Vineyard hopping, delicious eats & a sprinkle of history

It’s no secret that many things to do in Tasmania revolve around sipping, tasting and savouring and this is particularly true in the north with Launceston’s recent UNESCO listing as a Creative City of Gastronomy. So while pouring over menus and tasting notes will likely take up plenty of your time in the north, there are also plenty of other things to see and do. Here’s how we’d spend a weekend in and around Launnie:

Friday evening – wine & dine on Charles Street

Sitting opposite the beautiful Princes Square park, you’ll find a little hub of must-try eateries for your Friday evening. Head to Havilah for a pre-dinner drink and nibble (hint: try the Havilah rose or a whiskey sour), before taking your pick between a fresh Thai feast at either Monsoon or Buddha Thai, or explore delicious shared plates and cocktails at Geronimo Aperitivo Restaurant & Bar. 

Saturday – strolls, wine & seafood 

Start the day with a stroll along the Seaport Boulevard, stopping by the Mud coffee cart if caffeine is your thing. Make your way across the footbridge to continue your stroll around Riverbend Park (great for little people, if they’re joining you) then onto Blue Cafe Inc at Inveresk for breakfast. After brekkie, head into the Queen Victoria Museum located next door to view the current exhibits and even take a step back in time to learn about Launnie’s history. 

Now, it’s time to spend the rest of the day vineyard hopping in the Tamar Valley. Half-day tours are best spent along the West Tamar where you’ll find plenty of boutique wineries serving up cool climate varieties to get your palate zinging. Have lunch along the way at Tamar Ridge with the added bonus of not only wine but an on-site gin distillery offering tastings too. 

Once you’re done sipping your way through the Tamar Valley, round out the day with dinner at Hallams Seafood Restaurant or Stillwater, both offering stunning river views and menus to match. 

Sunday adventures

Grab breakfast and coffee on the go from Bread & Butter before heading to Penny Royal Adventures where you can experience cliff walking, zip-lining, rock climbing and more. Once you’ve filled your adrenaline cup, head up to the Cataract Gorge for a stroll and take the chairlift across the basin to take in the stunning scenery (it’s hard to believe you’re only minutes from the CBD). Head to the Basin Cafe for lunch, before making your way to the historic Boags Brewery for a guided tour to learn more about the traditional brewing process that goes into their renowned brews. 

Finish the day with a stroll through beautiful City Park and don’t forget to stop by to see the (cheeky) Japanese Macaque monkeys.

Phew! Of course, there’s plenty more to see and do around northern Tassie – head to Visit Northern Tasmania for even more inspiration and stay tuned to our Instagram page where you’ll find plenty of our top Tassie tips and things to do. 

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Remember, this article does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult your professional financial and legal advisors before making any decisions for yourself.