Things to Do in Launceston

A self-guided walking tour of the city's historic laneways and arcades, including Brisbane Street Mall, Quadrant Mall, and several hidden courtyards. Features public art, street murals, and heritage architecture. Free maps available from the visitor

🕐 Accessible 24/7; visitor centre open daily 9:00–17:00

💡 Pick up a printed map from the Launceston Visitor Information Centre on St John Street, or use the free 'Laneways Launceston' app. Allow about an hour.

A formal Victorian-era park in the city centre with flower beds, a Japanese garden, and a free enclosure housing a troop of Japanese macaque monkeys. The monkeys are a popular family attraction, and the park has plenty of benches.

🕐 Park open 24 hours; monkey enclosure open daily 7:00–16:00

💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon when the monkeys are most active. The park's conservatory has free entry too — check for seasonal displays.

A dramatic natural gorge just a 20-minute walk from the city centre. You can walk across the suspension bridge, explore the walking trails along the South Esk River, or relax in the historic gardens. Free entry to the reserve and First Basin.

🕐 Open daily: sunrise to sunset

💡 The free chairlift only runs on certain public holidays. Otherwise, it's a small fee. Still worth walking up the Zig Zag Track for the best views.

A boardwalk nature reserve on the Tamar River, about a 10-minute drive or 30-minute bike ride from the city. Walk the 1.5km loop through reed beds and lagoons, spotting birdlife like herons and swans. Free entry, but donations welcome.

🕐 Daily 9:00–16:00 (centre); boardwalk open dawn to dusk

💡 Best in early morning for bird activity. Bring insect repellent in summer. The centre has a small free exhibition on wetlands ecology. Parking is free.

The main branch of Tasmania's largest museum, housed in a former railway workshop. Covers natural history, colonial art, and a hands-on science centre. Free entry to permanent exhibits.

🕐 Daily 10:00–16:00, closed Christmas Day

💡 Check the website for temporary exhibitions — some have a fee, but the permanent galleries are excellent. The second site at Inveresk is also free but a 15-minute walk further.