Things to do in Launceston: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play

It’s an open secret that Tasmania is a haven for gastronomic delights, but slow-burning Launceston has only recently secured its place as a culinary cut above the rest. Named recently as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, ‘Launnie’ has well and truly stepped out from the shadows of Tasmania’s creative capital Hobart.  

Situated in northern Tasmania, a region overflowing with farmers, winemakers, chefs, brewers, distillers, and producers, Launceston has fast become a travel hub for one of our country’s oldest food bowls. But it's also a little charmer, bursting with lush parks, historic (and often steep) streetscapes and scenic views aplenty, stunning accommodation, and of course, the alluring Cataract Gorge. 

Read on for our suggestion of the best things to do in Launceston. 

Havilah 

Food designed for sharing and a wine list designed to discover new favourites – including its own Two Tonne Tasmania and Havilah wines – Havilah is a compact and stylish wine bar that settled into Launceston’s dynamic food and wine scene in 2020. Havilah’s wine list is encouraging of Tasmanian and grower-producer labels, accompanied by an enticing grazing menu that is driven by local and seasonal produce, from free-range and wild meats, to luscious local cheeses. Stop for some Tasmanian scallops with nduja, fresh oysters or a simple dish of zesty white beans with your vino, or stay longer for the full ‘Let Us Feed You’ selection.  

178 Charles Street, Launceston 

Black Cow Bistro

One for the carnivores among us, Black Cow Bistro – the name kind of gives it away – is a celebration of the finest beef that Tassie has to offer. With six types of steaks on the grill menu, like Cape Grim rib-eye and slow-cooked Robbins Island Wagyu rump, you’ll struggle to choose. That’s not to mention the selection of sauces to pick from… will you go with a roasted garlic demi-glaze, truffled béarnaise or the classic café de Paris butter? All steaks come served with a mouth-watering potato galette topped with Dijon cream and chives, and the huge wine list is stacked with perfectly paired Tasmanian reds. It all makes for the perfect cosy night out.

70 George Street, Launceston

Bread + Butter 

This well-loved café in Launceston is aptly named for the sourdough and small-batch butter it makes in-house. With small batch factory Tasmanian Butter Company on-site, Bread + Butter pair fresh buttery croissants, pastries and sourdough toasties with some really fantastic Single O coffee. Serving up both breakfast and lunch to the devoted masses, the heartier fare on the menu is equally as inspired as their baked offerings. Feast on French toast with espresso butter and house-made pies and quiches to simple omelettes with lashings of parmesan and crispy bacon.

70 Elizabeth Street, Launceston 

Stillwater 

Housed in a historic flour mill on the banks of kanamaluka/Tamar River, Stillwater is a highly regarded and awarded local institution that focuses heavily on local produce. With conversations flowing between the Stillwater team and local producers, you can expect the very best of local seasonal produce here wrapped up in a highly creative menu that caters for all — with vegetarian/vegan and kids menus available too. Once tummies are filled, you can roll yourself upstairs to their deluxe accommodation at Stillwater Seven. It's far and away one of the best things to do in Launceston. 

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

Boatyard Launceston

For brunch, lunch and dinner along the scenic Tamar River, you really can't go past the new Launceston restaurant, Boatyard. It overlooks one of the oldest slip yards in Australia, and the best time to visit is on a golden-hued evening, so as to enjoy a sunset up on the balcony, perfectly framed between Cataract Gorge and flowing river. 

​Nestled in a cute little corner along the waterfront, Boatyard is bringing a slice of excellent casual dining to Launceston. From your morning coffee alongside a snazzy take on the omelette, to laidback lunches and fish and chip Wednesday's, everything served up is humble but elevated...and delicious to boot.

Get around the freshly shucked Tassie oysters being served out of the on-site Oyster Bar, and for dinner, share a round of small plates like potato croquettes, sashimi and slow-cooked local octopus, before diving into heartier fare such as pork belly and market fish of the day. One of the best things to do in Launceston when it comes to wining and dining. 

13 Park Street, Launceston

Frankie’s Coffee House

Frankie’s is a warm, inviting café that sort of feels like wandering into your grandma’s kitchen – complete with retro décor, friendly people and delicious food. Pop in for some of Launceston’s best coffee as well as indulgent pastries and yummy little pizzas for one (both savoury and sweet). Frankie’s also serves up brunch classics like French toast, pulled pork benedict and porridge, but for something a bit different, try the Vegemite whip.

42 George Street, Launceston

Du Cane Brewery

Housed in an enormous old camping goods store, Du Cane is a working brewery as well as a bustling dining hall that is an absolute hit with locals. Food-wise, Du Cane keeps it simple with woodfired pizzas and housemade breads, but drinks-wise, the list is stacked. Boasting its own beers (of course), fans of a good brew will be tempted by the beer paddles so they can try one of everything. Aside from the hoppy stuff, you’ll find local Tassie whiskies, gins and wines to enjoy next to Du Cane’s massive three-walled glass fireplace. Cheers to that.

