Launceston, Tasmania

As many of you may know, I was in Launceston last week for my best friend’s wedding. It was a truly magical couple of days and we had an absolute ball, with the opportunity to also see around Launceston and taste our first bite of Tasmania, a place we had always wanted to visit.

Launceston is one of those cities that surprises you. It blends history, nature, culture and great food into a relaxed and very walkable experience. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or taking your time to explore, I have no doubt you will fall in love with this place. It is the perfect place for walking, exploring, shopping and dining.

I have compiled my top eight things to see and do in this beautiful Tasmanian city, in case you ever decide to visit and wonder what to do.

1. City Park

Right in the heart of the city, City Park is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the surrounding nature. With its manicured gardens, historic features and open green spaces, it’s ideal for a morning stroll or a quiet coffee break. It feels like a peaceful pocket tucked into the rhythm of city life and is a lovely way to start exploring Launceston. One of the park’s most charming quirks is its Japanese macaques (monkeys) enclosure, which has been a favourite with visitors for decades. A highlight for me was the John Hart Conservatory, a heritage-listed glasshouse with a display of stunning annual flowers.

2. Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is easily one of Launceston’s most breathtaking natural attractions and lucky for us was just a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Walking tracks hug the cliffs, suspension bridges stretch over the water, and the views are stunning at every turn. One of the highlights of Cataract Gorge is the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, which offers a gentle scenic ride high above the gorge. Its central span of around 308 m is thought to be the longest single‑span chairlift in the world, giving you spectacular panoramic views of the gorge, river and surrounding bushland from above. We had to experience this and I have to say, it was very enjoyable and not too scary. During our visit we spotted MANY peacocks roaming the gorge, with their striking feathers adding a splash of colour to the cliffs and walking trails, we even had one put on quite a show, displaying his fancy feathers for us. I think this was the first time I had ever heard the calls that they make, quite loud and high pitched when they communicate to each other.

3. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)

For art lovers and curious minds, QVMAG offers a fascinating mix of history, science and contemporary exhibitions. Spread across historic buildings, it showcases Tasmania’s stories alongside creative works that make you pause and reflect. It’s the kind of place you can casually wander and still leave feeling inspired, and it’s free! One of the standout exhibits at QVMAG was the Sam Jinks’ Mortal Reflections exhibition, a series of incredibly lifelike sculptures that explore the fragility and beauty of the human form. The attention to detail is astonishing where each piece feels almost alive, inviting quiet reflection and a deeper appreciation of art’s power to evoke emotion. The curator had warned us not to touch the sculptures, even though we would really want to, and she was absolutely right. It was easy to see the temptation, but we managed to restrain ourselves.

4. Prince’s Square and Heritage Streets

Launceston’s heritage architecture gives the city much of its charm. Prince’s Square and the surrounding streets are lined with beautiful old buildings that hint at the city’s colonial past and it’s consequently, a great area for photography, wandering, and soaking up the atmosphere of a city that respects its history. As you can probably imagine, I was in architecture and door heaven!

5. Kings Bridge Bar & Restaurant

If you’re looking for a place to unwind with great food and a drink, Kings Bridge is a standout. Set beside the Tamar River, it offers a relaxed vibe with lovely views and a menu that feels both fresh and satisfying. It’s perfect for a long lunch, sunset drinks, or a laid-back dinner after a day of exploring. I loved the English feel of this cosy pub and we had one of my favourite student dishes here, cheesy chips smothered in gravy!!! The Guinness was pretty decent too.

6. Alchemy Bar & Restaurant

Alchemy is a favourite for cocktails, atmosphere and modern dining. Stylish without feeling pretentious, it is a great spot to enjoy creative drinks and well-crafted dishes. Whether you’re catching up with friends or treating yourself to a relaxed evening out, Alchemy adds a little sparkle to the Launceston experience. I have no photos in here sadly as we were having too much fun with our friends but we frequented here on two occasions and thoroughly enjoyed the food, drinks and service.

7. Tamar Valley Wine Region

Just outside the city lies the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania’s best-known wine regions. Rolling vineyards, cellar doors and stunning river views make it ideal for a day trip. Even if wine isn’t your main interest, the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. We were really fortunate to have tried four different wineries whilst staying in Launceston and each one brought its own unique and fabulous charm, we absolutely loved them all.

8. Harvest Market (Saturday Mornings)

If you are in Launceston on a Saturday, the Harvest Market, apparently, is not to be missed. Local growers, bakers and producers fill the market with fresh produce, artisan treats and friendly energy. It’s a wonderful way to taste Tasmania and connect with the local community, however, sadly we had to leave on the Friday so missed this opportunity but I’m sure it would be great to check out.

