Things to do in Launceston

Live Music & Concerts

Verandah Music Festival

Sat, 21 Nov, 3:00 pm AEDT

Evandale · Check price with organiser

The Verandah Music Festival brings quirky, beautiful music performed live from verandahs, throughout the picturesque town of Evandale, Tasmania. Performances take place at designated verandahs within walking distance around the town. First head to Festival HQ at 9 High St to register and collect a program containing all the verandah locations and a schedule of performances.

Markets & Expos

Festival of Roses 2026

Sun, 22 Nov, 10:00 am AEDT

Longford · From $10

Woolmers Estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Longford, Tasmania, just 20 minutes from Launceston, and amongst its 200 years of history is an expansive Rose Garden with 3,000 roses across 350 varieties, in full bloom this November. To celebrate the season, they open the whole Estate for the Festival of Roses, a day of wandering through colour and heritage. Explore the Rose Garden, the grounds and all 18 original heritage buildings, then follow the Market Trail, featuring local makers. A handful of ticketed experiences are also available, including guided walks with the gardeners, viewing of Woolmers House, gin tasting, Devonshire Tea overlooking the garden and wine & cheese picnic platters enjoyed amongst the roses.

Live Music & Concerts

Aladdin & the Magic Lamp | Launceston Youth Theatre Ensemble | Albert Hall, Launceston

Tue, 24 Nov, 12:00 am AEDT

Launceston · From $17

Launceston Youth Theatre Ensemble presents Aladdin & the Magic Lamp Riverside Middle Company Magic, adventure and plenty of joy await in LYTE's enchanting take on Aladdin & the Magic Lamp! Riverside Middle Company's talented young actors, aged 12–15, bring this much-loved tale to life in a colourful and playful adaptation of the original folk tale from One Thousand and One Nights by Hanna Diyab. With memorable characters, magical surprises and all the ingredients of a classic Arabian adventure, Aladdin & the Magic Lamp is the joyous final chapter in LYTE's Arabian Nights Trilogy.

Live Music & Concerts

GIANT - The Play | A Live Captured Screening from London's West End

Fri, 27 Nov, 6:45 pm AEDT

Launceston · From $15

Art Screen Events presents GIANT - The Play Starring John Lithgow A live-captured screening from London's West End GIANT - The Play, the 5-star critically acclaimed play starring John Lithgow (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Crown) as Roald Dahl, comes to the big screen. Winner of 3 Olivier Awards® including Best Play and a Tony Award® for Best Actor in a Play (John Lithgow), the production was filmed live in London's West End ahead of its sold-out Broadway run. The stellar cast includes Aya Cash (The Boys, The Franchise, You're the Worst), Elliot Levey (Cold War, Patriots, Good) and Rachael Stirling (The Divine Mrs S). A world-famous children's author under threat. A battle of wills in the wake of scandal. And one chance to make amends...It's the summer of 1983, The Witches is about to hit the shelves and Roald Dahl is making last-minute edits. But the outcry at his recent, explicitly antisemitic article won't die down. Across a single afternoon at his family home, and rocked by an unexpectedly explosive confrontation, Dahl is forced to choose: make a public apology or risk his name and reputation. Inspired by real events, GIANT - The Play explores with dark humour the difference between considered opinion and dangerous rhetoric offering a complicated portrait of a fiendishly charismatic icon.

Live Music & Concerts

Bjorn Again: ABBA Forever Tour | Albert Hall

Sat, 28 Nov, 7:30 pm AEDT

Launceston · From $79

Launceston, get ready to party with BJÖRN AGAIN! The only ABBA-endorsed tribute show hits the stage for one spectacular night that is bound to be a Super Trouper celebration of ABBA's timeless discography. This internationally acclaimed show brings the glitter, the glam, and all the greatest hits with dazzling energy, spot-on vocals, and outrageous costumes. It's a full-blown ABBA revival where audiences of all ages can sing, dance, and party like it's 1979. Expect all the classics - SOS, Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! - plus ballads like The Winner Takes It All, Fernando, and Knowing Me, Knowing You, performed with incredible musicianship, a cheeky sense of humour, and that signature Björn Again magic. With performances in over 120 countries, including The Royal Albert Hall, Wembley Stadium, the Sydney Opera House, and Glastonbury Festival, BJÖRN AGAIN is a global sensation. Praised by rock royalty and media worldwide - Metalica, Nirvana, Sir Tom Jones, and ABBA themselves – the show has earned glowing reviews.

