Our guide to Launnie's parks and playgrounds
Spring has sprung! If you're after fresh air, a shady spot under a tree and a space to relax and unwind, then a visit to one of the Launceston's many beautiful parks is in order – and maybe you'll find a great coffee or a bite to eat on the way. Shake off that winter chill and soak up some sun – this is our guide to the best parks in Launnie.
City Park
45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston
Many level and easy access pathways wind through manicured lawns, with large English trees and flowerbeds dotted throughout. Attractions include a giant chess set, central rotunda, and the newly refurbished John Hart Conservatory.
This park includes a duck pond and 'Monkey Island,' which houses a troop of Japanese Macaques. A popular children’s playground offers a variety of play equipment suitable for both toddlers and older children. Heads up: renovations are on the horizon in this space. If works are underway when you arrive, there are plenty more places to play around Launnie, as we’ll discover by the end of this article.
The City Park Train also operates most days, except public holidays. Incredibly popular with children, rides are only $4.00 per person, with multi-trip tickets available for regular riders. Check the City PARK Train Facebook page for the latest on when this beloved automobile is running.
One of Launceston's heritage parks, City Park was established in 1820. Bordering the park you'll find The Tasmanian Design Centre, Albert Hall and the former Park Caretaker's Cottage, which has one of the oldest wisteria vines in Australia.
Close to City Park you can find some really fantastic cafes, restaurants and shops. Keep an eye out for:
Civic Square
77 Cameron Street, Launceston
Civic Square is the perfect place in the city to take a break. Here you'll find lots of seating options and a grassed area, with a coffee van operating on weekdays. The square is popular with families as children can run around and stretch their legs after a busy day's shopping. Kids also love the interactive water play area (but be warned, you'll want to bring a dry change of clothes!).
You'll also find sculptures by Stephen Walker and a Japanese garden, which was a gift to the city from Ikeda, Launceston’s sister city.
Civic Square hosts a number of events throughout spring, including the cultural food and drinks market World Street Eats.
Civic Square is also a prime location for a sunny, relaxed lunch or coffee break – here are some businesses nearby that would make for a great picnic:
Riverbend Park
81 Lindsay Street, Invermay
Riverbend Park gives new meaning to the term playground. Here you'll find much more than the obligatory swings and slide, with four expansive play zones: The River Play area, Gorge Play area, Wild Core area, and Urban Plaza.
Each zone contains a range of play equipment and experiences, including swings, diggers, sandpits, a wheelchair carousel, a water play area, musical instruments, outdoor table tennis, seesaws and full-size sports courts. The park's largest attractions are the Sky Walk and the 'confluence net', two of the largest pieces of play equipment in Australia.
You'll also find barbecue facilities, public toilets, a giant mural, and a fenced toddler play area here.
Riverbend Park is close to some locally renown eateries, too – if you're heading there, consider also stopping at:
Prince's Square
Elizabeth Street, Launceston
The Prince's Square fountain is a Launceston landmark shrouded in local folklore. The park that surrounds it has a colourful history – originally a brickfield and site of past military drills, rowdy political meetings and hangings, it now enjoys a more relaxing visitor list consisting mostly of city workers after some fresh air and sunshine, and Junction Arts Festival attendees.
Prince's Square has some top-notch Launnie eateries nearby. Definitely check out:
