Most smaller cruise ships dock right in the city center (on the Tamar River)

Launceston is the second-largest city in Tasmania and is situated in the north of the state on the Tamar River. The city was first settled in 1805 and currently has a population of around 70,000.

The 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.

The City Park, which includes an enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys, a gift from the sister-city of Ikeda, Japan.

The Tamar River and tributaries. The Tamar Valley, which is home to some of Australia's best vineyards.

The Boag's Brewery, which produces one of Australia's premium beers. Launceston Lakes Wildlife Park in Riverside.

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Shops and services are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and until lunchtime on Saturday. In cities and larger towns, many shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening - usually until 9pm - and all day on Saturday. Shopping malls are often open on Sundays as well.

In remote country areas, roadhouses provide all the essential services for the traveller and, on the major highways, are generally open 24 hours a day. In tourist areas, even ones well off the beaten track, tourist offices are often open every day or at least through the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers are more likely to conform to normal shopping hours.

Tourist attractions such as museums, galleries and attended historic monuments, are often open daily, though those in rural communities may have erratic opening hours.

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