Live Music & Concerts

Magic of the Faraway Tree | KRSD Performing Arts | Albert Hall

Tue, 1 Dec, 7:00 pm AEDT

Launceston · From $34.95

KRSD Performing Arts presents Magic of the Faraway Tree Launceston Christmas Pantomime Magic of the Faraway Tree is spectacle of dance, music and drama and is based on the magical book series by Enid Blyton and the extraordinary adventures The Faraway Tree takes us all on. This rendition will be a very modern 2026 twist to fit in with our current world taking our main characters "OFF GRID" leaving our phones and tablets behind to find magic and imagination in the country. This year's new immersive experience where "Silky" "Moon face" and their friends lead us through the magical worlds with incredible sets, colour, songs and explores all forms of dance and arts that add to the excitement and adventure of this classic story.

Live Music & Concerts

The Wiggles, Big Show

Sun, 6 Dec, 10:00 am AEDT

Launceston · Check price with organiser

Australia's most beloved family entertainment group are back with their most dazzling live show yet, 'The Wiggles' Sparkle! BIG SHOW', a dazzling new national arena tour set to transform venues across the country into magical worlds of music, colour, lights and of course, lots of sparkle! Packed with larger-than-life performances, immersive visual effects, breathtaking costumes and non-stop musical fun, The Wiggles' Sparkle! BIG SHOW promises to be one of Australia's biggest family entertainment events of 2026 - a must-see experience for children, parents and grandparents alike.

Live Music & Concerts

Daniel Connell: Prairie Dog - Launceston

Fri, 11 Dec, 7:30 pm AEDT

Launceston · From $25

Award-winning stand-up Daniel Connell (as seen on Have You Been Paying Attention?) returns with a brand-new show. Book now as this show will sell-out. 'A comedic masterpiece' - Onya Magazine.

Live Music & Concerts

Daniel Connell: Prairie Dog. Live in Launceston

Fri, 11 Dec, 8:00 pm AEDT

Launceston · From $38

One of Australia's most respected and reliably brilliant stand-up comedians, Daniel Connell, is hitting the road on another national tour across the country. Fresh off winning the 2025 Piece of Wood Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the coveted peer-voted honour awarded by fellow comedians, Connell continues his quiet rise as one of the most admired voices in Australian comedy (Melbourne International Comedy Festival). Renowned for his understated charm, dry observational wit and masterfully constructed storytelling, Daniel Connell has built a career on delivering slow- burn, deeply satisfying comedy that catches audiences delightfully off guard. His calm, relatable presence instantly puts crowds at ease, allowing punchlines to land with devastating effect. In Prairie Dog, Connell leans into his signature style of warm, intelligent stand- up, unpacking the absurdities of modern life with precision and heart. From the strange habits of everyday Australians to the quiet chaos bubbling beneath polite society, Prairie Dog is classic Connell: thoughtful, tightly written, and laugh-out-loud funny.

Image: Jade Austen

Natural Attractions

Hadspen River Reserve

Hadspen

Hadspen is a small village on the South Esk River, 8km southwest of Launceston. Offering a picturesque river reserve with a riverbank walk, recreation ground, skate park and tennis court, the town also has many heritage-listed properties and some others from colonial times. The walk at Hadspen River Reserve winds itself along the South Esk River and is an easy one hour return walk. Dogs are welcome. Pick up an informative map from the Visitor Centre in Deloraine. Open 9 to 5 weekdays and 10 to 2 weekends. Photo: Copyright 2020. Jade Austen. All rights reserved.

