View source for Launceston, Tasmania

{{Short description|City in Tasmania, Australia}}
{{About|the metropolitan area in Australia|the [[Local government areas of Tasmania|local government area]]|City of Launceston}}
{{Use Australian English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox Australian place
| type                   = city
| name                   = Launceston
| state                  = tas
| image                  = {{multiple image
  | total_width              = 270
  | border                   = infobox
  | perrow                   = 1/2/2/1
  | caption_align            = center
  | image1                   = Launie (cropped).JPG{{!}} Panorama
  | caption1                 = Panorama 
  | image2                   = Launceston-Tasmania-Australia02 (cropped).JPG{{!}} General Post Office
  | caption2                 = [[General Post Office, Launceston|General Post Office]]
  | image3                   = Launceston Town Hall 001.JPG{{!}}Launceston Town Hall
  | caption3                 = [[Launceston Town Hall]]
  | image4                   = Launceston Albert Hall 001 (cropped).JPG{{!}}Albert Hall
  | caption4                 = [[Albert Hall, Launceston|Albert Hall]]
  | image5                   = The Barbezat Fountain in Prince's Square, Launceston.JPG{{!}}Prince's Square
  | caption5                 = [[Prince's Square]]
  | image6                   = Launceston King´s Bridge 001 (cropped).JPG{{!}}King's Bridge
  | caption6                 = [[King's Bridge (Launceston)|King's Bridge]]
}}
| caption                = 
| image_alt              =
| relief                 =
| coordinates            = {{Coord|41|26|31|S|147|8|42|E|type:city(91,000)_region:AU-TAS|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_label_position =
| map_alt                =
| pop                    = 90953
| pop_year               = 2021
| pop_footnotes          =
| poprank                = 21st
| density                =
| density_footnotes      =
| established            = 1806
| established_footnotes  =
| abolished              =
| gazetted               =
| postcode               = 7250
| elevation              = 15
| elevation_footnotes    =
| area                   = 435.4
| area_footnotes         = <ref name="ABSSUAProf">{{cite web|title=2011 Census Community Profiles: Launceston|url=http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/6004|website=ABS Census|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|access-date=15 September 2016|archive-date=10 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510172004/http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/6004|url-status=dead}}</ref> (2011 urban)
| timezone               = [[Time in Australia|AEST]]
| utc                    = +10
| timezone-dst           = [[Time in Australia|AEDT]]
| utc-dst                = +11
| mayor                  = [[Matthew Garwood]]
| mayortitle             =
| dist1                  = 67
| dir1                   = SW
| location1              = [[Scottsdale, Tasmania|Scottsdale]]
| dist2                  = 101
| dir2                   = SE
| location2              = [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]]
| dist3                  = 145
| dir3                   = SE
| location3              = Burnie
| lga                    = City of Launceston
| region                 = [[North-east LGA Region|North-east]]
| county                 = [[Cornwall Land District|Cornwall]]
| stategov               = [[Division of Bass (state)|Bass]]
| stategov2              = [[Division of Lyons (state)|Lyons]]
| fedgov                 = [[Division of Bass|Bass]]
| fedgov2                = [[Division of Lyons|Lyons]]
| url                    =
| maxtemp                = 18.6
| maxtemp_footnotes      =
| mintemp                = 7.4
| mintemp_footnotes      =
| rainfall               = 687.0
| rainfall_footnotes     =
| near-n                 = [[Weymouth, Tasmania|Weymouth]]
| near-ne                = [[Lilydale, Tasmania|Lilydale]]
| near-e                 = [[Mount Barrow]]
| near-se                = [[Campbell Town, Tasmania|Campbell Town]]
| near-s                 = [[Perth, Tasmania|Perth]]
| near-sw                = [[Great Lake, Tasmania|Great Lake]]
| near-w                 = [[Deloraine, Tasmania|Deloraine]]
| near-nw                = [[Exeter, Tasmania|Exeter]]
| near                   =
| footnotes              =
|dist4=201|dir4=N|location4=Hobart
}}

