Consider yourself lucky if you have to choose whether to visit Hobart or Launceston on your next trip. Both cities are amongst the nicest in Australia. Therefore, no matter which one you choose, you will have a great time.
The two cities are in Tasmania, the island beneath continental Australia. Who hasn’t heard of it? Tasmania is known across the world for its incredible nature and lovely animals. No matter what your expectations are, you won’t get disappointed.
We’ve been to both places several times and have all the information you need. Choose the one you like based on your tastes and interests. On your next trip, go to the other!
Quick Comparison
With a population of 250,000 people, Hobart is the biggest city in Tasmania. Some 90,000 people live in Launceston. In addition, Hobart is the capital of Tasmania. Therefore, Hobart feels like a city, while Launceston feel a bit more like a big town.
Launceston is to the north of the island, while Hobart is to the south. The weather is similar in both cities during the winter and warmer in Launceston in the summer. However, both have hectic and changing climates.
The two lie on rivers, but Hobart is closer to the sea. It’s hard to compare nature. You simply can’t say one is nicer than the other. When it comes to flora and fauna, both places will take your breath away.
If You Have to Choose
The biggest difference between both cities is size. Though none are huge hectic cities, choose Hobart if you like city life. You will still feel in a quiet relaxed place, but you will enjoy an urban vibe. Choose Launceston if you like towns.
Choose Hobart if you like beaches. The city has a couple of urban beaches. Besides, since it’s closer to the sea, you can go to fantastic nearby beaches. You have to travel longer to go to the beaches that are close to Launceston.
If you want to mingle with the locals and learn their culture, choose Launceston. Since the city is smaller and moves at a different pace than Hobart, you will have time to know the local character. Architects will love both cities.
Hobart
Hobart was the first city we visited in Tasmania long time ago. It was love at first sight. The city lies on an estuary of the Derwent River. Since the river is so wide and the sea so close, if feels very oceanic.
Gorgeous mount Wellington presides over Hobart. You will see its top covered in snow during the winter. There are other hills and valleys. Hobart’s port is the second deepest in the world. The landscape and views are dramatic all over the place.
Tasmania was colonized in the early 18th Century. British migrants founded Hobart in 1804. That’s why it has such beautiful historic architecture. It’s a low rise city, full of trees. You won’t see any massive buildings in Hobart.
Main Sights
Hobart’s Central Business District (CBD) begins on Constitution Dock. These old docks are now shops, restaurants and bars. Hobart’s Town Hall is on Franklin Square. St. David’s Cathedral is nearby. You have to visit the Theatre Royal from the 19th Century.
All types of shops and restaurants line Elizabeth Street, Hobart’s main drag. Battery Point is east. The neighborhood is next to Salamanca, a coastal area full of restaurants, art centers, and bars. There’s a fun street market on Saturdays.
The Parliament House Gardens is to the west. St. George’s Anglican Cathedral from the 1840s towers above Battery Point. Walk along the linear park in West Hobart to the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Parks
St. David’s Park is the nicest in the CBD. The Parliament Gardens are in front. From there, walk along the coast to A.J. White Park. The nicest park in Battery Point is Princess Park. West Hobart has the nicest green areas in Hobart.
Walk for hours from the Providence Valley Reserve to the Fiona Allan Memorial Walkway. The entire area is pedestrian and full of kangaroos! The views from here are the best in Hobart. The views from Mount Stuart are also epic.
You can’t skip the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens next to the river. The park opened in 1818 and has over 35 acres (14 hectares) of plants from the entire world for you to discover. From there, walk to Hobart’s Cenotaph.
Museums
Hobart’s best museums are near Franklin Square in the CBD. Our favorites are the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum. Walk north a couple of blocks to the Philosophy Museum.
Architects will love the Markree House Museum and Garden and the Merchant’s House Museum, both in Battery Point. From there, walk to the Army Museum of Tasmania and the Air Force Museum. Finish your tour at the Cathedral’s Museum.
Tasmania’s best museum is in Hobart. We are talking about the Mona, some 7 miles (11 km) north. You can take a bus or a boat there. This is a one of a kind museum with permanent and temporary exhibits. The building is as incredible as the collection inside.
