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The city of Launceston is located in the north of Tasmania. It lies at the head of the Tamar River, about 50km from the Bass Strait.
Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city and, interestingly, it is Australia's third oldest city (after Sydney and Hobart).
History
The area where Launceston now is was occupied by the Tasmania Aborigines for about 40,000 years. The first Europeans to visit the area were Bass and Flinders in 1798 during their attempt to circumnavigate Tasmania and prove that it was an island and not, as was believed up until then, an extension of the Australian mainland.
What to See
Some of the interesting places to visit in and around Launceston include:
-- The spectacularly wild Cataract Gorge with its splendid gardens and native wildlife reserve along the banks of the South Esk River (that runs into the Tamar River)
-- The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery with exhibits including Tasmanian fauna and minerals, colonial paintings, indigenous artefacts and a Chinese joss house, as well as an interesting section on the Tasmanian tiger and the Tasmanian devil.
-- Ben Lomond Range and Ben Lomond National Park: There is a beautiful drive along the plateau on top of the Ben Lomond Range. This range offers great views all year round. Alpine flowers may be seen during spring and summer. There are many hiking trails and the range is a popular skiing destination.
-- Lilley Falls Reserve: Two beautiful waterfalls to see.
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Author: David Paul Wagner
(David Paul Wagner on Google+)