Image: Fire and Light Artisan Blacksmith

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Fire and Light Artisan Blacksmith Gallery

Launceston

At the Fire and Light Artisan Blacksmith Gallery, they host an array of larger-than-life sculptures in a garden setting. A beautiful property with park-like gardens. As you wander through you will see the ever-changing stained glass and steel sculptures come to life. Each piece is individually designed and forged in fire and light, blending skilled blacksmithing with vibrant, kiln-fired stained glass. These unique outdoor sculptures add colour, personality, and movement to any garden.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Tasmania Zoo

Launceston

Tasmania Zoo is a local family owned business nestled in the foothills of the Tamar Valley, 18 kilometres from Launceston CBD. Tasmania Zoo first opened its doors in 2003, exhibiting birds and a small number of native species. It has since grown to feature the largest collection of native and exotic wildlife in Tasmania. These species include a number of endemic Tasmanian animals, as well as native and exotic species recognised as critically endangered. Tasmania Zoo is fully accredited through the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA) and offers the second largest collection of primates in any private zoo in Australia and we are the only zoo in Australia to exhibit the endangered black crested macaque. Tasmania Zoo believes in creating a balance between wildlife conservation, education and entertainment in a natural environment that gives all visitors an up-close and hands-on wildlife experience for a greater understanding of why conservation is so important for the future. From the world's largest rodent to the world's smallest monkey there's something for everyone at Tasmania Zoo.

Image: Tamar Valley Resort

Landmarks and Buildings

Grindelwald Swiss Village

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a 15-minute drive north of Launceston (15 kilometres) in the Tamar Valley. The Swiss-themed Tamar Valley Resort at Grindelwald includes a range of activities including, a Swiss Shopping Arcade, home to a gift store, women's clothing and accessories store, bakery cafe, lolly shop and ice creamery. Visit the Resort's Activity Centre to undertake in one of the Tamar Valley Resort's many activities! Test your skill at the 18-hole mini-golf course, or play a round on the ten-hole public golf course, paddle boat hire and canoeing on the lake, and take a swing at Tamar Valley Resorts newest and most exciting activity SPLASH GOLF. Splash Golf is a variation of traditional golf played, involves hitting golf balls into our lake Serene. The golf balls used are specifically designed to float on water. Players tee off from one of our 16 tee-bays, using our custom clubs, aiming their shots toward floating targets placed in the water. The challenge lies in hitting these targets accurately, testing players' precision and skill as the balls skip or float across the water's surface. If you are feeling hungry you can go for a meal or snack at the lakeside Alpenrose Bistro.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Putt It Mini Golf

Grindelwald

Putt It's 18 Hole Course is a family experience sure to leave everyone with a smile! Explore the stunning scenery of Grindelwald while playing on our world-class mini golf course! The Tamar Valley Resort is located in the Swiss-style village of Grindelwald, Northern Tasmania. The village of Grindelwald was established in the 1980s as a unique residential development. All houses in Grindelwald have been built in Swiss style, with wide eaves, flower boxes, window shutters and balconies. The settlement is fringed with glassy lakes and views of the Tamar Valley. Grindelwald is a 15-minute drive north of Launceston (15 kilometres) in the Tamar Valley.

Image: Tamar Valley Resort

Amusement and Theme Parks

Splash Golf Grindelwald

Grindelwald

Splash Golf is a family experience sure to leave everyone with a smile! Explore the stunning scenery of Grindelwald and enjoy this brand new tourism attraction in the Tamar Valley! Splash Golf can be explained easily, customers using specially designed golf clubs and balls tee off from our lake’s bank. The goal is to have their golf ball pass through a target and into a net situated on our lake. Each target corresponds with a prize that can be won. The Tamar Valley Resort is located in the Swiss-style village of Grindelwald, Northern Tasmania. The village of Grindelwald was established in the 1980s as a unique residential development. All houses in Grindelwald have been built in Swiss style, with wide eaves, flower boxes, window shutters and balconies. The settlement is fringed with glassy lakes and views of the Tamar Valley. Grindelwald is a 15-minute drive north of Launceston (15 kilometres) in the Tamar Valley.

Shopping and Markets

Tasmanian Honey Company

Perth

Visit The Tasmanian Honey Company's gift shop and enjoy free tastings, in Perth, Northern Tasmania. The Tasmanian Honey Company began in 1978 as the concept of Julian Wolfhagen, a beekeeper with a profound passion for Tasmania, its wild forests and the honey that they produce. Today Julian employs more than a dozen staff and exports pure, beautifully packaged honey right around the world. The Tasmanian Honey Company's success has largely been built on a passion for, and a commitment to the production of wild and uncompromised leatherwood honey, which they like to think of as the distillate of the wilderness. Julian was involved with bees as a child, however, a re-acquaintance with bees and honey via a good bottle of mead shared around the fire on a cold winter's night, planted an inspirational seed that was to grow into what is now the Tasmanian Honey Company. The business has thrived ever since. Perth is a 15-minute drive (18 km) south of Launceston.

