Attractions
Launceston is a vibrant city, blending historic charm with a modern edge. La Banque is your ideal base – step outside, and you’re within walking distance of many must-see attractions. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Star Theatre
217b Invermay Rd / 350m
This is a classic piece of art deco architecture from the golden age of cinema. Built one year before La Banque, in 1937, Star Theatre is an independently-owned cinema, with bar and café, offering a range of Tasmanian food and drinks. The perfect place to grab a bite, a glass of bubbles and take in a movie and best part is, you just turn right out of La Banque and you are there after a 5-minute stroll.
Open 10.30am–late, Tue–Sun.
Image Copyright The Star Theatre Launceston
2. UTAS Stadium (York Park)
2 Invermay Rd / 600m
Hawthorn’s home base when in Tasmania is just a 2-minute walk from La Banque – turn left out of the front gate and you will be at the game with a pie in next to no time.
3. Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG)
Museum at Inveresk – 2 Invermay Rd / 1km
Art Gallery at Royal Park – 2 Wellington St / 2.2km
Northern Tasmania’s home of art, history and natural sciences, the QVMAG is one of Launceston’s gems. Housed in an old tram-building yard, QVMAG is free to enter – and boasts a fascinating science gallery for kids, Tasmania’s natural science collection, a Tasmanian Tiger exhibit, blacksmith shop and Launceston’s planetarium.
Free entry, open 10am-4pm daily.
4. Cataract Gorge Reserve
Basin Rd / 5.1km
Enjoy short bush walks right in the middle of city. This is a highlight for anyone’s visit to Launceston. Cross the historic Kings Bridge and take the 20-minute walk to the Gorge Restaurant, Café or swimming areas. Ride the world’s longest single span chairlift or just stroll through the gardens amongst the peacocks and wallabies.
Free entry, open 7 days.
5. Launceston Leisure & Aquatic Centre
18 High St / 2.2km
The Leisure & Aquatic Centre is City of Launceston’s state
of the art swimming facility. Located minutes from the city centre and open seven days a week, the Centre includes heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness hub, accessible swimming pools and a children’s play area. Cube Aqua also operates within the centre – great for a coffee.
Open 7 days, weekdays 6am-8pm, weekends 8am-6pm.
6. Penny Royal Adventures
1 Bridge Rd / 3.1km
Great for families, Penny Royal Adventures is set in an old quarry alongside the Cataract Gorge. Fun for young kids (and older ones), with adventure activities like rock-climbing, zip-lining and panning for gold.
Check website for opening hours.
Free entry, rides are ticketed.
7. City Park
18 High St / 2.2km
It’s very rare to find a 30-hectare park in the middle of a city. Launceston has very much been built around its park, with its meticulously landscaped gardens, picturesque paths, and playground only a 15-minute walk away. It’s the perfect spot for families, a quiet stroll before or after dinner or a picnic.
Highlights are the renowned Albert Hall, a historic venue that hosts various cultural events throughout the year, and the Japanese Macaque monkeys in the park’s dedicated enclosure.
Free entry, open 7 days.
8. Riverbend Park
Lindsay St / 1.9km
Launceston’s latest recreational area, the aptly named Riverbend Park, is situated right on the bend where the South Esk meets the Tamar River. The perfect place to
let the kids off the leash, Riverbend boasts a range of
play equipment including a ‘Sky Walk’, swings, diggers, a wheelchair carousel, a water-play area, musical instruments, outdoor tennis table, see-saws and full-size basketball court. And for the adults – free barbeques, toilets, fenced toddler play area and a bridge to nearby cafes and restaurants.
Free entry, open 7 days.
9. Royal Park
Park St / 5.3km
Originally the site of Tasmania’s first military barracks, Royal Park is now an established park adjacent to Tamar River. Featuring barbecue area, play space, skate park and outdoor exercise equipment. Boardwalks and sealed paths provide links to nearby Cataract Gorge reserve, Kings Park, the Queen Victoria Art Gallery and the Seaport.
Free entry, open 7 days.
10. Harvest Market
71 Cimitere St / 1.4km
If you are staying with us on Saturday morning, take a walk into the city. Between Cameron and Cimitiere Streets – very close to Boags Brewery and City Park – you’ll find a city carpark converted into a bustling and vibrant farmers market. It’s been voted one of Australia’s best. To sell their produce, the grower or farmer has to be present at their stall, so you can chat with people ‘in the know’, working the land or sea every week.
Open 8.30am-12.30pm every Saturday.