There you have it, my top eight picks for Launceston. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here and would highly recommend to anyone wishing to visit Tasmania to make this one of your top priorities. If you are interested, we stayed in the Art Hotel on York, just a short five minute walk into town and also the Cataract Gorge in the other direction. This hotel was probably one of the cheapest to be honest, great location, extremely friendly staff, quirky decor that we loved and rooms serviced daily which we really appreciated as this isn’t always the case. We would absolutely stay here again and we look forward to returning to Tasmania in the not so distant future.

January 11, 2026 11

Doors of WordPress V150

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to my 150th doors post!!! This week I am delighted to feature some doors from my recent trip to Tasmania, with the focus on Launceston and I look forward to creating a blog post of our trip in the coming days. I was absolutely gobsmacked with the beautiful buildings in Launceston and the stunning doors to match. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week. Many thanks!

My favourite this week is number 5, who doesn’t love a yellow door? It’s so welcoming and happy looking and I love the view to the outside world.

January 8, 2026 18

FOTD – Orange Lily

Orange Lily – Spotted on the street in Launceston, Tasmania. Having the best few days here celebrating a special wedding. Now we head off for a couple of days to visit some friends and see somewhere new. I hope you’re all having a good start to 2026

January 2, 2026 9

Doors of WordPress V141 – Fremantle Prison

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of doors. This week, seeing as it is Halloween tomorrow, I thought I would focus on one building, Fremantle Prison. I want to give you a little history whilst also showcasing a couple of doors that I spotted.

High on the limestone ridge above Fremantle stands one of Western Australia’s most striking reminders of its convict past, this striking prison. Built in the 1850s by the very men it was meant to contain, the prison’s pale stone walls still echo with the stories of those who carved them from the earth.

The convicts who built Fremantle Prison were transported from Britain and Ireland, often for minor crimes (such as stealing a loaf of bread) or acts of defiance. Under the burning Western Australian sun, they quarried local limestone by hand, shaping it into the massive cell blocks, watchtowers, and walls that would soon imprison them. Every stone they laid was both their punishment and their legacy.

Life inside was harsh and silent. Prisoners slept in tiny cells, just large enough for a hammock, a desk, and a bucket. Discipline was strict, and the worst punishment of all was solitary confinement, known as the Separate Division. Here, men were locked alone for 23 hours a day, forbidden from speaking or seeing another soul. For some, the silence proved more unbearable than chains – can you imagine how this would affect your mental health!?

Steel iron doors that once locked away lives,

When their sentences ended, few found true freedom. Many were granted a ticket of leave or a conditional pardon, allowing them to live and work in the colony, but NEVER to return home. They had served their time, yet remained prisoners of Australia, forever separated from the lives and families they once knew.

Today, Fremantle Prison stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a powerful monument to endurance, punishment, and the beginnings of a new nation built by those who had no choice but to stay.

A tragic chapter in Australia’s past, yet one that tells a fascinating story of endurance, punishment, and the making of a new colony.

October 30, 2025 23

Margaret River, WA

Our final destination on our Western Australia adventure, nestled in the southwest corner of WA, you have Margaret River, a small but world-renowned region famous for its premium wines, pristine beaches and laid-back charm. Once a quiet surf town, it has grown into one of Australia’s leading wine regions, producing exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends.

The highlight of our trip to Margret River was a wine tour with Wine for Dudes (not that I’m saying I’m a dude!), a relaxed and entertaining day that showcased some of the region’s best vineyards, cellar doors and local producers. Basically you have a driver who takes you around the vineyards, providing information and history of the region. We had wanted to attend a wine tour here and this company ensured we had the best experience possible and it always helps when the other attendees are good fun.

Our first stop was Walsh and Sons, a boutique family-run winery where creativity and character shine through in every bottle. The wines are vibrant and expressive, perfectly reflecting the region’s coastal influence. This wasn’t a favourite of ours but not bad for our first pit stop.

Next, we visited Peacetree, a charming and welcoming spot surrounded by rolling vineyards. The wines here were beautifully balanced and elegant, a real taste of Margaret River craftsmanship.

After that came Gabriel Chocolate, where we discovered that wine and chocolate truly are the perfect match. The rich, handcrafted chocolate is made directly from cacao beans, and it was hard to leave without a little bag (or two) to take home.

Lunch was at Swings and Roundabouts, a rustic winery known for its relaxed atmosphere and incredible woodfired pizzas. We also got to try our hand at wine blending, which was both fun and surprisingly competitive, creating our own blend to have with lunch.

The next stop was Windance Estate, a family-owned, organic vineyard with a strong focus on sustainability. The wines were fresh and full of character, and the hospitality was warm and genuine.

We finished the day at Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co., swapping wine glasses for craft beers with a view over the lake. It was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of tasting and touring.

In town, The River Hotel and Bar was a favourite spot for good food, great drinks and a lively atmosphere. For dinner, The Grande Escape offered an excellent locals’ night menu, relaxed, friendly and full of flavour. The $5 glasses of house wine were the ticket and we were literally a five minute walk to our air b’n’b, winner winner, chicken dinner!