Agritourism

Turner Stillhouse Distillery Tour

Rosevears

Turner Stillhouse is Northern Tasmania's premier craft distillery, located in the iconic Tamar Valley Wine Route with views over the Tamar River. Get behind the scenes of Turner Stillhouse and join them for a guided tour of the Distillery and learn firsthand how they produce their multi-award winning Three Cuts Gin, Vodka and Rosevears Whisky, followed by a guided tasting of all their signature spirits.

Image: Brand Tasmania

Natural Attractions

Brady's Lookout

Rosevears

A unique attraction in the Tamar Valley, Brady's Lookout was once the hideout for bushranger Mathew Brady. Ample parking, BBQ, toilets, all access ramps and viewing platforms, this is a great spot for a selfie or a picnic lunch. Views up and down the Tamar River with the vista extending over 120 kilometres to Ben Lomond massif in the south and almost all the way to the coast and the Bass Strait to the north. The viewing platforms are set right on the cliff edge with the escarpment falling away to the river 140 metres below. There is also interpretation signage in regards to Mathew Brady telling the story of a bushranger who irritated the government in his exploits while winning the hearts of the female colonists. When finally captured, Brady was showered with gifts while incarcerated and had the crowd wailing at his hanging."

Image: Fiona Dewar

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Heritage Motorsport Exhibition

Longford

Visit the Longford Motorsport Exhibition and check out the history of the Old Longford Motor Racing Circuit. In the 1950s and 60s Longford hosted car racing through the streets, including the Australian Grand Prix several times. It attracted famous drivers from around the world. Cars, car parts, clothing, memorabilia, photos, stories and memories and more. Chat to people who came to the races every year, who's families were involved. Open the first Sunday each month, from 9am-4pm. Refreshments available. $10 per adult.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village, World Heritage Site

Longford

Part of Tasmania's World Heritage Convict Sites, Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village is located just outside Longford, in Northern Tasmania. Built by William Archer in 1824, the Estate is still owned and farmed by his direct descendants, currently in their 7th generation. You have a rare chance to explore the convict-built Brickendon Farm Village with buildings including the quaint little Gothic chapel, Sussex barns, poultry shed, blacksmith shop, cookhouse and shearing shed. Whilst you are wandering, QR codes will provide a modern interpretation of the early convict history of northern Tasmania. Hear the stories of the convicts Assigned to the Archer family and read about their lives. The Farm Village is also alive with many friendly farm animals with animal feeding daily at 10.15 am or purchase a bag of feed and wander at your leisure. The four-hectare historic garden surrounding the Georgian homestead, feature beds of old fashioned roses and perennials to complement the house's historic façade. Explore the 'garden rooms', each with their own mood and ambiance and stand beside the amazing 1830s English and exotic trees including oaks, elms, cedars and pines, sourced throughout the world. Overnight guests at Brickendon can stay at a number of historic or farm cottages and have free entry to all the attractions. Longford is about a 15-minute drive (27 km) from Launceston.

Natural Attractions

Notley Fern Gorge

Legana

Notley Fern Gorge is a remnant patch of rainforest above the Tamar Valley, northern Tasmania. The wet sclerophyll forest area has a walking track and picnic area beneath towering trees. The forest is dominated by eucalypts towering above the rainforest understorey. The state reserve is well known for a burnt out tree known as 'Bradey's Tree.' It is named after the 1820s bushranger whose gang is believed to have hidden in this forest. There is a 1.5 kilometre (1 mile) track weaving past glades of mosses and ferns which takes about 45-minutes to walk. The walk requires moderate fitness and crosses the creek several times with a steady climb uphill on the return. Enjoy reading about the types of fauna and flora on information stands throughout the reserve and observe the native birdlife including pink robins and golden whistlers. Other largely nocturnal wildlife include Bennetts wallabies, Tasmanian devils and ringtail possums. Marvel at large tree ferns, hard water ferns down by the creek's edge and filmy ferns, found growing on the trunks of trees. After your forest walk, enjoy the picnic and barbecue area. Notley Fern Gorge is half an hours' drive (24 kilometres/15 miles) north-west of Launceston.