Photo of Launceston

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?

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Best Hotels in Launceston

  • 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 Gallery
    Families  -  The three-bedroom apartment with kitchen & sitting room is perfect for families or groups
    Great walks  -  Follow hiking trails and spot fluttering birds in the striking Cataract Gorge Reserve
    Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Both the Executive Suite and King Suite have a spa bath
    ViewsParkingNo pets

    A 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 exhibits
    Business meetings  -  A 10-minute stroll from the CBD & equipped with three meeting spaces, this is a great business trip base
    Local exploring  -  Amble around Launceston with ease, or take day trips to the wineries of the Tamar Valley and beyond
    Cycling  -  Bicycle hire can be arranged and there are myriad scenic routes in the city and further afield
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Set 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 Company
    Country Escape  -  A beautiful rural escape close to Launceston, perfect for keen ramblers, foodies and fans of great Tasmanian wine
    Groups  -  Charming cottages with multiple bedrooms are ideal for groups of friends - particularly those on walking holidays
    Wine tasting  -  Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route for tours and tastings at some of the 30+ cellar doors of the Tamar Valley
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A 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 Valley
    Great walks  -  Follow the riverside walk into the city centre, or wind your way along the scenic hiking trails of nearby Cataract Gorge
    Industrial conversion  -  Dating back to the 1960s, the heritage building is 35 metres high and contained grain in four large silos
    Birdwatching  -  Go bird watching in the beautiful Tamar Island Wetlands, where you can spot rare endemic birds aplenty
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    The 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 fireplace
    Weddings  -  A beautiful wedding venue, with intimate spaces for private receptions, garden ceremonies & guests to stay in the homestead
    Golf  -  Quamby’s boasts a nine hole golf course, perfect for a round or two with friends and family during your stay
    Romantic Break  -  A romantic escape with fragrant gardens, gourmet dining & suites with classic antiques and spa baths
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantGardenViewsParking

    A 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 dreams
    Romantic Break  -  Indulgent suites are hugely romantic, and perfect for unwinding with river views after delicious dinners
    Fishing  -  Take day trips to the Western Lakes for some of the world's best trout fishing — the Stillwater team can cook up your catch, too
    Restaurant  -  The Stillwater Restaurant has been a gastronomic landmark for two decades, showcasing top Tasmanian produce in innovative ways
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Housed 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

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