Looking for the best way to spend three days in Launceston? You found the experts!
Launceston is a gorgeous city with so much variety, from scenic landscapes and rich history to colonial architecture and seriously good food, and it’s no wonder we always have a great time here.
To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together the perfect three-day itinerary, including a day at Cradle Mountain and a vineyard tour through the Tamar Valley, with plenty of stops where you can just slow down. We’ve also added our go-to food spots and a few places you’d likely miss otherwise, so you get a good mix of highlights and local favorites.
Ready to explore Launceston? Let’s go!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Launceston was this full-day Tamar Valley tour. It takes you through this beautiful region to multiple vineyards with generous tastings, great food, and even a bit of gin along the way. It’s the best of the Tamar Valley all wrapped up in one easy, fun-filled day!
Itinerary Overview
Launceston is the second-largest city in Tasmania, but it is surprisingly easy to navigate and settle into. You’re never far from anything, so choosing where to stay doesn’t need too much thought.
Still, most people stay in the Central Business District (CBD), as it’s easy to get around on foot, although you can rent a car if you want to explore further. Here, you’re close to restaurants, cafes, bars, and the main sights, so you can move around without planning too much.
If you want something quieter, East or West Launceston are good options, still close, just a bit more local. Regardless of where you base yourself, three days will give you enough time to see the best of the city and fit in a couple of noteworthy day trips, too!
Here’s a quick look at what your 3 days in Launceston will look like:
Day 1: Kick things off with breakfast at Bread + Butter Cafe, then head out for a cruise through Cataract Gorge, followed by a stop at the Queen Victoria Museum and James Boag Brewery. Round off your first day with Italian classics at Stelo at Pierre’s.
Day 2: Start with a hearty breakfast and check out the macaque monkey enclosure at City Park before escaping the city with a full-day wine tour through the Tamar Valley. Return to Launceston for dinner at Cataract on Paterson, then either call it a night or keep things going with a drink in the city.
Day 3: Get your workout in early as you hike and explore the beauty of Cradle Mountain on a full-day tour, then refuel at Tres Restaurant with shared plates and round off your three-day trip nice and easy at Saint John Craft Beer Bar.
Day 1
Breakfast – Bread + Butter Cafe
One of our favorite parts of Launceston was the incredible food (Launceston was dubbed a UNESCO City of Gastronomy), so we are going to squeeze in as many diners as possible, starting with breakfast! The best way to kick off our first morning here is at Bread + Butter Cafe, a very popular breakfast spot in the city.
The croissants, muffins, and baguettes are worth going out of your way for, and yes… this is where you leave your diet at home (we had no regrets though). We tried everything from salmon bagels to a takeaway brioche dipped in vanilla syrup, and it all delivered.
It’s right opposite Princes Square, so you can sit with a view while you wake up, and within a short walk from your cruise meeting point. It opens early at 7 am, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy your morning coffee or chai before meeting your tour at 9:30 am.
Morning – Enjoy a lunch and a Cataract Gorge cruise
After you’ve filled up on pastries, make your way to the meeting point for this fun Cataract Gorge Cruise. It departs at 10 am, but aim to be there by 9:30 am to check in and board without rushing. Keep in mind it only runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from September through to the end of May, so it’s worth planning your day around it.
Most cruises in Launceston are short (around 30 minutes), but this one is much longer, includes lunch, and covers more of the area (the turning point is Batman Bridge), which makes it feel like a proper experience rather than a quick loop.
You’ll be back around 2 pm, which still gives you plenty of time to explore the city before dinner. It’s also a great way to learn about the region, with excellent commentary throughout and a chance to spot local wildlife along the river.
Plus, if you somehow skipped breakfast, you’re still covered; there are muffins, fruit, a light lunch, a Tasmanian cheese platter, plus a small beer and wine tasting (and unlimited tea and coffee). It’s basically a rolling snack session!
Overall, this is an easy, relaxed way to start your trip in Launceston, especially with a smaller group and the option to move around the boat freely. We loved it, and with nearly a hundred great reviews, it’s clearly not just us!
Afternoon – Visit the Queen Victoria Museum
After your tour, make your way to the Queen Victoria Museum, which is just a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute ride from where your tour drops you off. It closes at 4 pm, so this will be a quicker visit, but you can still see a good portion of it (and it’s free to enter, which is always a bonus).
There’s quite a bit to explore, from exhibitions on Tasmania’s transport history to displays on local wildlife, including dinosaurs, plus a planetarium with rotating shows (for this, fees apply, but it’s worth checking what’s on). There’s also a small museum shop if you want to leave with some memorabilia.
The building itself is a former 19th-century railway workshop, which adds a bit more character to the whole experience. This is an easy stop that rounds off the afternoon nicely before heading into the evening.
Late Afternoon – Check out the James Boag Brewery
James Boag Brewery is one of Launceston’s oldest and most well-known spots, running since 1881 and very much part of Tasmania’s identity. It uses locally sourced ingredients (including water from the Esk River), which keeps the beer crisp and easy to drink.
