tours were booked out when we tried to book, but luckily while we had a hire car, and had time to stop in at one cellar door. We sampled some fine bubbles at Jansz, my favourite being the vintage Rosé. Don’t miss the wine tour experience like we did and book early!
3. Visit Bridestowe Lavendar Farm
We were in Launceston at the perfect time to view the lavender fields in full bloom at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. December and January are the prime viewing months. It is located in Nabowla in the Tamar Valley, so you will need a car to get there. During the flowering months, entrance fees apply per car.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is Australia’s oldest and largest lavender farm.
The lavender fields were busy with visitors but as you can see from the video, I could still find a quiet corner to stop and smell the roses so to speak. The cafe was busy, so we skipped a sit-down meal and grabbed a yummy lavender ice-cream instead …. mandatory! Then it was a quick stop at the gift shop to stock up on my lavender soaps and hand wash to finish off our visit.
4. Visit the Du Cane Brewery and Dining Hall
After completing the Overland Track and learning the story of the Du Cane Hut and tasting perhaps your first Du Cane brew at the end of day 5 of the hike, you will want to head to the Du Cane Brewery with your new-found hiking friends and share a few laughs and stories over delicious pizzas and brews.
Located on Elizabeth Street, Du Cane is Launceston’s first brewpub. Designed by local ex-hiking guides brewing beers inspired by their time walking the Du Cane range, Du Cane celebrates the great outdoors and all things local.
5. Wander Through the Launceston City Park
This leafy little oasis in the middle of town has an attraction that I was surprised to see. Apart from shady areas and a small conservatory, they have a Japanese Macaque Enclosure! One day I hope to see the Snow Monkeys in Japan, but until I do, this was a real treat to see the cheeky little monkeys playing around. I suppose for most of the year Tassie is cold enough for the monkeys to feel right at home.
Whether you are using Launceston as a base to explore the Northern region of beautiful Tassie, or you have a few days spare at the beginning or end of your Overland Track adventure, make sure to include a few of these activities in your itinerary. You won’t regret it!
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
