Island Escape | 3–5 July
Music, crackling fires, local flavours
Heading to Island Escape for one day or the whole weekend? We've got you covered.
This July, Island Escape Winter Festival will make its debut. From the team behind the annual New Year's Eve Beerfest celebration, this three-day event will transform Launceston’s Inveresk Precinct into a winter wonderland of live music, locally sourced food and drink, art, and community. We've got all the details for attendees to make the most of their time, before and after Island Escape. Scroll on for everything you need to know, including:
- What's on all weekend in the CBD
- Best places to eat and drink before and after the festival
- Know before you go: tips for getting around town
Click the link below to book tickets for a day or the whole weekend, then read on for all the must-know details ahead of your winter adventure.
Discover more
Island Escape won't be the only event to keep you cosy this weekend. From the Hawks AFL match at UTAS, to pop-up music performances in the CBD, explore our local events calendar at the link below to see what's on all weekend long in Launceston.
CBD Guide
Visiting for the first time? Download our bespoke Guide to the CBD for Island Escape ticketholders. Filled with curated recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and where to shop for necessities, click the link below to download and save the guide on your device to access anytime.
Keep the party going with ROAM
Head into the CBD on Saturday after Island Escape for more live entertainment
The City of Launceston invites you to explore a walkable trail of music, light and local hospitality as ROAM transforms the city into a vibrant winter playground for locals and visitors alike.
Featuring live music from Paper Moon, Kate Rigby, Randall Foxx, The Disappearer, Frosty and Wud, there's something for everyone. The trail commences from Island Escape at Inveresk and continues along Tamar Street, into Cameron Street, George Street, Quadrant Mall and St John Street, finishing up along Princes Square. Explore ROAM from 7pm to 10pm and enjoy all the city has to offer along the way. Learn more at the link below.
Know before you go: getting around town and other handy tips
A lot of local legends will be enjoying Island Escape, but we know many attendees will be enjoying Launnie for the first time. Here are a few tips for getting around:
- Walk when possible Our large country town is very walkable. And if you aren't used to the Tassie weather, layer up!
- Boardwalk closure on Friday and Saturday evenings Due to a dazzling fireworks display, the pedestrian boardwalk between the UTAS Shed and the Inveresk Precinct will be closed from 5pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday evening. You can still cross the North Esk River by walking across the Victoria Bridge on Tamar Street.
- Take the bus for free Metro will be running regular service throughout the day, and no need to bring exact change–it is now free!
- Nearest free parking will be in the North Inveresk Car Park, a short walk from the Island Escape festivities. Travel in style, with free tram rides from the carpark to the entrance!
- Lot full? Park out, walk in With the mid-day footy game on 4 July at UTAS Stadium, the North Inveresk Car Park may reach capacity. Find parking on side streets in the surrounding areas, but be sure to check street signage for cost or restrictions.
- Accessible parking The nearest accessible parking will be located in the North Inveresk Car Park.
- Road closure outside UTAS Stadium On Saturday 4 July, note that southbound traffic on Invermay Road between Forster Street and Lindsay Street will be closed in the morning ahead of the footy game.
- Explore QVMAG between all the action Australia's largest regional museum located right in Inveresk will be open throughout the weekend. If you and the littles in your life need a break, the museum will be in the middle of the action, free and open.
- Finding the facilities While wondering the city before or after the festival, you might need help finding public amenities. Click here for a handy map of public toilets.
First time?
Here are handy guides for those enjoying their first visit to Tas, and anyone keen to rediscover something new to love in Launnie
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Need more info? Chat to our friends
If you need more information about Island Escape, or want to learn more about Launceston and the surrounding areas, chat with our friends:
Island Escape
For information about the debut festival, including a full program, visit the official event page.
City of Launceston
For maps and guides for exploring the city, check out the official City of Launceston website.
Visit Northern Tasmania
If you're 'making a trip of it' and exploring more of what our region has to offer, Visit Northern Tasmania is your best travel companion.
Launceston Visitor Information Centre
Need help with accommodation or booking tours? Talk to the Launceston Visitor Information Centre.
Fancy a nightcap?