60-64 Elizabeth Street, Launceston

Saint John

A staple of the Launceston beer scene, Saint John is a small bar with a huge selection of craft beers as well as shelves stocked full of Tasmanian spirits and wines. Basically, having a drink here is the definition of supporting local. You might be fooled by the 16 beers on tap into thinking it’s all about the bevs here, but Saint John’s kitchen is always busy serving up all the bar classics – burgers, tacos, charcuterie and cheese boards, and sides like fried halloumi, chicken tenders and the pickle plate.

133 Saint John Street, Launceston

Bar Two 

What this cosy hole-in-the-wall bar lacks in size it makes up for with plentiful Tasmanian wines, whiskies and gin. Bar Two (which stands for Tasmanian wines only) is where you go to get a sense, and a taste, of the spectrum of wines on offer in the state, from both well-seasoned winemakers to boundary-pushing newcomers. Settle in to the intimate and unpretentious venue for a cheese platter and oysters, or tuck into one of their sourdough pizzas.  

47A Brisbane Street, Launceston 

Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew 

Tucked down an alley in the heart of the city, is this top-notch brunch café and coffee roastery by day. But come nighttime, Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew moonlights as a fantastic bar - and it's one of the best things to do in Launceston. Their ever-evolving cocktail menu is well worth a go, featuring friends like a butter-washed miso-whiskey old-fashioned or a vodka apple with walnut and sage oxymel. Their weekend bar snack menu is quite the pal here too with Tasmanian cheese boards, warm olives, arancini and sliders just some of what's on offer.  

5/74-82 St John Street, Launceston 

The Royal Oak Hotel

For fantastic live music and some of the best drinks and pub food in the city, pay a visit to the City Park-adjacent Royal Oak Hotel. A reinvigorated boozer paying homage to its roots, this is one of the best things to do in Launceston for a splash of Tasmanian character and warm hospitality. Go for the seasonal bistro-style menu and vibey band room dedicated to supporting local and Aussie musical talent in an atmosphere of heritage, soul and wit; stay for the sundown cocktails atop the rooftop bar and community feel.

14 Brisbane Street, Launceston

Josef Chromy 

Just south of Launceston, nestled into stunning surrounds, sits the award-winning Josef Chromy winery, often touted as one of Australia’s best. Book a wine tasting in the cellar door, surrounded by century-old landscaped gardens, before heading to the well-awarded on-site restaurant to taste the best of the region’s produce.  

370 Relbia Road, Relbia   

Mac and Sylvia Apartment 30

While there’s plenty of great Airbnbs in Launceston, this little studio within a large apartment complex is a perfect base for a Launnie weekender. Perfectly appointed with luxe bedding (complete with electric blanket for the cooler months), tea and coffee supplies, gorgeous vintage furnishings and plenty of magazines and coffee table books to curl up with, it feels like your little home in the middle of town. It’s handily located right across from City Park and is a short walk to the city centre if you’re going car-free, but it’s quiet and tranquil despite its central spot. It’s a joy to return to this apartment after a big day of exploring to curl up in bed with a movie, or have a long, hot soak in the bath.

30/7 Brisbane Street, Launceston

Stillwater Seven 

For a luxe stay close to the CBD of Launceston, it’s hard to go past Stillwater Seven. Housed in a historic 1830s flour mill and walking distance from everything, it has a pristine outlook over kanamaluka/River Tamar. Step inside to experience one of the seven carefully designed, moodily-hued rooms sitting pretty above Stillwater restaurant. You're well placed for the best of both worlds and may not want to leave; in fact, the full taste and breadth of things to do in Launceston can practically be discovered from within!

Oh, did we mention the full restaurant menu from Stillwater below is available as room service? Yes, that's right, an indulgent three-course meal can be had while kicking back in the bathtub. Bliss! 

2 Bridge Road, Launceston 

The Stable Lofts 

Just 15 minutes out of Launceston lies this dreamy escape, nestled in the lush gardens of a historic estate. The Stable Lofts, with their mud-brick walls adorned by timber, are a gloriously rustic country home away from home. Collect free-range eggs and herbs for your breakfast and enjoy the complimentary hot cocoa and marshmallows by the fire pit in the evening.  

1 Church Street, Carrick 

Hotel Verge 

In the heart of Launceston lies the city's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Verge. Warm timber walls offset exposed concrete ceilings in the industrial heritage that has been retained, while dark fit-outs and furnishings make for an instant modern-cosy ambience. The onsite restaurant offers up seasonal menus for breakfast and dinner. If you fancy venturing out to feast, the hotel is just a hop, skip and a walk from everything else in Launceston CBD. 

