City Park is a central thoroughfare for the citizens of Launceston coming and going to work in the city, people doing exercise and just a beautiful place to relax. The main entrance to City Park Launceston lies perfectly on the edge of the Center of Launceston and is easily reached from there on foot for a relaxing lunch or a wander through the amazing gardens. City Park Launceston has been playing an important part in cultural life in the town since 1820.
The park’s attractions include many gardens, a conservatory, a bandstand, a duck pond, a giant chess board, monuments and a children’s playground. When we were at the City of Launceston park numerous garden beds were in bloom.
The bright colours and delightful smells were abundant in this green city area. The Local Community Radio Station, City Park Radio broadcasts from the studios in a prominent building in the park
The Launceston City parks star attractions are the Japanese Macaques monkeys that inhabit the park. Yes, you heard right Japanese Macaques in Launceston! It is not as far-fetched as it seems really. The Macaques are cold-weather animals and are often found in the snow areas of their native Japan. The weather in Launceston is very cold in winter and this cold weather really suits the Launceston city park monkeys.
The troop of Macaque Monkeys are located just near the front gate of City Park. The monkeys look right at home in their enclosure as they play, run and frolic with each other. One will be mesmerized by the near-circus skills of the smaller monkeys as they swing and do backflips from the ropes. The play involves games of chasey, wrestling and the occasional bout of Roman wrestling.
There are 20-plus monkeys in the Japanese Macaque monkey enclosure with a small moat and glass wall to keep them in. Time will easily fly by as you watch them play on Monkey Island. The Macaques were a gift from Launceston cities sister city Ikeda City in Japan. The animals are popular with both tourists and locals alike. This park is one of the best free things to do in Launceston.
Other things to do in Launceston City Park:
- Visit The John Hart Conservatory was opened in 1932 by the Launceston Horticultural Society. The building was modelled on Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory. The conservatory display of annual flowers is very popular with the people of Launceston.
- The park hosts Festivale, a popular annual food festival held every February. Tasmania’s premier food event in the heart of Launceston has a diverse range of food and beverages.
- The Senses Garden allows you to smell the different herbs and flowers. The garden is popular with local families in the heritage park.
- There is a mini kid train that works the park on weekends and school holidays
- You will find numerous statues of important people such as Ronald Campbell Gunn a botanist
- The fountain in the Dutch Garden is the oldest public fountain in Australia
City Park Cafe is located on the corner of Tamar and Cimitiere Street in Central Park Launceston. You can eat inside in the glass atrium and watch the world go by or on hot days you can sit under the outside trees on a beanbag. Grab coffee and cake or a meal for lunch. Open Monday–Sunday 8:30 am–3:00 pm
When are City Park Launceston attractions open?
The Macaque Monkey Enclosure is open from 8.00am – 4.00pm (April-September) and 8.00am-4.30pm (October-March).
The John Hart Conservatory is open weekdays from 8.30am-4.30pm and weekends from 9.00am-4.30pm (April-September) and 9.00am-5.30pm (October-March).
Where is City Park Launceston:
45-55 Tamar Street, Launceston CBD 7250 View Map
The Government Cottage in the park was home to Lt. Col. Paterson, military commander of northern Tasmania, in 1808. Paterson became the de facto leader of Australia when Governor Bligh was overthrown as the Governor of New South Wales in 1808. The cottage became the centre of the colonial Australian government for a brief period.
Extra things to do in Launceston
There are so many things to do in Launceston that you can easily fill your days with amazing adventures.
Places to go in Launceston – Cataract Gorge
One of the first places to go in Launceston is Cataract Gorge. Cataract Gorge is located in the suburbs of Launceston. Cataract Gorge is a little tranquillity where one can walk and use the hiking trails. The world’s longest single-span chairlift has been operating since 1972. The chairlift covers a total distance of 457 meters, with the single-span section reaching 308 meters.
The basin area in the Gorge features a grassy area for picnics and a swimming pool for summer fun. There are BBQ areas and picnic tables for you to enjoy this amazing natural environment. A restaurant and cafe are available to eat at between exploring and relaxing. Look out for some amazing wildlife, such as peacocks and the Tasmania Bettong. Cataract George is one of the best things to do in Launceston.
