Dream Dates: The Most Romantic Things to Do in Launceston

Welcome, love bugs of Launceston. This city is a masterclass in romance, from picture-perfect picnic spots, fine dining and luxury accommodation to walking trails leading to breathtaking lookouts, the opportunity to impress is never too far away.

Whether you’ve been married for a decade, looking for something fun for the first date, or somewhere in between, our guide to the most romantic things to do in Launceston will leave you starry-eyed and booking the next date, ASAP. 

Pack a Picnic

Launceston is well-known for its beautiful green spaces and pockets of nature at its best. While sunny days are a little harder to come by in this part of the world, when the sun does shine, take it as your sign to pack a picnic and head to a grassy patch, to spoil your date with wine, cheese, and stunning views.

From the dramatic landscape and natural and manmade swimming pools of Cataract Gorge and the birdlife of Tamar River Conservation Area to the meticulously maintained Princes Square in the city centre and Heritage Forest, a lush area of reclaimed land (formerly a tip) home to walking trails, picnic areas, and a kids’ playground, Launceston’s picnic spots are a cut above. 

To really impress your date, swing by the Launceston Farmers Market, Harvest, on Saturday morning to pick up gourmet goodies from local producers. Think fresh pastries, delicate cheeses, spirits, oysters and fruit for your picnic spread, while fresh flowers seal the deal. 

Wine and Cheese Tour

For a quintessential Tasmanian experience, tour select cellar doors to sample cool climate wines and award-winning Tasmanian cheeses with expert guides leading the way.

Tamar Valley Wine Tours operates year-round small group tours, with full-day experiences visiting four wineries, including a gourmet lunch where you can mingle with new friends, and pick up a bottle to enjoy back home.

For cheese and wine lovers, the half-day tour with Valleybrook Wine of Wheels includes return transfers, tastings at four cellar doors and a platter of the finest cheeses and condiments. 

Go Hot Air Ballooning for a Float & Flirt Combo

Want to impress your date? Take them soaring over Tasmania’s Tamar Valley in a hot air balloon. As the sun rises, you’ll float above the valleys, hills, and rivers, feeling the thrill of the moment. The peaceful silence and panoramic views are a perfect backdrop for some serious romance. After you land, toast your adventure with a hearty breakfast—because if you’re going to check something off your bucket list, it might as well be a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you both on cloud nine.

Dine and Stay at Stillwater

Housed in a historic flour mill on the banks of the Kanamaluka/Tamar River, Stillwater is a highly regarded and awarded local institution heavily focusing on local produce. With conversations flowing between the Stillwater team and producers, you can expect the best seasonal produce, wrapped up in a highly creative menu that caters for all.

Once tummies are filled, you can roll yourself upstairs to their deluxe accommodation at Stillwater Seven – the name given to the seven luxe rooms on site. The team encourages you to let them know your preferences (soft pillows vs firm pillows, your specific coffee order) so you can have the best stay possible. 

Book your stay with Stillwater Seven

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

Escape to Nature

Sure, you could book in for dinner and drinks, but why not take the romance outdoors for a change? Launceston has it all, from hiking trails and lookouts to lush forests and wetlands.

Don your hiking boots and walk through Cataract Gorge (perhaps before a picnic?) to Sentinal Lookout for incredible views over the gorge, or explore the mountain bike and hiking trails and native flora and fauna within the Trevallyn State Recreation Area, with 35km of trails for visitors.

Get Deep & Meaningful at Mole Creek Caves

For a date that’s as adventurous as it is intimate, venture underground at Mole Creek Caves. The guided tours lead you through a maze of limestone tunnels, with glittering crystals and glowworms casting a magical glow along the way. It’s otherworldly, thrilling, and quietly enchanting. Holding hands as you explore this hidden world feels like uncovering a secret together. The awe of the caves, paired with the surreal glow of the worms, will have you both captivated—and maybe a little closer than you were before.

330 Mayberry Road, Mayberry

Dine at Launceston’s Best Steakhouse

A steakhouse will always make for a great date night, with its elevated dining experience, extensive wine lists and romantic interiors. In the heart of Launceston CBD, Black Cow Bistro specialises in grass-fed, free-range Tasmanian Beef, alongside vegetable dishes and a carefully curated wine list full of lovely local drops and a few bold reds.

