Nestled in a fertile agricultural basin where two rivers join to form the Tamar, Tasmania’s second major city is the gateway to the island’s northern region.

As one of the best-preserved early cityscapes in Australia, here elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture neighbor century-old gardens and late-19th-century homes dot the suburbs. It won’t surprise you that the lush English-looking countryside that surrounds the city draws more foot traffic than downtown.

Art and design thrive alongside the city’s blossoming food and coffee culture. However, it is Launceston’s nature and storied history that steal the show. Sip field-blended wines amid the vines, let the hint of lavender linger and discover that this peaceful haven is much bigger on the inside.

Launceston is the perfect base for relaxed roadtripping, with farm stands, distilleries and tasting rooms dotting some of the most fertile pastures in the country, all bordered by the wild coastline of the Bass Strait.

Whether you come for the scrumptious food, fresh produce, delicious local wine, beautiful landscapes or unique architecture, ‘Launie’ is a must for any avid traveler. The best part? For this ‘overseas’ journey, you don’t even need to pack your passport.

Main Image: Cataract Gorge. Image by Nat Mendham, courtesy of Tourism Tasmania.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.