 Attractions
Albert Hall: The scene of many concerts, exhibitions and other cultural activities since it was built in 1891 for the Tasmanian International Exhibition, the hall features a splendid water organ.
City Park: This magnificent 12 ha retreat is one of the reasons Launceston is known as the Garden City. Enormous oaks and elms date back to when the gardens were laid out in the 1820's. Other features are a small zoo, established late last century,a conservatory and a magnificent ornamental fountain.
Macquarie House: This substantial, three-storey building has seen several changes since it was built in 1830 as a warehouse for merchant Henry Reed. It served as a military barracks in the 1840's and was later used as offices. Extensively restored, it now houses part of the Queen Victoria Museum, with displays depicting Launceston's history through its architecture. There is a restaurant in the basement. Open Mon-Sat and Sunday afternoon. Inquiries 003 31 6777.
Old Umbrella Shop: Small in scale and beautifully detailed, this elegant Victorian shop has survived virtually unaltered since it was built in the 1890s. Tasmanian blackwood is used extensively, and delicately worked joinery, the old-fashioned counters and display shelves give the shop an air of old-world graciousness. The shop is now open as a gift shop and information centre.
Penny Royal World: this huge complex began with the rebuilding of an 1825 corn mill moved stone by stone from Barton, near Cressy. Before long it was surrounded by millwright and blacksmith shops, a museum and an old water mill. From the mill complex, a restored tramway takes visitors to the Penny Royal Gunpowder Mill, built in the old Cataract Quarry.
Princes Square: This delightful city retreat was once a brick field and the scene of political meetings early last century. Two bush rangers were hanged here. The magnificent baroque fountain, decorated with bronze figures and dolphins, was displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1855. One of the oak trees was planted by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1868.
Rirchie's Mill Arts Centre: opposite the Penny Royal complex is another flour mill, built in 1845. The four-storey building is now an art and craft centre and includes a Georgian miller's cottage serving light meals and Devonshire teas.
Shrimps Restaurant (Allen's Shop): Well preserved and still leading a busy life as commercial premises, this two-storey Georgian shop was built some time before 1828. The small, 12-pane upstairs windows, the large 16-pane shop windows along one street facade, the bevelled corner and hipped roof are all clues to its colonial origins. The restored building is now a restaurant.
Staffordshire House: This extensive property is believed to be Australia's only remaining Georgian merchant's establishment. It was built in 1833 and consists of ground floor business premises, topped by living quarters and backed by a warehouse. The property has been restored by the National Trust and is leased to selected tenants.
Waverley Woollen Mills: About 5 km from the city centre is Australia's oldest woollen mill, dating from 1874 and still functioning. Visitors can see the mill in full production and inspect the collection of historic weaving and plant machinery. Open daily.
Low Head (north of Launceston) has an attraction - penguin rookeries. This takes place at dusk at the lighthouse.
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