This beautiful city of Launceston is an eminent administrative centre for northern Tasmania. Hobart and Launceston have always been arch rivals where recognition was concerned. The place boasts beautiful Georgian buildings having an equally interesting history; the city was originally termed as Pattersonia after its founder. The name was later changed to Launceston in 1824, to honour the Governor King. The King was believed to be born in Launceston, Cornmall, England close to the Tamar River. Two rivers have their conjunction at this place. They are the North and South Esk.
Launceston also known as The Garden City is surrounded with lush greenery throughout the city. World class Lavendar is produced here and most of the year, the trees are full of beautiful flowers. Launceston is at a distance of 198 kms from Hobart. The journey takes around half a day and the route passes between the two cities. The town was, in the true sense, established in 1888. The railway joining the two cities was opened in 1876. Launceston became the first city in the southern hemisphere to have electricity generated by water power in 1895.
Cataract Gorge is the garden centre of this city. The place is at a distance of ten minutes from the city centre and offers many beautiful picnic spots to enjoy. There are two main gardens here called First and the Cliff Grounds. These gardens are linked by the world's longest single span chairlift across the interesting waterways running through the gorge.
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery possess a fine collection of colonial art works, interesting Tasmanian exhibits and a planetarium. the place is located in Royal Park, near the Tamar River. There are a number of restored buildings in Yorktown Square that lie to the east. The Launceston Maritime Museum offers a very detailed exhibition and recordings of the early beginnings of the city. The National Trust has listed the Old Umbrella Shop lined with Tasmanian Blackwood timber. The shop was built in 1860.
The Tamar River or Trout in the Trevallyn Dam are the ideal places for fishing for flounder. The Launceston regatta is held every February and brings all the sailors to party in the city. The city hosts many music festivals throughout the year. The month of May witnesses a three day equestrian event, every year.
