Launceston is Tasmania`s second biggest city. It is situated at the junction of three rivers: Tamar, North Esk, and South Esk, in the North Central Region of Tasmania. Launceston is located about 200 km north of Hobart and about 60 km inland from the mouth of the Tamar River estuary that drains into Bass Strait. Launceston is cultural and entertainment hub with vibrant pubs, clubs, theatre venues, arts scene, cafes, museums and lovely open parkland along the river banks. Launceston is the gateway to the world renowned Tasmanian cool-climate wine with many wineries dotted all along of the Tamar Valley. Get the local maps and follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and taste the local wines and fresh produce. Launceston is also an excellent base to stay in its wonderful range of accommodation and
explore the town`s heritage and natural attractions of the Tamar Valley, which is know as the Valley of the Senses. You can walk the elegant and stylish streets with many heritage-listed buildings. Enjoy the stylish redevelopments such as the Launceston Seaport, with its waterfront cafes, restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues. Stroll along the boardwalk to Inveresk, and the Queen Victoria Museum. Nature lovers can enjoy an interesting river cruise to explore the Tamar River and wetlands in the area. From Launceston you can also visit many local national parks such as Narawntapu. Ben Lomond National Park offers bushwalking, rock climbing, mountain bike trails, camping and skiing and other snow sports in winter. The more adventurous can enjoy rock climbing and abseiling in the Cataract Gorge,
which is a stunning natural area just a few minutes from the City Centre. Excellent mountain bike trails and cable-hang gliding can be enjoyed at at Trevallyn State Reserve. Some of the may favourite tourist attractions in the area are: Boag`s Brewery, Seahorse World (at Beauty Point) and Franklin House. The most popular entertainment spots are Royal Oak Hotel which many visitors regard as the best pub offering great meals and live music from Wednesday to Sunday.The James Hotel offers interstate and local acoustic artits and full-blown rock acts. Irish Murphy`s and the Tonic Bar offer live music most nights of the week. Other venues are the Princess Theatre, Village Cinemas, Silverdome, Country Club, Stillwater, Launceston Jazz Club.