Launceston, Tas.

Launceston, in Tasmania's northeast, is a city for those who love their wine and cheese with their history. One of Australia's oldest cities, Launceston boasts some of the county's best-preserved historical sites, famous cool-climate vineyards and spectacular natural beauty.

A brief history of Launceston

Launceston, known as 'Tasmania's Living Heritage', was founded in 1805. Originally called Patersonia after its founder and first commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Paterson, he later renamed the city honour of Governor King, who was born in Cornish Launceston. Now famous for its well-preserved historical architecture, one of the most famous buildings in Launceston is the Waverley Woollen Mills, which was among one of the first of Tasmania's buildings to be lit by electricity, in July 1889. Founded in 1874, this mill is still operational and is famous for producing some of Australia's finest woollen products.

Launceston is also famous for its public and private parks and gardens, some of which were established in the mid-19th Century. Prince's Square was established in the 1850s, and features a bronze fountain purchased long ago from the Paris Exhibition. Another of Launceston's most popular spots is the Cliff Grounds in the Cataract Gorge Reserve. 'The Gorge', so-called by locals, can be reached by an amazing 15-minute walk from Launceston city, following a pathway that was originally built along the cliff face in the 1890s. The Kings Bridge that crosses The Gorge was floated into place in 1867.

Where to go, what to do, what to see in Launceston

Launceston is a hub of culture, fine food and history with many areas combining all three. Check out the Boag's beer factory, Franklin House or any of the art galleries or antique shops to be found around the city. Australia's largest regional gallery, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, is located at Inveresk, and houses the most comprehensive collection of Tasmania's natural heritage.

A short drive southeast of Launceston is the historical town of Evandale, home to Ned Kelly's father, John. Further south is the town of Ross, which proudly has the third, and possibly one of the most beautiful, bridges in Australia. The intricate work of this bridge earned a free pardon for each of the convict masons who built it. The town's original sandstone buildings have mostly all been restored, making a walk down its main street a special experience.

Of course no trip to Launceston is complete without taking advantage of its role as the springboard to the Tamar Valley wine region. The Tamar Valley is one of the word's most famous cool-climate wine regions, and cellar doors dot the landscape, making for a perfect day's (or week's) outing. Use Launceston as a base for exploring the area as much as possible.

If it's wilderness you're after, the area around Launceston boasts some impressive sites too. An Alpine adventure awaits you in the Ben Lomond National Park. Covering 16,527 hectares, this park has Tasmania's premier downhill ski field and is just a short 50 kms from Launceston.