Launceston Branch Staff Picks

Known has the Northern hub to Tasmania and often overlooked by its Southern tourist destination city Hobart – Launceston is a small city with more to it than meets the eye. Conveniently located rather central in the state, visiting popular tourist destinations from Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires, northern towns of Stanley, Devonport, and Tasmania’s most western township Strahan it’s a great alternative to visiting Australia’s island state of Tasmania. We sat down with some of our East Coast Car Rentals staff to hear directly from them as to what the best things in Launceston, everything from their favorite local café’s, things to do on the weekend, and places they enjoy roading.

Azhar, Rental Agent 

Where do you enjoy going out in Launceston?

What might come as a surprise to some there are so many great cafes and restaurants easily located in a car hire Launceston. The Local Hide Out Cafe is home style café with warm home baked goods and coffee to match, along with the friendly welcoming hospitality. Another fun local favourite is Sweet Brew this trendy vegan friendly café comes with excellent coffee, and a vegan menu that promises not to leave you hungry – everything from their Homemade Granola to the Kimchi Poke Bowl and Cheese & Tomato croissant. You can’t help but feel the need to try everything on the menu. Liv-eat Healthy, if you’re like me you like to enjoy healthy foods while on holiday making sure you can stick to the routine you have at home. Liv-eat is the perfect place for that. Their smoothies, salads, burrito bowls, and so much more are great healthy alternatives and perfect for takeaway. Last but by no means least is Mojos on Avenue – a great spot to enjoy a quality coffee and warm pastry in the afternoon.

What do you enjoy to do on your days off?

You can never go wrong by visiting the Cataract Gorge, it’s great to spend your day relaxing, soaking up the sun next to the nearby waterfalls and swimming pool. There’s a scenic chair lift that tours around the gorge and is a perfect way to see the surround area from a different perspective. Tickets are $12 for children and $20 for adults for a round trip or you can enjoy a discounted rate to get you to the other side for an enjoyable walk back.

There’s a long weekend coming up where are you heading to enjoy it?

First – I am heading out to Liffey Fall Camping Point. With absolutely no mobile reception for a few days, you’re given the opportunity to completely unplug, reset and enjoy some quality time with friends or family.

What is there to do in Launceston before your flight?

A fun little day trip before leaving Launceston and heading back to reality is Tamar Valley Wineries. Stopping first at Tamara West Lands Centre for some good photo ops – don’t forget to enter our month photo contest! Then make your way to Tamar Valley to take in the sights and enjoy being a tourist for the rest of the day

Harry, Rental Detailer

What are some of your favourite go-to Launceston cafes, restaurants or pubs?

Let’s start with my go-to café Banjo’s Bakery aka the Starbucks of Tasmania. The coffee is great, the food wonderful, and with locations around Tasmania you’ll fall in love with a local favourite. Whenever I am looking for place to enjoy dinner – Launceston’s Indian Empire is a great place to enjoy an authentic Indian meal great on those cooler Tasmania days.

What is the best tourist thing to do in Launceston?

I like to grab a coffee from my favourite Launceston Café – Banjo’s of course. Then head to Badger Beach lookout to enjoy the view, kick-back and relax.

What is the best thing to do on a long weekend in Tasmania?

Whenever my family and I get the chance we make our way down the East Coast of Tasmania. The coastal sea-side road trip veers in and out of fishing towns, and fanTAStic Tasmanian countryside. You can’t go wrong here.

How would you spend your day in Launceston before flying?

Penny Royal is an adventure park right here in Launceston and entry is completely free! You can easily spend an afternoon here enjoying the historic sites, dining, relaxing at the café or if you’re looking for a last minute adventure hop on the zip-line!

Sanal, Rental Agent

Where is the BEST place to eat at in Launceston?

Bluestone Bar and Kitchen is by far my favourite! The combination of their Asian Fusion menu, local wines & spirits, and some of the best Banh Mi’s in Launceston make it my go-to. Bluestone, never disappoints. Kosaten is also great! It’s a local Japanese restaurant with one of the most famous teriyaki bento boxes in Launceston.

What is the BEST thing to do on a day off in Launceston?

There are a few really great lookouts that I always like to visit when I have the time: Batsman Bridge and Badger Beach are nearby and always very relaxing.

Where is the best place to go on a long weekend?

Head down the East Coast of Tasmania making your way to Coles Bay to the Freycinet National Park where you can camp right on the beach! Rumor has it the Ilkuka Tavern has one of the best Chicken Parmi’s on the island and is the perfect place to relax for the evening after a day full of hiking.

What is the best thing to do before you flight from Launceston Airport?

Head over to Tamar Valley wet land center and take in the last few glimpse’s of Tasmanian nature before catching your flight back to reality.