Launceston tours

Things to do in Launceston

Launceston holds a subtle allure that lingers long after you’ve set off, much like the soft rustle of leaves in the picturesque Cataract Gorge. It’s a place where past and present blend effortlessly. When your local guide takes you on a private tour, Launceston turns into a tapestry of stories waiting to unfold. There’s something quite thrilling about skipping the line at the Queen Victoria Museum, where Tasmania’s heritage is laid out in vivid detail. As you make your way through the historic streets, your guide points out colonial architecture and the lively arts scene. A food and wine tour introduces you to the local delicacies: the crisp notes of Tamar Valley wines and the rich flavours of the region’s specialties. Tours in Launceston with your guide are more than just a stroll; they’re an opportunity to connect with the city’s essence. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Launceston. Explore Launceston your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Launceston tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Launceston for every interest, including: Layover tours: Get picked up at Launceston Airport for a quick loop to Cataract Gorge for the chairlift and cliff views, then stop at City Park to see the Japanese macaques and grab a coffee on Charles Street before your return flight. If it is a Saturday, swing by Harvest Market or fit in a Boag’s Brewery tasting, with timed drop-off back at the terminal. Hiking tours: Follow your guide along Cataract Gorge’s Zig Zag and Cataract Walk tracks, or head into Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area for river-cliff lookouts. For a bigger day, hike alpine trails in Ben Lomond National Park after the scenic drive up Jacob’s Ladder, with weather checks and gear advice included. History tours: Explore the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Inveresk to see rail and industrial heritage, then walk the old mills and warehouses by the Tamar, including the silos precinct. Add a visit to UNESCO-listed Woolmers and Brickendon Estates near Longford to dive into convict-era farm life and the National Rose Garden. The city centre is compact and walkable, and Metro Tasmania buses cover the suburbs. For vineyards, national parks, and time-sensitive layovers, ask your guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Launceston inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Launceston’s charm on a private walking tour, with a local guide showcasing the city's unique neighborhoods. - Cataract Gorge: Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, this neighborhood offers stunning views and walking trails. It's a beautiful spot to explore the natural beauty that surrounds Launceston. - City Park: Cultural tourists and families will enjoy this green oasis with its lush gardens and historic features. The park is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic. - Seaport: For those seeking a blend of relaxation and dining, Seaport offers waterfront restaurants and a peaceful promenade. It's ideal for enjoying a meal with views of the Tamar River. - Inveresk: Art and history buffs will find this area fascinating with its museums and art spaces. It’s a vibrant cultural hub that offers insight into Launceston's artistic scene. Day trip ideas from Launceston From Launceston, reach vineyards, coastlines, and mountain trails on simple day trips that keep driving manageable while giving you lots of choice to tailor tours around wine, wildlife, or hiking. Tamar Valley: Rolling vines, farm producers, and calm river views make this close-to-town route an easy fit for wine tasting, long lunches, and short nature stops like the Tamar Island Wetlands boardwalk, so you can keep the pace flexible and focus on flavours and scenery. George Town and Low Head: Head to the mouth of the Tamar for maritime history, a photogenic lighthouse, and calm beaches, with evening penguin viewing in season, which suits anyone who likes gentle coastal walks, local stories, and wildlife in a compact loop. Derby: Forested hills cradle the Blue Derby trails, offering well-signed loops for all skill levels and a small-town hub for bikes and coffee, so riders and active travellers get a full day outdoors without complex logistics, while non-riders can enjoy short riverside walks. Bay of Fires: Bright white sand and orange-lichen boulders around Binalong Bay deliver big scenery, tidal rock pools, and quiet beaches, which is ideal if you prefer an unhurried coastal day with time for photography and easy shoreline walks. Cradle Mountain: It’s a longer outing, yet boardwalks around Dove Lake and open alpine views make it rewarding for hikers and photographers, and you can shape the day around short circuits or longer tracks if you want more time on the trail. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Launceston most travellers miss.