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Description
Launceston is the second-largest city in the state of Tasmania, located in the north at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. Established in 1805, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and has many historical buildings and sights. Like many Australian places, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom - in this case Launceston, Cornwall.
Claim To Fame
Many "firsts" in the history of Australia and the world have occured here in Launceston:
- first use of anaesthesia in Southern Hemisphere
- first Australian city to have underground sewers
- first Australian city to be lit by hydroelectricity
- first telephone call in Australia
- first laminated tennis racket
- first use of two way radios in taxis
- first shopping mall in Australia
- first breeding of seahorses in captivity, in the world
- first First-class cricket game played in Australia
- youngest female elected mayor in Australia
Launceston is also the home to Australia's oldest bookshop. A.W. Birchall & Sons (Birchalls) opened its doors in 1844 at its current site in Brisbane Street.
Tourist Attractions
Like many parts of Tasmania, Launceston has become a major tourist centre. Here are some of the things you might like to see when you visit:
- Cataract Gorge - a natural wonder of Tasmania and only five minutes walk from the city; home to the longest single span chairlift in the world
- City Park - includes an enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys, a gift from the sister-city of Ikeda, Japan
- Tamar River and tributaries
- Tamar Valley - home to some of Australia's best vineyards
- Boags Brewery - produces one of Australia's premium beers
- Launceston Lakes Wildlife Park in Riverside
- Aurora Stadium - the State's only venue for Australian Football League matches
Launceston is also the hub of five of the state's major highways: the Midland Highway (primary route to Hobart), the Bass Highway (primary route to Devonport and Burnie), the Tasman Highway (the alternate scenic route to Hobart via Scottsdale and the east coast), the West Tamar Highway and East Tamar Highway (on either side of the Tamar River).
