Launceston is approximately 50 minutes from [wiki=7c885b9c7c703a77befcabeea54944d5]Melbourne[/wiki] on the mainland. Daily flights fly from Launceston to Melbourne with Virgin Australia, Qantas Link and Jetstar. Direct flights to Sydney are available daily and direct flights to Brisbane are available on selected days. Jetstar from Sydney can be only 1 hour 20 minutes.
The terminal itself has recently undergone a major facelift. The interior has a modern check in area, with comfortable waiting lounges and a few airport shops and coin operated internet terminals. There is in-terminal car hire and hired cars can be easily walked to. Everything is very compact and coming and going from the terminal is easy. Taxis are usually available right out front. There are no jetways at Launceston Airport, the plane stops outside the terminal building and you depart the aircraft on stairs and walk into the terminal from outside.
The terminal building itself opens at 04:30 for early morning departures.
The importation of fruit into Tasmania is strictly controlled and travelers from the mainland should expect to be met by fruit sniffing dogs or other authorities when making their way through the hallways to baggage claim.
Launceston is a hub of the highway system in Northern Tasmania. From [wiki=9f610f074be03799cf1727a85127ab55]Hobart[/wiki], [wiki=5645d7161f9033a5d706556ff6756ec4]Devonport[/wiki], or [wiki=4567c1b46e2b715a37167c6a8a90bd44]Burnie[/wiki] just stay on Highway 1, and make sure you are heading the right way. The main point of entry for drivers from the mainland will be in Devonport offloading from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry arrivals. It's about a one hour drive to Launceston from Devonport, mainly all on divided highway with many services and shopping en route.
The [url=http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=4118]Tamar Island Wetlands[/url] is a unique urban wetlands reserve just 10 minutes drive from the heart of Launceston in Tasmania's north.
Tamar Island has been Crown Land since settlement and up to the 1980s was leased to private and public operators. In the 1980s the Tasmanian Government purchased the wetlands area around Tamar Island, which was incorporated into the greater Tamar River Conservation Area.
An interpretation centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the value of the wetlands, along with a hikes that takes you through the wetlands,in bird hides and over to the historic Tamar Island.
Admission is by donation on the honour system. $5.00 suggested.
Cataract Gorge [http://www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/] is only a kilometre from the centre of Launceston. There is paid parking at the lower entrance to the park (Kings Bridge area), either all day or by the hour. There is also parking in the upper lot above Trevallyn, but not recommended unless you like very steep walks down to the park. If you can do only one thing in Launceston, an hour or two in the Cataract Gorge has got to be it.
* There are many walking tracks which skirt the side of the gorge, and cross it at a suspension bridge and a low level bridge. The trail continues on up to the Trevallyn Dam, with Lake Trevallyn behind it. The primary walking route for an average visit will take you from the Kings Bridge parking along a high cliff along the waterway on a nice paved and fenced path, with lots of opportunity for gorge viewing. Stairs are provided for those areas which are steeper. It's only about 15 minutes walk to the recreation zone with a grassy park like setting, restaurant, and recreation facilities. It is possible to return back to the car park down the other side of the gorge, but the path on that side is more primitive.
* You can swim in the gorge. The water can be quite cold, and there is a current, but with care you should be fine (although numerous deaths have occured). There are constructed entrances to the water, and access is free. There is also a swimming pool, and access to that is also free.
* You can see the gardens and pergolas, and the many peacocks walking around. It is also possible to see wallabies and kangaroos in the grassy areas at certain times of the day.
* You can play on the playgrounds.
* You can take a chairlift across the gorge, and walk back, or vice-versa. Although going both ways on the chairlift is about the same price as a one way ticket.
* There is a cafe on both sides of the gorge, both serving ice-creams, coffee, snacks etc. Be careful when eating your snacks at the outdoor tables. The peacocks have learned all about human food and don't mind stealing it from you even if its well away from the edge of the table. Still, having a tea and snack in this beautiful location with the birds walking around and fantastic view is something amazing.
Morty's Food Hall.
*Pasta Resistance (Charles Street).
*Aromas. Packed with workers from the nearby Launceston General Hospital. On weekends heavily packed by cycle riders. Good coffee and light meals.
*Fish and Chips at the end of the Wharf, past the end of the flood barrier when walking from town. Possibly the best fish and chips you'll ever have. Prices depending on fish and season.
*Exeter Bakery about 25 minutes out of town up the West Tamar Highway in the town of Exeter, on the right as you come into town. Lovely sandwiches but bakery treats as never including a range of reasonably priced meat pies in a variety of flavours. Dessert items of course also. Fantastic. A second location is in Launceston downtown also, Exeter Bakery Too.
Bellini. A stunning waterfront restaurant recently nominated in the international 2011 restaurant and bar design awards. Phone 00 61 3 63341403. Email reservations@mybellini.com or visit www.mybellini.com.
*Star of Siam.
*La Calabrisella.
*La Cantina.
*The Prickly Cactus.
*Franco's.
*Romanelli's 65-67 Cimitiere Street
*Torros.
*The Metz.
*The Star Bar.
*Me Wah.
*Mekong, Yorktown Square.
*Northern Club, Cameron Street,. Terrific setting. Children friendly (very). Serious main course specials on Monday and Tuesday nights during the winter months
*Cafe Blue. In the Inveresk arts precinct. Take in the Acadamy Gallery (UTas) and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery before/after a great lunch. Only a short walk from the CBD.
Stillwater,
*The Gorge Restaurant.
*Quigley's.
*Dockside.
*Black Cow.
*Mud.
*Hallam's Waterfront Seafood Restaurant.