It’s a classy, cosy steakhouse in what was once a former butcher. While premium cuts and perfectly cooked steaks are what they are known for, their seafood dishes are also considerably impressive, making this a top spot for couples who find value in exceptional food and wine.

70 George Street, Launceston 

Go for a Friday Pizza Night at Parla

Have you ever experienced your favourite cafe at night? Parla’s transformed vibe comes alive every Friday from 5pm, offering wood-fired pizza, fine wine, and a few cheeky cocktails to elevate your evening. Picture this: thin-crust pizza topped with everything from fresh mozzarella to smoky prosciutto, paired with a glass of local wine or a daring cocktail. It’s the kind of place where the mood is relaxed, yet effortlessly cool—perfect for a laid-back date with great food, amazing drinks, and even better company.

187 Wellington Street, Launceston

Drift Away on a Tamar River Cruise

A Tamar River Cruise is a date made for drifting away from the ordinary. As you glide along the river, enjoy panoramic views of Launceston’s hills, vineyards, and lush landscapes. With a glass of wine in hand, the laid-back atmosphere sets the perfect tone for intimate conversation. The boat’s gentle motion and the calming sounds of the river make it easy to sink into each other’s company, creating a unique, peaceful experience. There’s a classic 50-minute Cataract Gorge, or for something extra special, try the Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise—perfect for a fancier, indulgent twist on this serene adventure.

Home Point Parade, Launceston 

Get Your Hands Dirty

… with a pottery-making class! If you fancy a hands-on activity with wine and your favourite plus one (yes, just like that scene from Ghost), we recommend snapping a spot at an upcoming Glazed and Confused pottery-making workshop.

These relaxing events teach you the basics of hand-building a ceramic piece like a fruit bowl or vase or using the pottery wheel to create a special piece, with a teacher guiding you with each step.

You’ll create something special to show off at home and remember your epic date, while enjoying quality time and a cheeky vino, too! We call that a win-win.

Alternatively, Russell Street Studios classes are run by professional artists passionate about ceramics. From one-off classes to in-depth workshops and weekly courses, this is perfect for couples eager to learn a new skill in a supportive, relaxed environment and working art studio. 

4 Quadrant Mall, Launceston

13 Russell Street, Launceston

Sip and Swill in Style

A classic never goes out of style, and a chic wine bar or a buzzing brewery is just what your date needs to spice things up.

To keep it cool and classy, Havilah is a compact and stylish wine bar with a wine list that boasts Tasmanian and grower-producer labels and an enticing grazing menu driven by local and seasonal produce, from free-range and wild meats to luscious local cheeses.

Around the corner and housed in an enormous old camping goods store, Du Cane is a working brewery and a bustling dining hall is suitable for a playful date night. Food-wise, Du Cane keeps it simple with woodfired pizzas and housemade bread, but drinks-wise, the list is stacked. Boasting its beers (of course), fans of a good brew will be tempted by the beer paddles so they can try one of everything. Cheers to that.

178 Charles Street, Launceston

60/64 Elizabeth Street, Launceston

Step Back in Time and Test Your Limits at Penny Royal Adventures

For a date that’s all about testing your adventurous side, Penny Royal Adventures is the place to be. With activities like ziplines, cliff jumps, and ropes courses, you and your date can share an adrenaline rush together. If you prefer something a little more relaxed, the Dark Ride takes you on a journey through Tasmania’s convict past, while the Brig Tamar Cruise offers a scenic, historical exploration of the area.

1 Bridge Road, Launceston

Gallery Hop

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is the city’s largest museum with three venues to explore and admire together – the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, the Art Gallery at Royal Park, and the Launceston Planetarium.

With a handy free shuttle bus connecting the galleries, start at the museum for a hit of history and science, with fascinating permanent exhibits including one charting the rise and decline of the Tasmanian Tiger and another dedicated to the history of Tasmania’s railways.

Over at the art gallery, you can gaze at the works of art (and each other’s eyes) as you marvel at the centuries-old ceramics collection and learn more about the history and culture of Tasmania / Lutruwita’s First Nations people.

2 Invermay Road & 2 Wellington Street, Launceston

Has our guide to the most romantic things to do in Launceston got you eager to explore more of this tiny (but mighty) city? From the best markets to the best day trips from Launceston, our guides have you covered.