Luxury Escapes Guide to Launceston

Stillwater is an unmissable stalwart of Tassie food and wine. With 20 years of experience, it has consistently cleaned up at local, state and national awards. And there’s good reason why. Operating inside an 1830s flour mill nestled on the banks of the picturesque Tamar River, it delivers a memorable dining experience with every visit. Its uncomplicated seasonal menu showcases some of Tasmania’s best makers, growers and producers with everything from baked Bass Strait scallops with pepperberry and brown rice vinegar to Tasmanian Lenah Wallaby served with French lentils, beetroot and Tamar Valley truffle butter. The drinks list also promises some of the best local drops from around the state.

Echoing the industrial roots of its location, Saint John Craft Beer is a relaxed space built around dark wooden furniture, high stools and a wall of beer taps. Jam-packed with the best craft beer to suit most palates, the brewery’s rotation of what’s pouring is indicated by a regularly changing magnetic board. A further 170 beers can also be purchased to drink in or takeaway and out back, a food truck/caravan is permanently stationed. There is even a canning machine, which allows punters to take home a 946ml can of freshly tapped beer.

Once a motorcycle warehouse, Bread & Butter has since become Launceston’s coolest bakery and butter factory. With its black walls, industrial vibe, quirky artwork, large windows and toasters placed on each table, this impressive cafe is the perfect inner-city hipster hangout for handcrafted treats, naturally leavened bread, 100% cultured butter and wonderful coffee. They bake seven days a week but sure to check their social media platforms early Sunday morning to learn of their weekly #sundayloaf special.

A watering hole for avid craft beer enthusiasts, Tandy’s Alehouse is a family-run business that focuses on the retail of Tasmanian boutique ale and spirits. Located in the heart of the city, the entirety of this small bar has been built with Tasmanian sourced materials, including Huon pine tap-handles and booths. At Tandy’s, it’s about quality over quantity. Experience this culture shift with a tasting tour and discover your new favourite brewery or distiller without leaving your seat.

Cooking on hot stones is part of Australia’s food history. Embrace this innovative cooking method at Cataract on Paterson, where their mouth-watering stone-grilled menu is taken to new heights in comfortable yet contemporary surrounds. Enjoy the very best local Tasmanian produce in this interactive dining experience as you cook on a 400ºC volcanic stone at your table. The high temperature seals in all the natural juices enhancing the full flavours and tenderness of your meat, which is accompanied by seasonal greens and smashed roasted chats.

Conveniently situated in central Launceston on leafy George Street, Sweetbrew is a patisserie and espresso bar with a wicked hipster vibe. Housed in an old coachway interchange facility and comprised of several rooms, this speciality cafe offers brunch, a variety of Manubread pastries and Five Senses coffee brewed by experienced baristas. It’s no surprise the food here also hits the mark, supporting local artisan producers and creating sumptuous Instagram-worthy dishes.

The newest addition to Launceston’s dining scene, stylish Havilah packs a lot into its compact space. The restaurant’s sleek design features a polished concrete bar and muted earth tones, with its owners going so far as to re-spray the meat slicer from red to peach to maintain aesthetic harmony. A restrained menu of small plates, charcuterie and cheese is designed to share, and focusses on quality and flavour, with the best ingredients sourced from Tasmania and around the world.

Tasmanian beef is farmed predominantly in the northwest, where the air is pristine and the earth is fertile. Back in town, this free-range, dry-aged, premium Tasmanian beef is sourced by Black Cow Bistro, a carnivore’s paradise. Set in an Art Deco former butcher’s shop on the corner of two of Launceston’s busiest streets, Black Cow is a polished yet approachable dining institution known across Australia. Trust the chefs to cook your choice of cut over hot coals, beautifully accompanied by potato galette and roasted broccoli.

Did you know that Australia’s first round of golf was played in Tasmania? With sweeping seaside links bordered by ocean views and emerald fairways with velvet greens, the Apple Isle houses some of the most beautiful courses in the country. Located near the seaside village of Bridport, North-East of Launceston, Barnbougle’s two championship courses (Dunes and Lost Farm) are dramatic coastal links among the best in the world. Tee off on a guided local tour, which also includes a gourmet lunch before your first swing.

Bookable via Luxury Escapes

Getting up early isn’t always easy but there is no better way to discover Tasmania than by hot air balloon in the morning sun. A once-in-a-lifetime worthy experience, the magic sensation of gently floating amongst the clouds and with the rising sun offers an unmatched, unobstructed view of Tasmania’s mountain skyline, running rivers, lush farmland, heritage homesteads and Victorian townships. Depending on the wind direction on the day, experienced pilots will glide you across either Launceston and the Tamar Valley, Deloraine and Westbury or the Northern Midlands.

Immerse yourself in the Kimberley with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.