Loved this pub for a couple drinks and a bite to eat

Another highlight of our trip was Cape Mentelle, one of the pioneering wineries of the region. The setting is stunning, surrounded by vineyards and native bushland, and the wines, especially their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2022 Zinfandel were outstanding. It is very easy to see why Margaret River has become such a celebrated destination for wine lovers, we absolutely loved it!

On a side note, Margaret River town was very charming with its stunning cafes, restaurants and boutique stores. We also found a very cheap launderette which was great for washing our clothes (I’m easily pleased) as we were coming to the end of our trip.

That rounds up the end of our WA trip. We drove back to Perth for a final night with our friends and were able to share our experiences from our unforgettable trip. Perth you have a piece of our heart, the most amazing place, we can’t wait to return.

October 17, 2025 20

Rottnest Island, WA

Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle, Rottnest Island feels like a world away. This is a trip that people often do when staying at Fremantle or Scarborough, being very popular for its breathtaking scenery. The journey itself is part of the adventure, a breezy trip across turquoise water that sets the tone for the day ahead. I would just say book your free tickets in advance as they book out quickly.

Once on the island, you can hire a bike or jump on the hop-on hop-off bus to explore at your own pace (there are no cars). We opted for the bus and loved jumping on / off at pivotal points to take in the views and have a coffee or something to eat. The island is full of stunning coastal views, white sandy beaches, and plenty of swimming and snorkelling spots to cool off. I hear this is an amazing spot for underwater wildlife spotting too, not that we went swimming, not warm enough for me.

A definite highlight is spotting a quokka, the island’s famous smiling marsupial and a species found nowhere else on Earth. We had hopped off at a spot to take in the views and were just sitting, minding our own business when a momma quokka and her baby came towards us to say hello. We couldn’t believe our luck, I was wondering who or what was sniffing at my leg. They are so so cute and friendly but just be mindful not to touch or feed them as it can be dangerous for their wellbeing. You will see some people trying to get that famous quokka selfie but we were just so happy to have seen one.

Other must-sees include the lighthouse, scenic lookouts, and the relaxed island atmosphere that makes you want to stay just a little longer. There are a couple of bars / restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and even a supermarket on the island.

You can even stay overnight in one of the island’s accommodations, though we just made it a day trip and it was the perfect little escape. Highly recommend a visit here!!!

October 12, 2025 33

Perth – Australia’s Remote Gem

Perth sits on the far west coast of Australia, however, surprisingly, it is closer to Jakarta, Indonesia than it is to Sydney or Melbourne. It is one of the most isolated major cities in the world, and you feel that remoteness the moment you fly across the country. From Sydney, the views below change dramatically as you make your way closer to Perth, from coastal greenery, to the barren red deserts of the outback, and finally to the sparkling blue Indian Ocean as you descend into Perth.

We stayed in West Perth, which is a great base, much quieter than the CBD but still close to everything. From here, you can easily explore some of the city’s highlights and I have made a list of the ones we were able to see below.

Kings Park & Botanical Garden – One of the world’s largest inner-city parks, Kings Park offers stunning views over the Swan River and Perth skyline. Its beautiful gardens, walking trails, and wildflower displays make it a must-see for nature lovers.

Stirling Gardens – Perth’s oldest public garden, Stirling Gardens is a peaceful green escape filled with native plants, sculptures, and shady trees right in the heart of the city.

Elizabeth Quay – A lively waterfront precinct perfect for a stroll, Elizabeth Quay combines modern architecture, public art, and dining spots along the Swan River.

The Bell Tower – This striking landmark houses historic bells from London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields and offers panoramic views from its observation deck.

The Perth Mint – Step back in time at The Perth Mint, where you can watch gold being poured and learn about Western Australia’s glittering gold rush history. We didn’t actually go inside but we really wanted to see the building.

Langley Park – Known for hosting Perth’s motorsport and air events, Langley Park is a wide riverside expanse ideal for festivals, sports, or a scenic walk. We were extremely lucky to stumble across the Celebration of Motorsport event showcasing hundreds of classic cars – I will show more of these in a future Thursday Doors post!

Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub – A lively Irish pub with plenty of charm, Durty Nelly’s is the perfect place to enjoy a pint, hearty fare, and friendly atmosphere. This place offered fantastic Guinness and a lovely bangers and mash!

London Court – A tucked-away laneway in Perth filled with chic cafés and boutique shops, London Court captures the city’s cool, creative vibe, inspired by London’s Tudor times and creates a link between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace in Perth’s city centre. This is definitely worth a visit.

Street Art – Perth’s laneways and walls are alive with colour thanks to a thriving street art scene, showcasing bold murals and local talent at every turn.

Remote, diverse, and full of surprises, Perth is a city worth the long journey and we totally fell in love with it!

October 8, 2025 44