If you’re short on time, stop in for a pint or a tasting flight (it closes at 7 pm). If you’d rather swap the museum for this, you can join a brewery tour instead. They run for about 90 minutes, include beer and cheese tastings, and can be booked online here.
Weekdays are the better option if you want to see everything in action, machinery running and all, while weekends are quieter. The 3 pm tour works well, giving you enough time to enjoy it without rushing, head back to your hotel to refresh, and still make it out for dinner.
Dinner – Stelo at Pierre’s
After a busy day of sightseeing, we were more than ready to sit down and eat something exceptional. Right on George Street in the heart of the city, Stelo at Pierre’s was our pick for the first night, and it turned out to be a really great start to the trip. The place feels like one you’d save for a special occasion, but we just wanted to treat ourselves to a good meal to end the day.
While it’s known for its handmade pasta and tiramisu, there’s a lot more to choose from. The menu mixes seafood and Italian flavors with a few Tasmanian touches, so you already know it’s going to be good. If you don’t feel like making a decision, the degustation option might be the way to go. But whatever you end up ordering, don’t miss the homemade focaccia bread.
Inside, it’s low lighting and leather seating, the perfect warm, intimate atmosphere for a night out. It’s open from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm (closed Sundays and Mondays), and it’s worth booking a table online in advance as it gets busy fast.
Day 2
Breakfast – Great Scot Cafe
There are so many cafes in Launceston that you can pretty much walk into any of them and have a great breakfast. For day two, we went with Great Scot Cafe, a local favorite (and usually a safe bet when you don’t want to overthink it). It opens at 7:30 am, except Tuesdays when it’s closed, so you’ve got plenty of time to ease into the morning before your 11 am tour.
The space has a cozy feel, and the food delivers, whether you’re in the mood for something simple like avocado toast or going all in with pancakes (they have gluten-free options too)! Don’t skip the freshly squeezed orange juice, and if you’re properly hungry, The Scot’s Big Brekkie is the way to go.
After you grab breakfast, head to City Park, which is just a 10-minute walk from the cafe. It’s a lovely park to enjoy a stroll with manicured lawns and duck ponds, and you can even check out the Macaque monkey enclosure (yes, really!) for free. Then head back to your hotel in time for the 11 am pick-up and a full day of wine tasting in the Tamar Valley.
Full day – Go wine tasting in Tamar Valley
Launceston, or “Launie” as the locals call it, is the gateway to the Tamar Valley and is known for its scenic landscapes and boutique wineries, which is exactly why we picked this full-day Tamar Valley tour for day two of your trip. Running from 11 am to 5:30 pm, you’ll visit four different vineyards and wineries, with plenty of tastings along the way, from charcuterie boards with cheeses and meats to gnocchi and even fish and chips.
Having Terry as our guide meant we didn’t have to think about a thing; he just took us from one great spot to another, with lots of food, wine, laughter, and even gin in between. As we sipped on local wines, he shared stories behind each place, giving us a bit of history and even a few legends that made everything more fun.
But what we liked most was how well organized everything was. We never felt rushed, even with all the eating and drinking.
This tour is an easy day out, with just a 20-minute ride on a comfortable bus, leaving more time for the fun parts. By the end, you’ll be full, relaxed, maybe a little tipsy, and already thinking about what to try again later. Luckily, you can head back to your hotel to reset for a bit, and then head out for dinner at one of the best spots in town.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Dinner – Cataract on Paterson
Cataract on Paterson is one of the best restaurants in the city, with a great vibe! You’ll find plenty of seafood and meat specialties, but also vegan and vegetarian options. Portions are generous, and the sangria, especially the raspberry and muscat one, is dangerously good.
However, it’s the stone-grill experience that really stands out! You get to cook your food on a 400-degree Celsius (around 750 Fahrenheit) volcanic stone right at the table (you don’t see that very often, so we had to try it). If you can’t decide, go for the Surf and Turf stone, it’s never a miss!
Inside, it has an industrial feel with brick walls and hanging lights, a bit busy and full of chatter, but the service stays quick and efficient. It’s open from 5 pm to 9 pm daily, and until 9:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. After dinner, you can wander around the CBD for a nightcap or head back to your hotel for a proper rest, as you’ve got a big day coming up.
Make sure to book online ahead; some reservations are made weeks in advance, and it’s easy to see why.
Day 3
Full day – Visit Cradle Mountain
Day three starts early, but it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll meet your driver right outside your hotel before heading out on this 8-hour Cradle Mountain tour (7:30 am to 5:30 pm), taking you from the city into Tasmania’s countryside.
The first stop is Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” where you can wander past over 100 outdoor artworks, with Mount Roland right in the background. It’s a quick stop for coffee on the way to Cradle Mountain and again on the way back.
From there, Cradle Mountain is about an hour’s drive, but the scenery along the way makes it go by quickly. Keep in mind the weather shifts fast here, so dress properly and layer up.
You’ll spend a few hours in Cradle Mountain National Park (roughly 10:30 am to 3 pm), with time to explore spots like Dove Lake, Waldheim Chalet, and Weindorfer’s Rainforest Walk. The forest here is incredible, easily one of the most beautiful we’ve seen, and we even spotted a few wombats grazing nearby.
