A Perfect Weekend Exploring Tasmania’s Tamar Valley Wineries
Opens in a new tab or windowHow to make the most of a a few days in this stunning region, just outside of Launceston.
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Josef Chromy, Tasmania
Launceston
Love food, art, design and nature? Then you’ll love Launceston. Surrounded by rolling hills and ancient, fern-wreathed oak trees, this boutique river city located at the head of the pristine Tamar Valley has all you need for the perfect getaway in North East Tasmania.
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Places to stay
A place where country roads take you to vineyards, lavender fields, historic estates, and mountain biking towns, you’ll find an array of accommodation to meet your travel needs. Positioned in Launceston city centre is a great mix of large hotels such as the Sebel, Mantra or Hotel Grand Chancellor, ideal for business travellers. Those after historic architecture or a unique hotel vibe will love spending a weekend at the Leisure Inn Penny Royal.
Take a drive out of the town centre to World Heritage-listed Brickendon and Woolmers Estates at Longford, where you’ll find gorgeous bed and breakfasts amidst Tasmania’s stunning natural wilderness. Drive out to Derby - a small country town which has become a mountain biking mecca, offering self-contained cabins, cottages and lodges for the ultimate adrenaline holiday. After a tour to the world-class Tamar Valley wine region, relax in a boutique lodge by the fire place to savour the fine wines from your cellar door visit.
Things to do
With a thriving food and wine scene set amongst elegant Georgian streetscapes, it’s pretty easy to feast all day. Whether you dine on freshly smoked Huon salmon at the acclaimed Stillwater restaurant, pick up some local treats at the Harvest Markets or go on a bubbly binge at the House of Arras, this is the place for indulgence. And when you need to work it all off, head out for a hike at Cataract Gorge with its suspension bridge and breathtaking river views, or enjoy a little devil worship at Trowunna Wildlife Park, with its band of cranky Tasmanian Devils, kangaroos, wombats and wallabies.
This is where city paths lined with eye-catching architecture, boutique shopping and farmers’ markets lead to walking tracks and bridges across stunning natural formations. Whatever your interests, you’ll find so much to fill your days in and around Launceston.
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Opens in a new tab or windowTasmania’s second city has a lot going for it, including heritage architecture, natural beauty and prime position in a food bowl. Local Hilary Burden shows us around laid-back “Lonnie”. Photography by Adam Gibson.
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Food and drink
Severely underrated, Launceston or ‘Lonnie’ houses some pretty impressive venues. Head to Stillwater for fine food or sit back and relax at the intimate Northern Club. Explore the Greater Tamar Valley and you’ll find some of the best cool climate Wineries in Australia, providing the perfect getaway for whatever the occasion.
Wilderness and Outdoors
If you find yourself in Lonnie on a Saturday, make sure you hit up the Harvest Market. You’ll find a lot of Tassie’s best produce here. Fancy a bit of a hike? Explore Launceston’s most popular tourist attraction Cataract George. Its rocky cliff faces and beautiful bushland are truly spectacular.
Getting around
From the airport: Launceston airport services domestic flights and is located 15km from the city centre. A taxi rank and shuttle service is located outside the terminal.
In and around the city: the best way to get around central Launceston is by bicycle or on foot, with plenty of cycling and walking tracks. There’s also taxis or Metro, Launceston's major city and suburban public transport provider. For longer trips throughout the state, Tassielink Transit and Redline Coaches operate an extensive timetable to most major Tasmanian towns.
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Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).
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