Albert Hall, Launceston

Launceston Tas 7250 (Pop 89 000)

Launceston is the state’s 2^nd largest city and a busy tourist centre located in NE Tasmania 199 km north of Hobart. Renowned for its many beautiful 19^th century buildings, parks and gardens, this ‘Garden City’ sits at the junction of the North Esk, South Esk and Tamar rivers retaining a relaxed country and historic ambience. European settlement began in 1804 as a port for sealers and whalers and a military town with tin discovered nearby. Today Launceston’s economy is based on a huge aluminium smelter, meat, textiles, wood chips and tourism. Launceston Cup (Feb), Festivale (Feb) (food & wine), Launceston Spring Show (Sept), Royal National Show (Oct), Tasmanian Poetry Festival (Oct), Tamar Valley Classic (Nov) (yacht race).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Launceston (25 historic sites) including Tasmania Hotel, Prince’s Square, Morton House, Milton Hall (1842), Johnstone and Wilmots store (1842), Synagogue (1844), Monds and Affleck Mill (1860), Old Umbrella Shop (1860s), Quadrant Mall, City Hotel (1870s), brewery Oast House, Customs House (1885). Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, incl Macquarie House (Wellington St and Invermay Rd – two venues) outstanding exhibits and displays of local Aboriginal and convict history, a Chinese joss house, blacksmith shop, Launceston Planetarium and Tasmanian flora and fauna. Cataract Gorge (York St) comprises historic Kings Bridge spanning the Tamar River with the world’s longest single-span chairlift over the basin. The surrounding bush, parklands, nature walks and gorge cliffs are spectacular. City Park (cnr Tamar & Brisbane Sts) beautiful 5 ha park with a monkey island, kangaroo enclosure, John Hart conservatory and European deciduous trees. National Automobile Museum (Cimitiere St) displays of fully restored classic vehicles. Penny Royal World, Paterson St working replica of 19^th century buildings.

Nearby:
Franklin House (6 km s) (1838) convict built and beautifully furnished National Trust Georgian house. Trevallyn Dam (6 km w) great walking trails, kayaking and picnicking. Punchbowl Reserve (5 km s-w) pretty park with small gorge, rhododendron plantation and native and European fauna. Launceston Lakes Trout Fishery & Wildlife Park (17 km west).

Visitor Information Centre: Cnr St John & Cimitiere Sts. Tel (03) 6336 3133 or 1800 651 827.

Airport:
Launceston Airport (LST), 201 Evandale Rd, Western Junction. Tel (03) 6391 6222. (15.5 km south).

Hospital:
Launceston General Hospital, Charles St. Tel (03) 6348 7111.