Hobart and Launceston are two major cities in Tasmania. Hobart is Tasmania’s capital city, and Launceston, on Tasmania’s North West Coast, is home to mountains and resort bays. Although these two cities share similarities, they are not the same.
Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, is more populated and has more attractions, including Bruny Island, Huon Valley, and Mount Field National Parks. Launceston, on the other hand, is a smaller town with ski resorts and wineries. It is home to the iconic Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires, famous for its clear blue seas.
Hobart has a city-like atmosphere, but it also features cozy cottages like Captain’s Cottage and MONA. Launceston can boast of household names such as Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. This article will help you discover all you need to know about Hobart and Launceston.
What Is Hobart Best Known For?
Hobart is the world’s second-oldest capital city and the first in Australia to have a casino. It is known for the Wrest Point Hotel Casino, which opened in 1973. Hobart has cultural and historical landmarks like the Museum of Old and New Arts (MONA).
The city is home to Australia’s oldest brewery. Peter Degraves started the Cascade Brewery, which has been in operation since 1832. It is a famous Tasmanian brand that produces a variety of alcoholic ciders and beers.
Is Hobart Worth Visiting?
Hobart is full of hidden treasures. One of them is the city’s historical significance, together with its market, charming cafes, and botanical gardens. The stunning and amazing views of the Derwent River, as well as the Battery Points and colonial structures.
Mt.Wellington
One of the outstanding places in Hobart is Mt. Wellington, whose view covers a large chunk of the city. Mt. Wellington is a wildlife spot blanketed in forest, woodland, and snow during winter. It is a regular spot for the residents of Hobart.
Mt. Wellington is an amazing location in Hobart, with a panoramic view of the city. During the winter, Mt. Wellington is a wildlife haven covered in forest, woodland, and snow. It is a popular destination for Hobart locals and tourists.
Port Arthur Convict Prison
The Port Arthur Convict Prison is still one of Hobart’s major historical sites. Mining towns with Georgian architecture, like Queenstown and Huon Valley, are other excellent places worth visiting when touring Hobart.
Do You Need A Car In Hobart?
Hobart is a relatively walkable city, so making good use of your feet is a good idea if you want to get the most out of your visit. You would need a car to get to further destinations, but there are numerous things you can do on foot in Hobart, including the following:
Tour Mount Wellington
Mt. Wellington is the theme of Wellington Park. It is a 1270-meter-high alpine mountain that experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year.
Mt. Wellington is about a 20-minute drive from the city centre, and once there, visitors can continue forward along a network of fire trails and hiking paths.
Visitors can participate in bike riding, picnics, barbecues, and sightseeing in this location. The mountain is a great place to do rock climbing, take in a breathtaking view of southern Tasmania, and learn about the region’s rich cultural and natural history.
Go On A Walk To Battery Point
Battery Point is a seaside town with Victorian houses and grand mansions. One of the earliest churches in Hobart, dating back to 1838, is located in St. George’s Anglican Church.
The sizes of the cottages and buildings vary, reflecting the jobs and activities carried out in this location. From modest cottages owned by fishermen to big mansions owned by merchants and seamen.
Explore Some History At The Female Factory
The Female Factory is a historical site that depicts a series of events that occurred between 1788 and 1853 when over 25,000 women were brought to Australia for crimes, with half of them being placed in female prisons, or “factories,” as they were called at the time.
A guided tour of the premises provides a look back at the happenings and the lives of female convicts and their impact on Australia.
Is It Better To Fly Into Launceston Or Hobart?
Launceston and Hobart both have airports, however, only Hobart’s airport is an international airport. As a regional airport, Launceston only receives domestic flights from Australian cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Flying to Launceston is less expensive than flying to Hobart. Launceston is also considerably closer to Melbourne, so its airport acts as a stopover or departure point for domestic travel. QantasLink, Jetstar, and Virgin fly to Launceston, and Tiger, Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin are airlines that fly to Hobart.
Where Should I Stop Between Hobart And Launceston?
The distance between Hobart and Launceston is roughly 200 kilometres, and as such, there are many small towns that act as transitional towns and stops between both cities. They include:
Oatlands
Oatlands is distinguished by the presence of sandstone structures and low cliffs, and it also bears some buildings of historical significance.
Founded in 1821, this simple town was built as a military base for supervising convicted offenders in street gangs. Oatlands was one of Tasmania’s major centres in the 1800s, with many residences and streets.
Midland Highway
The Midland Highway is another option between Hobart and Launceston. It is the most direct route between Hobart and Launceston. The drive distance between Hobart and Launceston, directly along the Midland Highway, is just over 200 kilometres.
The Midland Route is a single-lane highway with minimal traffic congestion. It takes two to three hours to travel along the Midland Highway.
Callington Mill
Callington Mill, a fifty-foot tower mill built in 1837, is the only operational 19th-century tower mill in the Southern Hemisphere. The mill’s capacity is 20-30 bushels per hour, which is noteworthy for producing 18,000 bushels of wheat from its surrounding farms.
The mill was closed down in 1892 due to bank foreclosure and was later restored as a symbol of Australian cultural heritage and a historical landmark. The mill is now a state-of-the-art distillery offering Tasmanian whisky to locals and visitors.
