Explore Launceston Tasmania: Australia’s third oldest city and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy

Launceston, regarded as Australia’s third oldest city, sits in Tasmania’s north. It’s small but mighty. With fewer than 80,000 residents, the city might barely qualify as a large town on the mainland. In 2021, Launceston was named a Unesco City of Gastronomy for its paddock-to-plate experiences. It won’t take you long to hit the city’s culinary gems, and just beyond, you’ll find picturesque vineyards and historic settlements.

For a morning bite, make a beeline to Bread & Butter. The cafe is always pumping, brews are reliable and the cabinet overflows with warm baked goods like morning buns, cardamon pretzels and walnut croissants. Dine in or cross the road to Princes Square, where oak trees tower over an ornate fountain.

On Saturdays, don’t miss the Harvest Farmers’ Market on Cimitiere Street, bringing together produce from more than 50 stalls. Think cured meats, cheeses and preserves, plus seasonal blooms, artisan loaves and stone fruits.

Stock up on market goods, then head to Cataract Gorge and unpack your spread on the lush reserve. Just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Launceston, the 65-million-year-old gorge is where locals gather to swim and unwind. You can also hop aboard the retro chairlift, or trek along one of many accessible trails weaving through the bushland. For a free ice plunge, leap into the unheated, outdoor pool.

If you’ve got wheels, venture past the city and hit wineries dotted along Tamar Valley. Josef Chromy, Swinging Gate Vineyard and Tamar Ridge are good picks, each offering flights of cool-climate varietals at their cellar doors. You can even opt for a guided walk of Josef Chromy’s historic grounds, finishing with a two-course lunch and paired wines.

While you’re in the area, Evandale is another worthy detour. The Georgian village feels like a time capsule from the 19^th century, and is just 10 minutes from Launceston. Browse the Evandale Village Store, Lake Leather and a cluster of antique shops for old-world finds. The town also hosts the prestigious Glover Prize – an annual celebration of landscape art.

For dinner, head back to the city. Stillwater is the obvious choice. Set inside an 1830s flour mill, the fine diner doubles as a boutique hotel overlooking the Tamar River. Executive chef Craig Will’s menu is highly seasonal, but you can expect dishes like Indigenous-caught abalone with wakame butter and saltbush; barbequed wallaby wings; southern rock lobster with caviar; and a wasabi Wagyu rump cap. There’s also Parisian-style bistro The Black Cow, housed in a former butcher’s shop on an art deco corner.

As the saying goes in Tasmania: head south if you want art – but if you’re visiting for the food, the north is the place to be.

Agent lens

with George Bushby from Bushby Creese

What was your most memorable sale and why?

My most memorable sale would have to be Goorak – 16 York Street, Launceston. This incredible property set a record for Launceston and is indeed a trophy home. Built circa 1860, Goorak has a prime inner-city location on a spectacular land holding of 1366 square metres.

Set in stately gardens and boasting an immaculate Hawthorn brick exterior, it offers the charm and character of yesteryear, combining opulence and elegance with contemporary living. The creative vendors had meticulous attention to detail, and their bold selection of colours and high-quality finishes enhanced the appeal of their unique property.

For sale in Launceston

Expressions Of Interest

40 Welman Street, Launceston TAS 7250

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This elegant home fuses heritage character with striking modern design. A Georgian cottage leads to light-filled contemporary spaces with sweeping views, timber floors and floor-to-ceiling glass. Features include five bedrooms, multiple living areas, a sun-drenched deck, an outdoor jacuzzi and lush terraced gardens – all moments from the city centre.