Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city, & the administrative centre for the northern half of the state. It was founded in 1805 by settlers who crossed Bass Strait from Melbourne. Unlike Hobart, which grew from a military outpost & penal colony, Launceston was developed by free settlers, with an emphasis on commercial development of the region.

Launceston is good a base of operations for adventures in the northern half of the state. While it doesn't feel like a major city it does have a distinctive ambience & charm which helps to make it a destination of great charm & an ideal central point for exploring the many nineteenth century villages which are a short drive from the city centre.

Launceston is known as Tasmania's Garden City because of the large numbers of parks & gardens. 

For most visitors who make the trip across Bass Strait, it is their first port of call after they have arrived at either Devonport or George Town.