Campbell Town
Campbell Town’s first structure was constructed in 1821. It was built for the constable of the town. In 1930, the town grew to be a place of habitation for people, professions, and activities, with structures like inns, stores, and cottages.
Campbell Town is famous for producing some of the world’s finest merino wool. The town boasts of having more than a hundred centuries-old residences. Its main street is linked to the Midlands Highway, which connects Hobart and Launceston.
One of the famous places in Campbell Town is the Convict Brick Trail, which documents over 200,000 convicts transported to Australia between 1788 and 1868.
What Is Launceston Known For?
Launceston is a mix of country charm and urban energy, a place where you can experience both urban vibes and rural tranquillity.
Launceston is Australia’s second-largest city and one of its oldest towns. It is a well-preserved appreciation of Georgian to twentieth-century architecture, with lovely city parks and aquatic life.
Festivale
Launceston has earned a reputation for its rich variety of cultural activities and arts. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery are located in the city. It is also known for the “Festivale,” a festival that celebrates Tasmanian food, wine, and culture. Festivale is usually celebrated in early February, during the height of summer.
The festival is usually hosted in a city park and lasts three days. Tourists gather to try locally made dishes, wines, and beers and to enjoy music.
Launceston Cup
The Launceston Cup, a horse racing tournament, is another regular event in Launceston. This tournament is usually held at the Launceston Mowbray Racetrack on the last day of the week.
Is Launceston Worth Visiting?
Launceston is a must-see destination because of its stunning natural scenery and rich historical sites, as well as its many excellent restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, and galleries. It is a bustling city that welcomes visitors to explore its amazing offerings and beautiful marvels.
What Can You Do In Launceston For A Day?
Twenty-four hours in Launceston is plenty of time to learn about the city, see the sights, and discover all that it has to offer. Here are some of the many things you can do in Launceston for a day.
Look Around The Queen Victoria Museum And Arts Gallery
The Queen Victoria Museum and Arts Gallery is Australia’s largest regional museum, with ten galleries, a Guan Di Temple relic from a Chinese temple, as well as antique artworks and a family art area.
It is a structural memorial of Australian history, with stories dating back to the colonial period and the earliest settlers.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Launceston
Going on a hot air balloon ride and gaining an aerial view of the city is one of the best ways to spend a day in Launceston. Float above Launceston for a 360-degree view of the Great Western Frontier, which connects to the central Highland.
Visit The National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum can be found at the intersection of Willis and Cimitiere Streets. It is usually open every day, except Christmas and hosts car and motorcycle shows. The National Automobile Museum is a paradise for automobile enthusiasts and car enthusiasts.
A Trip To The Tramway Museum
The Tramway Museum is located near the city centre and the Academy of Arts Gallery. The Tramway Museum transports you to the era of Edwardian fashion and honeymoon cottages. It also features a ride in a 1940 tram.
What Is An Interesting Fact About Launceston?
The first railway service was opened in Launceston and in the town of Deloraine. Launceston is also the first city in Australia to have sewers and the third city in the world to be served by an underground sewage system. The first two cities are Paris and London.
Places Of Interests And Popularity Between Hobart And Launceston
These locations have entertaining and educational points of interest that will leave you with lasting memories and make you want to return.
Salamanca Arts Center, Hobart
The Salamanca Arts Center is home to several galleries and art venues. You can visit Long Gallery, Sidespace Gallery, Kelly’s Garden, and Top Gallery here. It also houses The Peacock Theatre, which hosts a variety of events and activities such as music, dance, and film.
The Founders Room, also located within the Salamanca Arts Center, hosts intimate musical performances and events. There are also retail stores and outlets on the ground floor of the Salamanca Arts Center. This property is popular for being a multifaceted venue for activities.
Farm Gate Market, Hobart
Everything is sold here, from foodstuff to real estate. Farm Gate Market focuses on Tasmanian produce, and on Sundays, the heart of Hobart transforms into a bustling farmers’ market.
Cataract Gorge, Launceston
This bridge, built by the South Esk River, provides a spectacular view of the South Esk River between both sides of the steep gorge. There’s a pool and café to the south and vibrant wildlife to the north.
This location is notable for being a family-friendly attraction with activities such as rock climbing and cliff walks.
Prince Square, Launceston
Prince Square is designed in the style of a 19th-century structure. It was once a clay pit for building bricks before becoming a parade ground and place of assembly, making it one of Launceston’s finest public structures.
Today, Prince Square is visited by tourists and visitors who stroll through the park and enjoy picnics under the oak tree’s shade. It is known for its architecture and Georgian charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Distance Between Hobart And Launceston?
The distance between Hobart and Launceston is 201.3 kilometres and will take about 2 hours and 35 minutes via the National Highway.
Is There A Train Between Hobart And Launceston?
There are no regular passenger trains in Tasmania, but there are redline coaches that run from Hobart to Launceston. The trip takes about three hours.
Is There A Time Difference Between Hobart And Launceston?
There is no difference in time between the two cities. They share the same time zone.
Final Words
Tasmania’s two most populous cities are Hobart and Launceston. They are similar in cultural representation but differ in size and population. Hobart and Launceston are fantastic travel destinations for exploring, and learning. Enjoy your trip!
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