LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
There are plenty of things to see and do in Launceston and the surrounding region, so plan to stay long enough to see it all!
Auldington is situated central to Launceston’s many attractions and our knowledgeable staff can assist you with information and an excellent range of brochures and maps. The free Launceston TIGER tourist bus operates Monday to Friday and stops at Princes Square on Frederick Street. It is a hop-on-hop-off service that will take you to all of the major tourist destinations around town. There is also a METRO bus stop located at the front entrance to the hotel.
Sights and activities:
- Cataract Gorge – Our main tourist attraction is a must see while in Launceston! Auldington is the closest hotel to the First Basin car park. Take a ride across the expanse of the gorge on the world’s longest single-span chairlift.
- James Boag’s Brewery – As the home of Boags beer, Launceston’s Boags Brewery Tour is a must for any beer lover. Sample the ingredients that go into making beer, learn about the beer making process and the history of the brewery and sample some of their delicious beers.
- City Park – Visit City Park and inspect the John Hart Conservatory, then take a peek at the free live Japanese Macaque monkey enclosure and finally drop in at Design Centre Tasmania to view the fabulous hand-crafted furniture made using Tasmanian timber or any of the other beautiful crafts on display.
- National Automobile Museum of Tasmania – Across the road from City Park you will find the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, housing a wide collection of antique cars and motorbikes dating back to the early 1900s.
- Wander through Launceston’s many and varied specialty stores, including clothing, perfume, jewellery, antiques, second hand bookstores, the old Mill Providore and chocolatiers.
- Queen Victoria Museum – Visit the free Queen Victoria Museum and learn about the natural history of Tasmania or take in a show at the Planetarium. Visit the Tramway museum, conveniently located at the same complex as the Queen Victoria museum.
- Queen Victoria Art Gallery – Have a look at the artworks on display at free Queen Victoria Art Gallery, also home to the Guan Di Temple, and stop by the Gallery Cafe for tea and cake.
- Enjoy a scenic lunch at one of the restaurants along the boardwalk at the Seaport. Take a leisurely and informative cruise on the Tamar River, with morning, lunch and full day cruise options available.
- If you enjoy churches, Launceston CBD is home to a wide range of beautiful and varied churches of different denominations.
- Franklin House – Also worth a look is the historic Franklin House, built in 1838 and now preserved by the National Trust.
- Tamar River Cruises – Take a leisurely and informative cruise along the beautiful Tamar River, taking in the sights including the river, local bird life and other aquatic animals, natural flora, historic riverfront churches and homestead and plenty of commentary about the history of the region. Morning, lunch and full day cruise options available.
- Tamar Islands Wetlands – A short, ten minute drive from Auldington, the The Tamar Island Wetlands is a unique urban wetlands reserve with a 500 metre boardwalk to enjoy the natural surrounds and bird life up close
- Launceston History Tour Walks and Cataract Gorge Walking Tours – Enjoy a 45 minute guided tour through the heart of the historic CBD of Launceston, from Princes Square to City Park, highlighting the rich heritage of the area
Night time:
- Princess Theatre – For night time entertainment, take in a show at the Princes Theatre or the Earl Arts Centre.
- Enjoy a cocktail at one of Launceston’s bars or listen to live music at one of Launceston’s great pubs.
- Launceston City Ghost Tours – For the brave, there is a night-time Ghost Tour that covers Launceston’s spooky and seedy past!
- Of course, Launceston has a wide variety of restaurants covering all types of cuisine, including fine dining options, with many great restaurants just a short walk from Auldington.
Regional activities:
- Tasmania Zoo – Get up close to a Tassie Devil at the Tasmania Zoo, located just five minutes drive from Launceston’s CBD.
- The Tamar Island Wetlands is also a short drive from Launceston’s CBD.
- From Launceston, you can make a day trip to Cradle Mountain or spend a day visiting the historical townships such as Longford and Evandale in the northern region.
- Hollybank Tree Tops Adventure – The Hollybank Treetops Adventure is a thrilling experience, suitable for anyone from ages 3 to 103!
- Wine lovers will love exploring the Tamar Valley wine region, which begins at Launceston’s doorstep. Self-guided and guided wine tours available.
- Seahorse World and Platypus World at Beauty Point are perfect for families.
- Ben Lomond National Park is another great destination in the region, only an hour and a half by car from Launceston. There are also bus tours to Ben Lomond.
- Mole Creek Caves – The King Solomon & Marakoopa Caves at Mole Creek are worth visiting and the Westbury Maze and tearooms will please the whole family.
- Ashgrove Cheese factory, the Bridestowe Lavender farm, Lillydale waterfalls and much more are all accessible by car on a day trip from Launceston