Hotels
The best places to stay in Hobart are in the center. We usually stay at the Grand Chancellor, next to Victoria Dock. It’s got a heated indoor pool with views of Mount Wellington, state of the art facilities, and splendid views.
The Lenna of Hobart is a historic mansion next to Salamanca. You will recognize it from its old stone arches. However, the rooms are modern, luxurious, and have coffee machines. It’s got an elegant lobby lounge and restaurant.
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the MACq 01, directly on the coast. The massive rooms have premium beds, designer furniture, and balconies. Book a superior room with views over the port and you will never want to leave.
Restaurants and Bars
You won’t get hungry or thirsty in Hobart. The city has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene. Elizabeth St. in the center is full of restaurants. For a bite and a drink with the locals, head to the Sydney Hotel. Vietnamese we eat at Ja & Jon Bah Minh.
Our favorite sea food restaurant in the city is Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant in Salamanca. Italian we always it at Da Angelo in the heart of Battery Point. For authentic Thai food walk a block to Monsoon Thai Fusion.
To listen to live music and drink with friends we go to Pablo’s Cocktails and Dreams in the CBD. For a fancy night out go to the Story Bar at the MACq 01 Hotel. The Telegraph Hotel has a fantastic rooftop terrace.
Day Trips
If you have several days in Hobart you should visit its surroundings. You can go to Mount Wellington for a couple of hours. However, it’s so beautiful that it deserves at least a day. You can walk or take a bus to the top. However, if you are short of time we strongly recommend this bus tour.
Port Arthur is just 55 miles (88 km) south east of Hobart. The area combines breathtaking nature with historic architecture. The 19th Century penitentiary is now an open air museum. We strongly recommend this tour to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula.
Coles Bay is one of the nicest natural areas in the world. It’s 150 miles (240 km) northeast of Hobart. Therefore, we strongly recommend going on this tour. What could possibly be better than a tour to nature and wineries?
What’s Special about Hobart
We love Hobart because it’s completely different to any other city in the world. Nature here takes center stage. Everywhere you look, you will see breathtaking scenery and lush green nature. From the coast to Mount Wellington, Hobart represents the best of Tasmania.
Hobart also excels in architecture. We are architects and fell in love with the historic and contemporary architecture in the city. The city has experienced several construction booms and the end result is perfect. It all works out!
Finally, Hobart’s vibe is pretty special. Due to its location and size, you get the best of both worlds. Tasmania’s capital is a vibrant city connected to the entire world. However, the atmosphere is relaxed. You can talk to locals and learn about their culture.
Launceston
Launceston is a dream come true. The second biggest city in Tasmania has fantastic architecture, splendid nature, warm hosts, and the best restaurant scene on the island. Launceston is a UNESCO Gastronomy City. Only Bendigo shares that honor in the country.
The city is in northern Tasmania, where the North and South Esk rivers converge forming the Tamar River. The ocean is some 45 miles (80 km) north. Therefore, it feels a bit more rugged than Hobart. You sense you are in the middle of nowhere.
One of the best things of Launceston is that you can walk everywhere. On the same day, you can be in the middle of nature, have coffee with friends, go check some art, and have cocktails. There are buses everywhere too.
Main Sights
The Central Business District (CBD) in Launceston is next to the river. The city’s grandest historic architecture is here. The 1800s Town Hall is on John St. Most of the buildings in that area are old and worth your time.
Walk to the Launceston Supreme Court, a magnificent building with huge arches. From there, it’s a short walk to the Pilgrim Uniting Church. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is on the same street. The Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral is a block away.
Historic buildings stand on Prince’s Square. Our favorites are Milton Hall, the Baptist Church, and St. John’s Cathedral. From there, it’s a short walk to the Aboriginal Elder’s Council of Australia. A walk along Launceston’s scenic waterfront is mandatory.
Parks
If you love parks, you will be in heaven in Launceston. Our favorite urban park is the City Park, near the North Esk River. Don’t forget to check Albert Hall inside the park. Cross the North Bank Pedestrian Bridge and visit Riverbend Park.
