As we head down to Tassie for our Round 8 clash against the Dockers, we thought it timely to share our favourite things to eat, drink and do around our home away from home, the great city of Launceston, Tasmania. 

Launceston’s finest coffee spots…

Milk Bar Café

Regarded as one of the best coffee stops in Launceston, the Milk Bar Café caters for all ages and tastes. A small, unassuming shop-front is home to delicious coffee, great snacks and is a perfect place to relax after some shopping or sightseeing in the city of Launceston.

Amelia Espresso

Another one of the top coffee destinations in Launceston, this small little café is determined to support local business in Tasmania. Sourcing their coffee beans from a local roaster, they use Tasmania’s Betta Milk and use local food producers to provide their cakes, pastries and other goodies you can enjoy with a coffee.

Ross Village Bakery

Get your food and history fix at the Ross Village Bakery, which has been operating for over 100 years. Their traditional semi-scotch brick ‘three bag oven’ is stoked to 700°F at the beginning of the day and pies, pastries and bread are baked as the temperature drops. An hour’s drive from Launceston is well worth the effort!

Activities that are fun for the adults and the kids alike…

Cataract Gorge and Cataract River Cruises

Take in some of Launceston’s stunning natural surrounds at the Cataract Gorge. Just a few minutes from the city centre, there is lots to do at this natural beauty spot. You’ll find walking and hiking trails, the world’s longest single-span chairlift to take in the sights from above, a suspension bridge over the gorge itself, the Basin Café, Gorge Restaurant and lots of wildlife. You can also hop aboard the Lady Launceston, owned by Tamar River Cruises and see Launceston’s waterfront and the Cataract Gorge from a different perspective.

Westbury Maze and Tea Room

Just half an hour’s drive out of Launceston will take you to the Westbury Maze – a favourite of adults and children alike. The maze contains over 3,000 planted bushes that stretch over a kilometre, and the maze is a great challenge for the whole family. The tea rooms close by offer over 30 varieties of teas as well as light meals and snacks, so if parents need a break they can put their feet up!

Go to the game at Aurora

Don your brown and gold and watch the Hawks dominate at Aurora Stadium. With the Hawks playing three more games this year in Launceston (Round 8 vs Fremantle, Round 14 vs Gold Coast and Round 19 vs Carlton), there is nothing better than watching the reigning premiers in action. Members get access to all home games in Tasmania, so there is no reason why you can get along and show that you are HAWTHORN. ALWAYS.

Get a bite to eat at our favourite restaurants…

Black Cow Bistro

If you’re looking to taste some of Tassie’s local produce, look no further than the Black Cow Bistro. The bistro specialises in premium, dry-aged, grass-fed and hormone-free beef from the surrounds of Launceston. Situated in George Street, the Black Cow Bistro is run out of an art deco butchery shop and will leave you wanting more!

Novaro’s Italian Restaurant

Maybe you’re after some Italian cuisine? Than Novaro’s Italian Restaurant is for you. Located in Brisbane Street, Novaro’s utilise the best Tasmanian and Australian produce to present authentic Italian cooking which will ensure you don’t just visit once.

Blue Café Bar

The Blue Café Bar is another fine Launceston institution which prides itself on high quality of food, great service and an engaging and interesting setting. Situated in the vibrant Inveresk Precinct, this restaurant is adjacent to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and the University of Tasmania’s Academy of Arts, with ample parking all around. With Blue Café Bar open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can choose to stop in whenever you like!

We hope this guide helps you the next time you’re in Launceston to watch the Hawks! For more food, activity and travel recommendations, visit northerntasmania.com.au.