How to get to Cataract Gorge by car:
The main car park is at the First Basin. Follow the signs from York or Frederick Streets. You can rent a car for your Tasmania holiday at any airport
The Gorge Cliff Grounds can be reached via Trevallyn and Gorge Road.
(This is a very small car park with only 12 car spaces and is accessed via a steep, winding road)
Places to see in Launceston – The Penny Royal
The Penny Royal Launceston is an adventure, history-small theme park. It ranks high as one of the top things to do in Launceston with kids. You will find several activities available that will suit the whole family. For the adventurous, you will find rock climbing, zip line and cliff walking.
For those more tame at heart and looking for less adventurous things to do in Launceston The Penny Royal offers the Barefoot sensation a sensory experience for your feet and fire a cannon on the Brig Tamar Boat ride. You will find a wine bar, tavern, cafe and ice creamery onsite.
Penny Royal opening hours:
- Monday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Saturday & Sunday 9:30am – 5:00pm
Where is Penny Royal Launceston?
1 Bridge Road
Launceston, Tasmania 7250.
We hope these 2 Launceston tourist attractions have provided you with more destinations for this Tasmania city. You will find many more places to see in Launceston.
Best Restaurants in Launceston:
While in Launceston, we had the chance to eat out a few times and found the food excellent. We ate at the Commercial Hotel, James Boags Experience and the Indian Empire. All these restaurants are in the Launceston city centre.
- Indian Empire – We had some of the best Indian food anywhere. We can recommend the Tandoori Chicken Butter Chicken, and the shared entree plate was amazing. Highly recommended by us if you like Indian.
- The Commercial Hotel – Where do I start? I would be very surprised if you can’t find something you like on their massive menu. Pub fare at great prices. We had a steak for under $20
- James Boags Experience – Great for a light lunch or snack. Good-sized wood-fired pizzas, chips and wedges. We had a Tasmania cheese platter with dried fruits and nuts.
I would have to say, look no further than the Indian Empire for one of the best restaurants in Launceston.
Launceston Hotels
Close to the Launceston City Park Monkeys, you will find accommodation to suit all budgets and all types of travellers from couples to families. Launceston accommodation has everything from backpacker hostels to Luxury.
Getting around Launceston City:
Launceston offers a free tourist bus. This free Launceston city tour is easy, and best of all as mentioned, it’s free to get around Launceston. The City Explorer and River Explorer will take you to all the Launceston attractions. See the map of the Launceston City Explore route below. As you can see on the map, it drops you off at City Park.
Flights to Launceston:
Where is Launceston? Launceston is the second largest Tasmania City. Qantas, Jetstar, sharp Airlines and Virgin Australia operate flights to Launceston from mainland Australia. Launceston Airport is located on the outskirts of Launceston, Tasmania. The airport is 15 km from Launceston city centre.
- Qantas flies direct to the City of Launceston from Melbourne
- Jetstar has direct flights to Launceston from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
- Virgin Australia has departures from Melbourne, Sydney and seasonal from Brisbane
- Sharp Airlines has flights to Launceston direct from King Island, Flinders Island and Bernie
Qantas Jetstar and Virgin Australia have connecting flights to Launceston from all over Australia. You can check flight prices to Launceston
We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Tasmania and stay in Launceston. There are so many things to do in Launceston with kids, singles and couples. For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Australia click through to our Australia Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.
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Oh I love Launceston so much. It’s such a beautiful city with so much on offer. I had no idea there was monkeys! I’ll need to remember that for the next time I go back.
I’d love to visit Australia, and Tasmania one day. It’s so cool there are macaques in Lauceston Park, I’ve never seen any myself! The gorge is so pretty too; I’ll remember it for when I visit one day.
That’s a whole lot of monkeying around! But seriously, these Macaques look awesome. My kids would get a hoot out of them doing their thing.
Wow! I’d love to visit Australia, and Tasmania someday! The macaques seem to have a ton of fun putting on a show for visitors!
City Park Launceston looks like a lovely experience and escape from the city. I love macaques and volunteered with rescue macaques in Thailand and it’s always so interesting to watch them; they’re like little humans almost! I’d love to check out Cataract Gorge.