Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city and gateway to the northern and eastern regions. Launceston is often referred to as 'the garden city'. It has many parks and reserves including the 13-hectare City Park. At its heart is the magnificent Cataract Gorge Reserve.

The Tamar River links Launceston with its ocean port of Bell Bay. The Tamar Valley contains many vineyards, orchards and forest areas.

Beyond the city are the highlands, icy streams and alpine lakes. The north-east is mountainous and forested, and in summer it's hills are covered by fields of lavender and poppies. The inland portion of this region is rich agricultural land. Mount William National Park is home to over half of Tasmania's native species.

The northern and eastern coastal regions are a stark contrast to the inland forests and open plains. From the sand dunes of St Helens through the Chain of Lagoons and Bicheno, the east coast is a strip of breathtaking beaches, granite outcrops and deserted coves. Diving is also popular, with excellent visibilty, marine habitats plus fish and plant diversity.

The pink granite monoliths of the Freycinet National Park beckon. The peninsula is fringed with white beaches, crystal water and some of the most spectacular coastal headlands in Tasmania.

Flinders Island and Cape Barron Island off the north-east coast of Tasmania offer coastal dunes, heathlands and woodlands along with over 100 species of birds.

Bicheno Penguin & Adventure tours offer tours during dusk of penguin rookeries. The tour runs for approximately 1 hour and is $12.00 per person.

Fact Summary

Launceston was officially founded in 1805.

Launceston is Australia's third oldest city.

The settlement was originally called Patersonia after its founder Lieutenant-Colonel William Paterson.

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