It’s a beautiful green area with games, benches, trees, flowers and unforgettable views. The Royal Park is another beauty in the center. From there, go to the Zig Zag Reserve. Keep walking until you reach the unbelievably beautiful Cataract Gorge Reserve.
The Cataract Gorge Reserve is why you need to visit Launceston. You can walk for hours through nature admiring jaw dropping views. There are waterfalls, ancient trees, massive rocks, gorges, and kangaroos! Do not rush, relax, and admire one of the grandest parks in Tasmania.
Museums
Design Tasmania next to the City Park is dedicated to wood design. The building from the 19th Century is gorgeous. The dAda mUse Museum, with a huge collection of Salvador Dali’s drawings, is nearby. The best art gallery in the city is the Queen Victoria at City Park.
Cross the North Esk River to reach Invermay on the river’s bend. You have several museums to explore. Begin at the Battery Shed. Continue to the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk. It’s got dinosaurs and ancient Australian Animals.
The Launceston Tramway Museum is in the same area. Walk west to the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania. It’s got a new building. The collection of vintage cars from all over the world inside will leave you speechless.
Hotels
The best hotels in Launceston are in the center. We usually stay at The Florance, next to the City Park. The historic 19th Century Mansion is now an uber luxurious and classy hotel. The service is in a class of its won.
Considering its class and location, the Grand Chancellor Hotel is great value for money. The 4 star property features big rooms with extra comfortable beds. The executive rooms on the top floors have unforgettable views over the city and beyond.
The Peppers Silo Hotel is next to the Riverbend Park. We are talking about a historic silo converted into a fancy hotel! The hotel’s interior is made with recycled Tasmanian wood. The rooms are huge and come with a seating area.
Restaurants and Bars
Our favorite restaurant in Launceston is Dare Darlin next to the Royal Garden. It’s a beautiful place with delicious food and views. For a fancy diner, go to The Cataract on Paterson. Pricey, but worth every penny.
Italian we usually eat at Novaro’s. We love the historic mansion as much as the food. For coffee and a bite, go to Maple Café. Bread & Butter in front of Prince’s Square is the best bakery in the city.
You have to eat at the Gorge Restaurant inside the Cataract Gorge Reserve. The place is beautiful, the food superb, and the views epic. Have a beer at an 1881 brewery with the local crowd at the James Boag Brewery.
Day Trips
We believe Launceston offers better day trips than Hobart. You can visit several places in one day. The Tamar Valley next to the river is famous for its vineyards and cute little towns. It’s only 25 miles (40 km) north of the city.
If you are short of time or don’t want to go alone, we strongly recommend this tour. You get to visit several vineyards, taste wine, and have lunch. You can choose a small or a big group. We loved it!
Cradle Mountain is one of the best National Parks in Australia. It’s 100 miles (150 km) west of Launceston. Therefore, it’s best to go with this organized tour. It takes the entire day and includes lunch. You will return exhausted but delighted to Launceston.
What’s Special about Launceston
Cataract Gorge Reserve makes Launceston special. No other city in Australia has such a gorgeous natural area so near the center. You get out of the city and reach pristine nature in no time. You can walk for hours, or just for a short time.
That’s probably another great thing about Launceston. Though you are in a modern city, nature is all around. You can be completely alone surrounded by kangaroos in the afternoon, and have wine at night in the city.
Locals make Launceston special. We believe that the abundance of nature in the city and the epic views make locals relaxed, easy going, and welcoming. Stroll around the center, choose your favorite bar and we guarantee you will meet fun interesting Tasmanians.
If You Still Haven’t Decided
As you can see, there is no clear winner. There is no looser either! Actually, if you have a week, you can visit both cities. If not, you have to choose.
Choose Launceston if you like wine and day trips. Everyone in Australia knows about the beauty of the vineyards and the quality of the wine. Though Hobart has fantastic restaurants, Launceston is considered as a foodie’s paradise.
Go to Hobart if this will be your first time to Tasmania. The city will give you a pretty good idea about this magical island. Explore the surrounding area and on your next to trip, go to Launceston.
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