Area

1,414 square kilometers.

Geographic Location

Launceston is situated in the Tamar Valley, 50 kilometers from the coast.

Population

98,000. 

Introduction

Settled as a residential area in 1805, Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city and a major tourist center. It enjoys a mild climate, free from extreme cold or heat. As one of Australia’s oldest cities, Launceston serves as the commercial hub of northern Tasmania. Nestled quietly on the banks of the Tamar River, the city retains 19th-century architectural styles, featuring numerous beautiful parks and surrounded by green spaces. The Australian Maritime College, the only one of its kind in Australia, is located in Launceston. The elegant Edwardian and Victorian-era buildings on the streets, along with its century-old parks and gardens, form an interesting contrast with the vibrant Launceston Seaport, lined with restaurants and cafes. A boardwalk from the harbour leads to the Inveresk Cultural Precinct, where the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery—one of Australia’s finest regional galleries—is located.

Economy

Agriculture and animal husbandry are well-developed, producing high-quality wool and renowned fine wines. It has large wool textile mills and shipyards. In recent years, the emerging information industry has become a pillar industry of Launceston.

Resources

Launceston is rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, iron, aluminum, silver, etc.

Tourism

Launceston marks the start of the Tamar Valley and is a gateway to other scenic areas. Visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, try their luck at the Launceston Country Club Casino, play 18 holes on lush golf courses, or take a cable car ride at Cataract Gorge.

Transportation

As center of the state’s railway network, Seagoing vessels of up to 55,000 tons can dock directly at the city’s wharves, exporting textiles, timber and aluminum. A highway connects Launceston to Devonport, a major western city, and Highway 1 links it to Hobart, the state capital in the south. Launceston also has a small airport with scheduled weekly flights to Melbourne across the Bass Strait.

Education

Launceston is world-renowned for its educational resources, including the University of Tasmania, the Australian Maritime College, and TasTAFE with international students coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.

Date of Sister-city Relationship Establishment:

November 28, 1995.