On the way back, there are a couple of fun stops, including a honey shop and a local cheese factory, a nice way to end the day (and maybe pick up a few snacks for later). It’s a long day, but definitely worth it—just check out the five-star reviews here and see why people say this was a highlight of their trip!
Dinner – Tres Restaurant
After your tour, head straight to your hotel to refresh and stretch your legs. As it gets closer to dinner, make your way towards Tres Restaurant on Charles Street, one of the spots you’re glad you didn’t skip. There are plenty of places to eat around here, but this one just feels right. It’s relaxed, unfussy, and a great choice for your final dinner, especially if you want something a little more fun than your usual dinner.
The menu is Latin-inspired, built around sharing plates, and yes, you’ll probably order more than you’ll eat. We went for the meatballs and empanadas, plus the Brazilian cheesy bread, and didn’t regret a thing. You’ve also got an open kitchen to watch the chefs in action, a solid wine list from small local wineries, and cocktails that are hard to say no to (like our favorite margarita).
We managed to walk in and find a table straight away, but don’t count on that; it fills up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. It’s open until 10 pm, but closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Evening – Grab a beer at Saint John Craft Beer Bar
It’s still early to call it a night, so we’d suggest heading for a nightcap at the nearby Saint John Craft Beer Bar, just a 3-minute walk from Tres Restaurant. It’s a cool place to hang out at night, especially when it’s lively (those are always the ones that pull us in, especially with outdoor seating), but if you’d rather, you can just settle into one of the leather sofas inside; it’s just as good.
They’ve got a great variety of craft beers and even Whisky Wednesday specials! If you haven’t tried a pomegranate and lime sour beer, this is your moment. There’s a good chance you might get the cravings again (we did after sitting here for a couple of hours), so you can go for something light to nibble on with your beer, like tacos or a fried pickle platter, which makes a nice change from the usual bar food.
This place stays open until 11 pm, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so you’ve got plenty of time to round off your last evening here the way the locals do, relaxed and easy.
Where to Stay in Launceston
Three days in Launceston means you’ll want somewhere comfortable to come back to. There are plenty of options for every budget, so we’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites, from higher-end stays to more affordable ones. Here’s where to start!
The Florance – $$$
Bright and spacious, The Florance offers an elegant stay in the heart of Launceston’s CBD. It’s set in a restored 19th-century Victorian building with just 12 rooms, each one a little different, with antique furniture, Tasmanian-made beds, and small touches like complimentary shortbread that make it feel more personal.
There’s also an on-site gallery with artwork by William Rhodes and others, and it overlooks City Park, so some rooms come with great views. Plus, mornings here are easy, with ready-to-go breakfast bags if you’re heading out early. Prices start from around $270 AUD per night. Check availability and book your stay at The Florance here!
Hotel Verge Launceston – $$
Hotel Verge Launceston is an excellent mid-range option, and you don’t have to sacrifice style for money here, as it comes with lots of great amenities to keep things comfortable, including a fully equipped gym and 24-hour reception. Mornings can start slowly in the on-site coffee shop, and later you can grab lunch in the outdoor dining area attached to the restaurant, where you get to try modern Australian dishes.
Rooms range from standard king options to more spacious corner suites with a lounge area, ideal for families or anyone who prefers a bit more room. Expect to pay around $250 AUD per night, depending on the room type and travel dates. See the latest deals for this great mid-range stay here!
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston – $
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston is a simple, comfortable option right in the town center. You’ll be within walking distance of the main shopping area, public gardens, business district, and the Queen Victoria Museum, which makes it a really easy choice if you want to stay central without spending too much.
The property has over 150 rooms that are spacious, bright, and have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Breakfast is also available for a small fee if you don’t feel like heading out first thing. Prices usually range from $100 to $230 AUD per night. Find prices and reserve your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston here!
Want even more great choices? Check out all the hotels listed for Launceston here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 10% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV!
Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and use the code DTRAVEL10 at checkout for bookings made through June 30, 2026, for travel between May 1 and June 30, 2026 (minimum 5-day hire). And if your travel dates don’t line up for 10% off, you can always use my discount code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
AIRALO e-SIM
Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
🔥 Hot Tip: Choose the Oceania-wide eSIM! It works across 8 countries, so you can hop from New Zealand to Australia to Fiji without ever losing connection. One download, endless adventures.
Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
Three days in Launceston is the perfect amount of time to experience everything that makes this part of Tasmania so memorable. From cruising through Cataract Gorge and tasting your way around the Tamar Valley to exploring Cradle Mountain, it’s a destination that balances great food, nature, and easygoing city vibes. We hope this itinerary helps you see the highlights while still leaving room to slow down and enjoy it all.
Before you head off, take a look at our other Australia travel guides here for more ideas and inspiration. We love exploring and sharing the spots and experiences that truly stand out. Or keep scrolling for a few more guides to help plan your next adventure!
How to Spend THREE Days in Byron Bay, Australia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Hobart, Australia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend 3 DAYS in Canberra, Australia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
The Services We Recommend
From hotels to guided tours, we only recommend services we know and trust. Here are our recommended partners so you can explore Costa Rica with confidence.