Intimate pubs, bars and breweries for top-quality wines, beers and spirits open late (closing times vary)
Discover Launceston's best-kept secret tucked away behind a mysterious blacked-out door. Located down the Earls Court, Midnight Rambler awaits those in the know, beckoning with its tantalising array of cocktails and rums that promise to ignite the...
Midnight Rambler
Earl Street, Launceston
Recently renovated into a gorgeous modern and airy space, the Sports Garden Hotel is far from being a grimy pub. This family-friendly sports bar is a perfect place for post-work drinks, meeting up with friends or watching the latest game. Their...
Sports Garden Hotel
23 George Street, Launceston
The Saint John team pride themselves on their selection and knowledge of the finest international, Australian and Tasmanian craft beers, with over 170 bottled beers to either drink in or takeaway, and eight-fourteen rotating kegs on tap. While Saint...
Saint John Craft Beer
129 Saint John Street, 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
Alchemy has been a Launnie favourite for many years, renowned for its friendly staff and social atmosphere. The bar boasts an impressive range of spirits, cocktails, and wines (as well as more than 30 beers!), while the restaurant works with fresh...
Alchemy
90 George Street, Launceston
The Barrel Collective is built on a simple concept - bringing the finest handcrafted Tasmanian spirits to you, wherever you are. Owner and operator Michael Bernhagen says it best - “I am a Gin lover and wanted to create a space where I could...
The Barrel Collective
63A Brisbane Street, Launceston
Established over twenty years, Mudbar is an ideal place to celebrate good times; with a fierce reputation for fresh, seasonal, handmade food. Achieving the rare feat of being all things for all people, Mudbar has created an ambience that suits those...
Mudbar Restaurant
28 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston
In the frosty winters of 2021 and 2022, the magic of Stelo's Pop-up Speakeasy Oscura unfolded, creating a haven for locals and wanderers alike. The charm of Oscura lured guests through its concealed entrance, where freezing cheeks found solace in...
Bar Stelo
86 George Street, Launceston
Experience the perfect blend of rustic charm and vibrant energy at Nomy Bar & Kitchen! Indulge in bold cocktails, mouthwatering dishes, and a lively atmosphere that’s all about good drinks, great vibes, and meaningful connections. At Nomy, every...
Nomy Bar & Kitchen
91 George Street, Launceston
Everyone has their own taste, and like the cocktail, Martini's appeals to an audience who enjoy the experience; it’s about flavour, craft, atmosphere and having fun. Typography is not complicated or overly decorated, the statement is in the name,...
Martini’s Cocktail Lounge
33 Kingsway, Launceston
Bar Urbane, a Melbourne-inspired gem in Launceston, redefines sophistication in the heart of Tasmania. This upscale bar brings classic cocktails to life, showcasing Tasmanian wines and a curated selection of whisky and gin. Its timeless ambiance,...
Bar Urbane
26 Seaport Boulevard, Launceston
Head upstairs to the Dill Pickle Club for a sumptuous experience that will delight all of your senses. This listening bar spins a unique selection of vinyls for customers to enjoy while they sip drinks and take in the stunning city views. Of course...
Dill Pickle Club
level 1, 78 Saint John Street, Launceston
A true neighbourhood pub, Gunners is where you go to catch up with old friends to share a few drinks and take in live music. Enjoy a classic counter meal for dinner, or order a plate of nachos later in the night when you are feeling peckish. They...
Gunners Arms Tavern
23 Lawrence Street, Launceston
Do you often find yourself missing the 80s? Do you like pinball machines and old arcade games? When was the last time you saw a light up dance floor? Arcade Bar is the perfect place to indulge your nostalgia for all of these things, complete with...
The Arcade Bar
181 Charles Street, Launceston
Perhaps a little out of the way of most other bars, Tandy’s Alehouse is nonetheless the favourite bar of many a Launceston local - and well worth a visit. This little pub has captured the hearts of many with its broad selection of beers on tap,...
Tandy’s Ale House
100-102 Elizabeth Street, Launceston
Hungry for more?
Explore our directory of places to eat and drink in Launceston Central.