50 Tamar Street, Launceston

Peppers Silo Hotel

Boasting extensive views across Seaport, Royal Park, Tamar River Basin and Cataract Gorge, you’ll be captivated by the luxurious hotel contained within Peppers Silo.

An iconic establishment to the region and one of important historical significance, the original four silos which now house beautifully designed rooms and suites once contained grain - which is inspiration to the impeccable on-site restaurant, Grain of the Silos. .

There’s nowhere more idyllic than being positioned on the waters edge. From this tranquil Launceston location you’ll be within a short distance of the CBD, allowing you to wander across the nearby footbridge to public transport links from your riverfront location. The best thing to do in Launceston is to book a stay at this striking hotel, or at the very least to enjoy a lunch or dinner at Grain of the Silos. 

89-91 Lindsay Street, Invermay

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

While it has the one name, QVMAG is actually two venues – the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk and the Art Gallery at Royal Park. Just a few minutes drive apart (with a handy free shuttle bus), the two QVMAGs are both well worth a visit. For a hit of history and science, the Museum has some fascinating permanent exhibits including one charting the rise and decline of the Tasmanian Tiger and another dedicated to the history of Tasmania’s railways. There’s also a planetarium for all the space nerds among us. Over at the art gallery, marvel at the centuries-old ceramics collection and learn more about the history and culture of Tasmania / lutruwita’s First Nations people.

Museum: 2 Invermay Road, Launceston 

Art Gallery: 2 Wellington Street, Launceston

Tasmania Zoo

Animal lovers not satisfied with the monkeys at City Park will love Tasmania Zoo, just over 20 minutes’ drive out of Launceston. Among the 1000+ animals living here, you’ll find some of the state’s biggest hometown stars like the Tasmanian devil, the Bennetts wallaby, spotted quolls and wombats as well as more exotic critters like giraffes, lions, tigers and meerkats. The zoo supports several breeding and conservation programs for endangered and critically endangered species, including the renowned Devil’s Heaven breeding program aiming to eradicate diseases from the Tasmanian devil population. 

1166 Ecclestone Road, Riverside

Cataract Gorge 

No trip to Launnie would be complete without a visit to the city’s very own river gorge - Cataract Gorge. A short walk from the city will have you reach this cliff-laden bush reserve along the North Esk River. Among the resident peacocks and pademelons, you can join the locals and journey down the path for a cool swim in the swimming pool, walk along one of the many trails catering for all abilities, or catch the panoramic views from both the suspension bridge and the world’s longest single span chairlift. 

Harvest Market

Launnie locals’ favourite Saturday morning ritual is a perfect way to delight in all that the city has to offer from its surrounding producers. Harvest Market is far and away one of the best markets in Launceston. Pick up breakfast from one of the food vans, a coffee from Ritual Coffee and then wind your way through the many providores bearing some of the best of the fresh. From nuts and cheeses, meats and vegetables, gin and cider, fungi and flowers, Harvest Market is a weekend sensory feast.  

8:30am-12:30pm, Saturdays 

71 Cimitiere Street, Launceston 

Design Tasmania 

It’s no secret that Tasmania is home to some talented makers and artisans, and at the non-profit Design Tasmania you can walk the architecturally splendid rooms to explore their very worthy showcase of craftsmanship. The permanent Wood Collection exhibition is of particular note, while at The Store you’ll find a huge range of furniture, homewares, jewellery and other handmade wares to shop in-store or online.  

Corner of Brisbane Street & Tamar Street 

Tamar Valley Wine Trail 

Meander through the scenic Tamar Valley, just 15 minutes outside of Launceston, to enjoy some of the 32 vineyards with cellar doors. Considered one of the world’s best wine routes, you’ll find a mix of large and boutique vineyards, many specialising in the region’s celebrated cool climate wines, notably Pinot Noir and sparkling.  

Open 7 days 

City Park

Rated as one of the top ten parks in Australia, this leafy pocket of the city is wonderful to wander through or spend a while.

Enjoy a picnic on the wide spaces of grass drenched in sunshine, or laze beneath a tree with a good book at City Park.

Be sure to visit the John Hart Conservatory, duck pond and wildly, the Macaque primate enclosure. There's a playground for the kids and barbeque facilities if you're feeling hungry. Play some chess on the giant board or peruse the collection of mature trees and annual foliage. One of the best things to do in Launceston to get a real feel for what makes this city so special. 

45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston

Got more time up your sleeve while in Tassie and looking to explore beyond the bounty of things to do in Launceston? Try our list of things to do in Tasmania for more holiday inspiration. Looking for more incredible restaurants in Launceston? Head over here.