Architecture and design
Built different
A merging of rich heritage and modern design
Launnie is a jewel box of architectural styles and design, best explored on foot, camera in hand. Look closely. Look up. Notice every preserved or patinated surface.
Do try to be careful as you wend your way through our streets – you might accidentally fall in love with the place.
The spot list
Albert Hall
Bank of New South Wales
Custom House
Duck Reach Power Station
Gasworks
Henty House
Holyman House
Johnstone & Wilmot Store
Launceston Synagogue
Macquarie House
Morton House
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
Old Brisbane Hotel
Paterson Barracks
Prince Albert Inn
Ritchie's Mill
Shields Street
St John's Church
The Quadrant Mall
Town Hall
Old-world charm
Uncover the fascinating lived history of Launnie
This charming Launceston shop is one of the last surviving retail experiences of the early 1900’s. It was operated by three generations of the Shott family who made and repaired umbrellas, and in later years were renowned for their hand-crafted...
The Old Umbrella Shop
60 George Street, Launceston
Stay at The Cornwall Hotel in Launceston and you will be in the centre of town and the centre of history. The Cornwall Hotel is only 5 minutes from City Park, 10 minutes from Cataract Gorge and close to the city’s major shopping precinct. Completely...
The Cornwall
39 Cameron Street, Launceston
They provide a range of services across community education and emergency response, including: Bush and urban fire fighting, Fire investigation, Fire prevention and risk mitigation - including fuel reduction, Road crash rescue in urban areas,...
Launceston Fire Station
85-89 Paterson Street, Launceston
Home to Launcestons thriving performing arts scene. This beautiful building is filled with so much rich history a crucial part of Launcestons community. The Princess Theatre sees hundreds of diverse performances throughout the year, find out more on...
Princess Theatre
59e Brisbane Street, Launceston
Open the door to a unique Tasmania Experience – The Florance Hotel, Launceston. Where style meets charm, with understated elegance and magnificent City Park views. Steeped in history and Victorian character The Florance has been thoughtfully...
The Florance
17 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Established in 1987 at Waverley, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania initially thrived until 1995. Subsequently, a not-for-profit foundation emerged, dedicated to relocating the museum to its former site on Cimitiere Street in 1996, where it...
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
84 Lindsay Street, Invermay
If there is one thing that generations of Tasmanians have savoured for decades, it’s the quality of the sweets they have bought from Gourlay's. This Tasmanian icon has been manufacturing its own sweets right here in Launceston since 1896, and they...
Gourlay’s Sweet Shop
14 Quadrant Mall, Launceston
Arguably one of Launceston's best parks, City Park is loved by locals for its variety of spaces and attractions. Dotted throughout with large English trees and flower beds, manicured lawns and many level and easy access pathways, attractions include...
City Park
45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston
Providing high quality flour products to bakeries, supermarkets and the public around Tasmania. The Mill Store is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and provides an outlet for the public to purchase and enjoy our full range of Tas Taste and...
Tasmanian Flour Mills
, Launceston
We are so lucky to have The Cataract Gorge Reserve so close to our beautiful city. This 65 million year old gorge is shaded by bushland on both sides, and houses the world's longest single span chairlift. The natural history of the gorge, along the...
Cataract Gorge Reserve Cliff Grounds
74-90 Basin Road, West Launceston
The Irish was established in 1835 at a time when Melbourne town was still in its infancy. Emancipated convict Josiah Pitcher decided to share his passion for wine and ale with Launceston, and named his establishment The Hibernia Hotel, after the...
The Irish
211 Brisbane Street, Launceston
Cataract Gorge
Amble across the historic wrought-iron King's
Bridge to the mouth of the Cataract Gorge, where the remains of the chute that once carried water to Ritchie's Mill – an 1830s flour mill – can be seen on the eastern cliff face. Next, make your way up to the Duck Reach Power Station, Australia’s very first commercial hydroelectric station completed in 1895.
Launceston Gasworks
The oldest buildings on site at Launceston Gasworks were built in 1860 from sandstone and local brick. At the top of retort buildings, fancy brickwork spells out 'COOK WITH GAS'. The steel frame of the gasometer stands nearby.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
The former Railway Workshops at Inveresk have been transformed into a unique cultural precinct featuring the Queen Victoria Museum. Head inside and immerse yourself in Launceston's intriguing history, art, and natural sciences collections.
A short drive will take you to the Queen Victoria Art Gallery at Royal Park. The design of the 1891 building was chosen as part of a competition. The winner was a young local architect, John Duncan. (Fun fact: he also designed Albert Hall for £25.)
