Launceston
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About Launceston
Perched at the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk Rivers — where they become the Tamar River and flow towards the sea — sits the lovely city of Launceston. Tasmania's second city and the gateway to the cultural heartland of the island’s north, this artsy community has a solid reputation for cracking cuisine, gorgeous landscapes and friendly charm. Brilliant for heritage buffs as well as keen foodies and wine aficionados, this delightful destination boasts a number of excellent accommodation options. Whether you’re dreaming of a beautifully appointed inn or achingly cool suites housed in a restored flour mill, the best places to stay in Launceston won’t disappoint!
Strolls around the city centre yield glimpses of restored heritage buildings, and streets lined with quaint antique shops, trendy cafés and fantastic farm shops. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is wonderful, as is the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania. Make your way to the boardwalk for some of the best seafood restaurants in Tasmania, and to admire dazzling river views. Striking Cataract Gorge is moments away, as are opportunities for cycling, walking, bird-spotting and sailing.
Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route for terrific tours and tastings at more than 30 cellar doors, visit sprawling lavender estates, or follow mountain bike trails and hiking routes between vineyards and verdant farmland. Little ones will adore the Hollybank Forest Adventure Park, as well as the colony of tiny penguins based at Lillico beach. You’re also well-placed for walking part of the legendary Overland Track through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, returning to one of the best places to stay in Launceston for fabulous food and well-deserved Tasmanian wine.
The Best Places to Stay in Launceston
For Boutique Chic
- The Red Feather Inn is a collection of beautiful colonial-era buildings, offering rooms, suites and superb private cottages in the Meander Valley. Just a short drive from Launceston, this is a great base for couples, friends and families, with gorgeous gardens and easy access to hiking and cycling trails. The farm to table cuisine is top-notch.
- Quamby Estate, set within 150 acres of landscaped grounds with tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course, is a marvellous rural retreat just 20 minutes from Launceston. Unwind in laid-back boutique bliss, savour seasonal cuisine or host a gorgeous wedding. A historic homestead dating back to the 1820s, with plenty of charm.
For Foodies
- Stillwater Seven is the stuff of legend. Chef Craig Will's seven-course tasting menus will delight foodies, who have been flocking to the award-winning Stillwater Restaurant since its opening. Linger a little longer with a few nights at one of the seven suites housed in an 1830s riverside flour mill. Elegant, design-led spaces are a fabulous fusion of old and new, and feel wonderfully romantic.
For an Industrial Conversion
- Peppers Silo Hotel, housed in four converted grain silos rising to 35 metres, has cool, contemporary interiors with stunning Tamar River views. A chic city base just steps from the river, the city centre and the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania. The seasonal cuisine and spa treatments are excellent.
For Great Value
- Mantra Charles Hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms with bright splashes of orange in an imposing Art Deco building. Great for business travellers, the hotel offers multiple meeting facilities. It's also a lovely base for families, who will appreciate the flexible room options and the affordable rates.
- Waratah on York, a restored Victorian mansion in Launceston, has rooms, suites and a three-bedroom apartment with high ceilings, big windows and lots of light. Guests share access to a sunlit deck, and there are restaurants within walking distance. A very reasonably priced base.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Cottage
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Fly to Launceston Airport from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, and catch a bus or taxi to your destination from there. Many hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
- Tasmania is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Visit in the summer months — between December and February — for pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is peak season; you may find the spring and autumn shoulder season quieter, and hotels often offer reduced rates in those months.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Hobart.
- Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Tasmania.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
Weather
Monthly Weather in Launceston
Best Hotels in Launceston
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Waratah On York Launceston (Tasmania) 11 rooms from €85
Local exploring - Brilliantly located for exploring Launceston on foot, close to Launceston City Park and the Queen Victoria Museum & Art GalleryFamilies - The three-bedroom apartment with kitchen & sitting room is perfect for families or groupsGreat walks - Follow hiking trails and spot fluttering birds in the striking Cataract Gorge ReserveWhirlpool Bathtub - Both the Executive Suite and King Suite have a spa bathA simple, affordable selection of rooms, suites & a three-bedroom apartment in a restored Victorian mansion. High ceilings & big windows create a sense of space, whilst armchairs & crackling fires are appealingly cosy. Guests share a sunlit deck, and there are eateries aplenty a short walk away. See More
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Mantra Charles Hotel Launceston (Australia) 99 rooms from €111
Museums - The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is within walking distance, and houses a fascinating array of exhibitsBusiness meetings - A 10-minute stroll from the CBD & equipped with three meeting spaces, this is a great business trip baseLocal exploring - Amble around Launceston with ease, or take day trips to the wineries of the Tamar Valley and beyondCycling - Bicycle hire can be arranged and there are myriad scenic routes in the city and further afieldSet behind an impressive Art Deco style facade, this understated and modern hotel is set at the gateway to the Tamar Valley. Rooms are minimalist and contemporary with white washed walls, floor to ceiling windows and bursts of colour coming from the soft furnishings. A smart stay. See More
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The Red Feather Inn Launceston (Australia) 12 rooms from €150
Trekking - Take fabulous tours on the Overland Track & the Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park with the Tasmanian Walking CompanyCountry Escape - A beautiful rural escape close to Launceston, perfect for keen ramblers, foodies and fans of great Tasmanian wineGroups - Charming cottages with multiple bedrooms are ideal for groups of friends - particularly those on walking holidaysWine tasting - Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route for tours and tastings at some of the 30+ cellar doors of the Tamar ValleyA collection of Georgian-era buildings nestled in the Meander Valley in Northern Tasmania. Rooms, suites & cottages boast garden views & contemporary interiors. Brilliant for intimate weddings, romantic getaways or group trips, with gourmet fare, walking tours & lovely gardens. Utterly charming. See More
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Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston (Invermay TAS 7248) 108 rooms from €162
Local exploring - Explore buzzing Launceston on foot, or use the hotel as a base for hiking, bird watching and wine tasting in the Tamar ValleyGreat walks - Follow the riverside walk into the city centre, or wind your way along the scenic hiking trails of nearby Cataract GorgeIndustrial conversion - Dating back to the 1960s, the heritage building is 35 metres high and contained grain in four large silosBirdwatching - Go bird watching in the beautiful Tamar Island Wetlands, where you can spot rare endemic birds aplentyThe building comprises of four grain silos with chic modern interiors. A comfortable family-run hotel offering delicious seasonal cuisine in its café or restaurant and featuring an indulgent spa. All rooms have wonderful views over the Tamar River and it is just a short stroll to the city centre. See More
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Quamby Estate Launceston (Australia) 10 rooms from €167
Country Escape - Set on 150 acres of stunning parklands, boasting a golf course, tennis courts, lakes and drawing rooms with marble fireplaceWeddings - A beautiful wedding venue, with intimate spaces for private receptions, garden ceremonies & guests to stay in the homesteadGolf - Quamby’s boasts a nine hole golf course, perfect for a round or two with friends and family during your stayRomantic Break - A romantic escape with fragrant gardens, gourmet dining & suites with classic antiques and spa bathsA peaceful country estate with beautifully landscaped grounds & a nine-hole golf course. Expect ten elegant guest bedrooms - some with spa baths - and appealing shared spaces including a drawing room with fireplace. Savour seasonal cuisine in the relaxed dining room & picnics on the grassy lawn. See More
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Stillwater Seven Launceston (Tasmania) 7 rooms from €213
Foodies - Chef Craig Will's seven course tasting menus at the award-winning Stillwater Restaurant are the stuff of foodie dreamsRomantic Break - Indulgent suites are hugely romantic, and perfect for unwinding with river views after delicious dinnersFishing - Take day trips to the Western Lakes for some of the world's best trout fishing — the Stillwater team can cook up your catch, tooRestaurant - The Stillwater Restaurant has been a gastronomic landmark for two decades, showcasing top Tasmanian produce in innovative waysRecommended by - Mr & Mrs SmithHoused in an 1830s riverside flour mill on the edge of Launceston, Stillwater welcomes guests to seven beautiful suites with handmade furnishings & moody tones. Honouring the history of the building, these unique spaces have exposed beams & stone, big beds & river views. The restaurant is legendary. See More