6 Easy Day Trips from Launceston, Tasmania

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After Hobart, one of the most common places for travellers to start a trip to Tasmania with is the city of Launceston. The city is both Tasmania’s second city and a natural gateway to the northern parts of the island. That way, you can base yourself in Launceston and do day trips to see all the great things this part of Australia has to offer. Even if you’re planning to tour around Tasmania, starting with a few day trips from Launceston will help you ease your way in.

A common mistake when travelling in Tasmania is to underestimate the island’s size. Distances can be deceptive in the island state, so with day trips it’s best to start small. Places like Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay, while rightly popular, can turn out to be much longer day trips than people realise. So with that in mind, I’ve assembled a list of day trips that are actually in the vicinity of Launceston.

The following Launceston day trips aren’t meant to be long drives and can often be combined if you like. That said, you’ll definitely want a car or other vehicle to actually reach them.

Making Day Trips from Launceston

Before you set out on your Launceston day trip, one word of caution. Unfortunately, public transport in Tasmania has a fairly limited reach and many of the above simply aren’t accessible that way. This means that except from Cataract Gorge, you’re going to need a car to get around. You can rent a car for Tasmania either on the mainland or in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport. You can then choose whatever road trip from Launceston you want without worry.

Cataract Gorge

Really only a stone’s throw from the city, the pleasant scenery of Cataract Gorge is just a short trip from Launceston city centre. And yet, when you’re there you’d find it hard to believe that you’re just 1.5 kilometres from the state’s second largest city. There’s actually a nice mix of things to do at Cataract Gorge, making it a safe pick for a day out sightseeing.

Obviously, first there’s the interesting landscape scenery created by the river gorge. After taking the trail down to the gorge, you’ll find yourself in the main area of First Basin.

Besides the large reservoir of water, there’s actually a swimming pool, making it a popular pick for locals wanting a swim. On the far side of First Basin is an extensive Victorian garden, perfect if you’re not looking to do anything too vigorous.

Otherwise, you’ll also find walking trails that follow the gorge back to Launceston, but also up the South Esk River. To cross the water and explore further, there’s the picturesque Alexandra Suspension bridge, but also a cable car. Another option entirely is to visit Cataract Gorge on a river cruise from Launceston and see it from the water.

Tamar Valley

Australia has become increasingly known for its fabulous wine regions, but that usually relates to states like Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. Tasmania is more known for its commercial beers and whisky, but there is one Tasmanian wine region that is an easy drive from Launceston. That region is the wonderful Tamar Valley that stretches from Launceston out to the coast.

Following the Tamar River out to Bass Strait, the Tamar Valley is somewhere you don’t want to miss. Not only is it dotted with wineries along the Tamar Valley Wine Trail, there’s plenty of gorgeous scenery to enjoy as well.

We actually didn’t visit any of the region’s wineries, but it’s certainly something I’m keen to explore next time I visit. Instead, we were focused on the lovely scenery that the winding river provides. You don’t have to look far here for viewpoints with superb vistas of vineyards, hills and the river below.

Grindelwald

The idea that there’s a little replica Swiss village just out of Launceston is kind of too tempting to ignore. It seems implausible and maybe even unnecessary, but the Tasmanian town of Grindelwald in the Tamar Valley does indeed exist. First started by a wealthy Dutch migrant in 1980, the town now centres on the Tamar Valley Resort and its replica Swiss village.

Up front let’s establish that the Swiss village is quite kitsch and touristy. It has a few lanes of houses that bear a stereotypical likeness to houses you’d see in Switzerland. The buildings are mostly restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores of course, catering to tourists passing through and those staying at the resort for its large golf course.

The big redeeming feature of Grindelwald in my eyes is the rest of the town, particularly Alpine Crescent. This looping road is home to some genuinely pretty country homes that do resemble Swiss homes transplanted in Australia. At its centre is an artificial lake that is actually really lovely and picturesque.

Liffey Falls

Tasmania has a wealth of waterfalls spread across the island, but many of the best known waterfalls are a long way from Launceston. Luckily there is one gorgeous waterfall that is not too far for a day trip, Liffey Falls.

Just north of the Central Highlands, Liffey Falls is secluded within pristine rainforest down a gravel road making it a perfect nature getaway for the day. While there are car parks at both the top and bottom of the falls, it’s easier to start at the top.

From there you can follow a well-made walking track into the forest of the Liffey Falls State Reserve. The trail will take you to each of the four cascades that make up Liffey Falls, with the bottom the most impressive. A return trip of the walking trail from the top car park is meant to be 45 minutes.

Related: A Trip to the Dreamy Liffey Falls of Tasmania

Deloraine

Visiting a country town is a quintessential Australian experience as life there is noticeably different than what you’ll see in the country’s cities. Tasmania has a surplus of country towns but one that’s a real treat to visit is the town of Deloraine.

Found west of Launceston, Deloraine is a downright pleasant place to be. Whether you’re down by the green banks of the river or walking down the main street of town, it’s a welcoming kind of place.

The park along the gentle riverfront is a good place to start with Deloraine. Looking at the river, I actually felt like I was in a village somewhere in the English countryside for some reason. Over in the town centre, you’ll find plenty of Georgian and Victorian buildings that give Deloraine it’s typical country character.

In fact, there’s really only one thing that separates Deloraine from a quintessential country town. That is Deloraine’s fondness for statues, with countless figures scattered all over town. It’s a little like Sheffield and its murals, it’s a specific niche that sets the town apart. That way, you can try and find as many statues as possible between a coffee and a trip to the local bakery.

Related: The Quiet Country Town of Deloraine, Tasmania

Badger Beach

Tasmania has no shortage of beaches, many of which are often completely free of people. One of the closest beaches you’ll find to Launceston is Green Beach at the mouth of the Tamar River.

Green Beach is definitely a nice beach, but there’s an even more impressive one not far away. Only a few kilometres to the west lies Badger Beach, an untouched straight line of sand just outside Narawntapu National Park.

Before you get to the beach proper, start by heading to Badger Beach Lookout. Following the road northwest out of Green Beach, you’ll reach a dirt car park and two walking trails. By taking the path up to Badger Beach Lookout first you really get to appreciate what a spectacular spot it is.

The lookout has stunning views of the long expanse of Badger Beach and shows you how remote this beach is. Then you can head down to the sand and likely have the whole place to yourself.

Which of these Launceston day trips have you had the opportunity to do? What other destinations in this part of Tasmania would you recommend people visit? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.