Launceston is easy to explore on foot. A must for any visitor is a stroll with Launceston Historic Walks (tel. 03/6331 2213), which leaves from the "1842" building on the corner of St. John and Cimitiere streets at 4pm on Mondays and 10am Tuesday to Saturday. The 1-hour walk gives a fascinating insight into Launceston's history and costs A$15. Grayline (tel. 1300/858 687 in Australia; www.grayline.com.au) operates a 2 1/2 hr. coach tour of the city. It costs A$42 for adults and A$21 for children.
A must-see is Cataract Gorge, the result of violent earthquakes that rattled Tasmania some 40 million years ago. It's a wonderfully scenic area, and you can walk there along the river bank from the city in about 15 minutes. The South Esk River flows through the gorge and collects in a small lake called the Basin, traversed by a striking suspension bridge and the longest single-span chairlift in the world (308m/1,010 ft.). The chairlift (tel. 03/6331 5915; www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au) is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm and costs A$15 for adults and A$10 for children under 16, round-trip. The hike to the Duck Reach Power Station, now an interpretive center, takes about 45 minutes. Other walks in the area are shorter and easier. The Gorge Restaurant (tel. 03/6331 3330; closed Mon) and the kiosk next door is open daily, with glorious views from the outdoor tables.
Tamar River Cruises (tel. 03/6334 9900; www.tamarrivercruises.com.au) offers regular 50-minute cruises to Cataract Gorge up the Tamar River from Home Point Wharf in Launceston. The cost is A$25 adults, A$12 children 5 to 17, and A$62 for families of four.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
