Out and About Beyond the City Centre
Georgian Era Villages
Tasmania and New South Wales were the only states of Australia to have been settled and developed in the Goerrgian era (a period of British history which takes its name from, and is normally defined as spanning the reigns of Kings George I to IV. The era covers the period from 1714 to 1830. Tasmania's rural communities from the era have remained small villages as most saw little if any growth after their intital settlement and development. Today they are like time capsules, frozen in time, their buildings lovingly restored to their original condition. The Georgian villages around Launceston can be explored on two easy half-day drives.
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Grindelwald
20 minutes drive )15 km) north of Launceston, Grindelwald is a Swiss-style lakeside village. It was established in the 1980s as a unique residential development. All houses in Grindelwald have been built in Swiss style, with wide eaves, flowerboxes, window shutters and balconies. The settlement is fringed with glassy lakes and views of the Tamar Valley. The Swiss-themed Tamar Valley Resort at Grindelwald includes a range of accommodation, a shopping arcade, general store, craft and gift shops, clothing store, hairdresser, day spa, golf pro shop, chocolatier, and a cafe and bakery. The village has a mini-golf course, a 10-hole public golf course and boating activities on the lake, including canoe and aqua bike hire.
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Tamar Valley Wine Region
The Tamar Valley is a truly cool climate wine region and we are focused on producing wines of exceptional quality that are elegant and pristine, reflecting our pure soil and air. You can expect to taste excellent examples of Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The region's sparkling wines are considered by many to be second only to Champagne itself. Cellar door tastings are a specialty of the Tamar Valley.
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Tasmania Zoo
Tasmania Zoo is situated on 900 acres of private old growth native bushland and home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in Tasmania. We have over 50 species of birds, wombats, echidna's, kangaroos, quolls, reptiles, monkeys and more. Watch the Tassie Devils feed at 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm followed by a devil pat of one of our younger devils.
Location: 1166 Ecclestone Road, Riverside (30 min. drive from Launceston city centre) Ph (03) 6396 6100.
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Trevallyn Dam
Trevallyn Dam is situated on the South Esk River just outside Launceston. Excellent for a picnic, trail walks and boating, the dam is located within the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area. The 440 hectare (1089 acre) reserve offers a range of attractions and activities. Visitors can walk along the South Esk River gorge, view the Trevallyn Dam wall in flood and experience cable hang-gliding. During summer, the water is ideal for swimming and the shores of Lake Trevallyn are utilised by the Launceston community for water skiing, kayaking and windsurfing.
Location: Gorge Road, Launceston.
Brady's Lookout
Brady's Lookout offers beautiful views over the Tamar River and surrounding areas. Located just off the West Tamar Highway between Legana and Exeter, when you reach the top of the hill you ll be rewarded with great views. There are excellent, fully accessible toilet and picnic facilities, including sheltered BBQs and a number of picnic tables. The paths to the lookouts have good surface material and width, although wheelchair users may require assistance due to the moderate gradient. Discover the story of bushranger Mathew Brady and why this spectacular location is named after him.
Cataract Gorge
Cataract Gorge is Launceston's own little piece of wilderness, a unique natural formation of sheer cliffs and cascades just 15 minutes walk from the city centre. Visitor facilities include walking and hiking trails, the world s longest single span chairlift, swimming pool, restaurant, kiosk, peacocks and wildlife, gardens, a suspension bridge, Interpretation Centre and lookouts with spectacular views. Cruise vessels ply Cataract Gorge daily.
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