Launceston history walk
As Australia's third-oldest city, established in 1806, Launnie is renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings. Download the Launceston Historical Society's 'Cya On The Road' app for an itinerary of 20 of the city's most marvellous frontages, plus audio guides, maps, cafe recommendations, and more.
Launceston by Foot
Pull on your walking shoes and uncover the city's secrets with Launceston by Foot. Join unique walking tours that seamlessly blend history with gastronomy and hidden gems, promising an authentic experience you won't forget.
Architecture fans will enjoy the Heart of Launceston tour, which unlocks fascinating stories of the city through historic landmarks and local hotspots.
Industrial spirit
Go back in time to the city's bustling industrial heyday
Over 160 years ago, James Boag moved halfway around the world from Scotland to the untamed island of Tasmania. There he began brewing in the township of Launceston on the banks of the Esk River, with the humble plan of using the outstanding local...
James Boags Brewery
J Boag & Son Brewery, 21 Shields Street, Launceston
Offering modern Tasmanian cuisine with a casual twist, The Tram Bar has been re-imagined with a sleek, new design and is perfect for any occasion. Featuring an original 1911 Tram, The Tram Bar is the perfect place to share a drink and a bite with...
Tram Bar
3 Earl Street, Launceston
Providing high quality flour products to bakeries, supermarkets and the public around Tasmania. The Mill Store is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and provides an outlet for the public to purchase and enjoy our full range of Tas Taste and...
Tasmanian Flour Mills
, Launceston
Established in 2000 and housed in an 1830s flour mill right on the banks of the Tamar River, Stillwater is a casual fine dining restaurant that focuses on local produce with exceptional service. With almost entirely local produce used, the seasons...
Stillwater Restaurant
2 Bridge Road, Launceston
Established in 1987 at Waverley, the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania initially thrived until 1995. Subsequently, a not-for-profit foundation emerged, dedicated to relocating the museum to its former site on Cimitiere Street in 1996, where it...
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
84 Lindsay Street, Invermay
Australia Post
The Launceston General Post Office was built between 1886 and 1899 in the Queen Anne architectural style. The stout tower (nicknamed the Pepper Pot) was added a few years later by public subscription, with the clock installed just in time for Launceston's centenary in 1906.
Princes Square
Established in 1858 on a disused brickfield, Princes Square is known for its dappled light and beautiful Val d'Osne Fountain. Its pleasant symmetry belies earlier use as a rubbish dump, military parade ground, and rowdy political meeting place.
Launnie in focus
One of the best ways to experience and appreciate Launnie's architecture is through the lens of a camera. Launceston Camera House offers excellent photography workshops from time to time, allowing you to take to the streets, sharpen your skills, and capture amazing images that tell the story of the city.
Keep an eye on the Launceston Camera House Facebook page and Camera House website for upcoming sessions.
Grab a bite while you explore
Alida Restaurant at Penny Royal
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Tucked behind a man-made lagoon, and right beside a roaring waterfall, Alida is a modern dining destination located inside... Read more
Tassie Dhaba in Town
146 Charles Street, Launceston
As the newest branch of the popular Tassie Dhaba in Beaconsfield, the new location offers the same high quality traditional... Read more
Tres Restaurant
2, 126 Charles Street, Launceston
Good things come in three, and Tres (three in español) is serving delicious Latin-inspired cuisine from morning to late at... Read more
Dill Pickle Club
level 1, 78 Saint John Street, Launceston
Head upstairs to the Dill Pickle Club for a sumptuous experience that will delight all of your senses. This listening bar... Read more
Bubble Tea Station
99 Saint John Street, Launceston
The first DIY bubble tea shop in Tasmania, stop in to enjoy unlimited toppings for your dream bubble tea. First stop is... Read more
Lekoh
55 George Street, Launceston
Whether you’re up for a quick pick-me-up or staying in to soak in the chill vibes, LeKoh is the perfect hangout for those... Read more
Grain Cafe
89 Lindsay Street, Invermay
This beautiful café within Grain of the Silos serves paddock to plate goodness from a range of Tasmanian producers, with a... Read more
Ice Creamery Cafe
1 Bridge Road, Launceston
Whether you pop in before or after enjoying the cliff walks, zip lines, and boat rides offered by Penny Royal Adventures,... Read more
Boathouse Coffee
55a Lindsay Street, Invermay
Conveniently located within walking distance of the bustling CBD, take in stunning views from the water's edge while... Read more