'''Launceston''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-au-Launceston.oga|ˈ|l|ɒ|n|s|ɛ|s|t|ən}}<ref>''[[Macquarie Dictionary]], Fourth Edition'' (2005). Melbourne, The Macquarie Library Pty Ltd. {{ISBN|1-876429-14-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Launceston one of the hardest place names to pronounce in the country|date=19 September 2023|url=https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/launceston-one-of-the-hardest-place-names-to-pronounce-in-the-country/|publisher=[[Pulse Tasmania]]|access-date=28 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Horn|first1=Emma|title=Australia's hardest to say city name, according to Google searches|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/8359916/what-is-australias-most-mispronounced-place-name/|access-date=28 July 2024|work=[[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]]|date=21 September 2023}}</ref>) is a city in the north of [[Tasmania]], Australia, at the confluence of the [[North Esk River|North Esk]] and [[South Esk River|South Esk]] rivers where they become the [[Tamar River, Tasmania|Tamar River]] (kanamaluka). As of 2021, the Launceston urban area has a population of 90,953.<ref name=2021CENSUS>{{cite web|title=Launceston – 2021 Census All persons QuickStats|url=https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/6004|website=ABS Census|publisher=[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]]|date=28 June 2022|access-date=23 July 2023}}[[File:CC-BY icon.svg|50px]] Material was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License]</ref> Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania after the state capital, [[Hobart]].<ref name="AJEM-Flood-Atkins-2009">{{cite journal|last1=Atkins|first1=Ben M.|last2=Vince|first2=Joanna Z.|title=The Launceston flood policies: Levees and beyond|journal=The Australian Journal of Emergency Management|date=2009|volume=24|issue=3|pages=32–37|url=http://ecite.utas.edu.au/61161|access-date=2 November 2014|issn=1324-1540}}</ref> As of 2020, Launceston is the 18th largest city in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Population of Cities in Australia (2021)|url=https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/cities/australia|access-date=2021-05-02|website=worldpopulationreview.com}}</ref> Launceston is the fifth-largest inland city and the ninth-largest non-capital city in Australia. Launceston is regarded as the most livable regional city,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bailey|first=Sue|date=2018-04-12|title=Launceston leads the way|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5339168/launceston-leads-the-way/|access-date=2021-07-08|website=The Examiner|language=en-AU}}</ref> and was one of the most popular regional cities to move to in Australia from 2020 to 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Needham|first=Jack|date=2021-07-05|title=The most popular spots for sea and tree-changers escaping the city|url=https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7320356/the-most-popular-spots-for-sea-and-tree-changers-escaping-the-city/|access-date=2021-07-08|website=Illawarra Mercury|language=en-AU}}</ref> Launceston was named Australian Town of the Year in 2022.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Vanessa|date=2022-02-22|title=Surprise winner of Australia's best town|publisher=News.com.au|url=https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-ideas/best-of-travel/australias-best-town-has-been-revealed-as-launceston-in-tasmania/news-story/b91db23c8bfc4d24c8442ca265eaf0f0|access-date=2022-02-23}}</ref>

Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and it has many historic buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/regions-of-tasmania/launceston-and-north/launceston|title=Launceston|publisher=Discover Tasmania|access-date=13 August 2016}}</ref> Like many places in Australia, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom – in this case, [[Launceston, Cornwall]]. Launceston also had the first use of [[anaesthetic]] in the [[Southern Hemisphere]], it was the first Australian city to have underground [[Sewerage|sewers]], and it was the first Australian city to be lit by [[hydroelectricity]].<ref name="firsts">{{cite web|title=Launceston's Firsts|publisher=[[Launceston City Council]]|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/index.php/about-launceston-mainmenu-211/history-of-launceston-mainmenu-224/launcestons-firsts-mainmenu-236|access-date=10 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20090625214127/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/index.php/about-launceston-mainmenu-211/history-of-launceston-mainmenu-224/launcestons-firsts-mainmenu-236|archive-date=25 June 2009}}</ref> The city has a [[oceanic climate|maritime]] [[#Climate|climate]] with four distinct seasons and is appreciably warmer than the south of the island during summer. Local government is split between the [[City of Launceston]], [[Meander Valley]] and [[West Tamar Council]]s.

== History ==
[[File:Central Charles Street, Launceston, c. 1917.jpg|thumb|left|Central Charles Street, {{Circa|1917}}]]
[[File:Wesleyan Chapel and Mission-Premises, Launceston, Van-Diemen's Island (p.66, June 1855) - Copy.jpg|thumb|280px|Wesleyan Chapel and Mission-Premises, Launceston, Van-Diemen's Island (p.66, June 1855)<ref name=Offering1855>{{cite journal|title=Wesleyan Chapel and Mission-Premises, Launceston, Van-Diemen's Island|journal=Wesleyan Juvenile Offering|date=June 1855|volume=XII|pages=66|url=https://archive.org/details/wesleyanjuvenil16socigoog|access-date=12 November 2015|publisher=Wesleyan Missionary Society|location=London}}</ref>]]

The first inhabitants of the area of Launceston were largely nomadic [[Aboriginal Tasmanians]] believed to have been part of the Northern Midlands Nations. Three Nations made up the area around so called Launceston, the Stoney Creek Nation, Tyerenotepanner; Panninher and Lettermairrener.{{Citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The first [[History of Australia (1788–1850)|white explorers]] did not arrive until 1798, when [[George Bass]] and [[Matthew Flinders]] were sent to explore the possibility that there was a strait between Australia and [[Van Diemen's Land]] (now Tasmania). They originally landed in Port Dalrymple (the mouth of the Tamar River), {{convert|40|km}} to the north-west of Launceston.<ref name="Short Launceston History">{{cite web|title=History of Launceston|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=85|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406212313/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=85|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2010|access-date=2 November 2014}}</ref>

The first significant colonial settlement in the region dates from 1804, when the commandant of the [[Colonial forces of Australia|colonial garrison.]] Lt. Col. [[William Paterson (explorer)|William Paterson]], and his men set up a camp on the current site of [[George Town, Tasmania|George Town]]. A few weeks later, the settlement was moved across the river to [[York Town, Tasmania|York Town]], and a year later was moved to its definitive position where Launceston stands.<ref name="Lady Nelson Logs">{{cite web|title=Logbooks of the Lady Nelson|via=Project Gutenberg|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7509/7509-h/7509-h.htm#ch10|access-date=27 February 2009}}</ref>

Initially, the settlement was called Patersonia; however, Paterson later changed the name to Launceston in honour of the [[Governor of New South Wales|New South Wales Governor]] Captain [[Philip Gidley King]], who was born in [[Launceston, Cornwall]].<ref name="tco" /> The name still survives in the tiny hamlet of Patersonia {{convert|18|km}} north-east of Launceston. Paterson himself also served as [[Governors of Tasmania|Lieutenant-Governor of northern Van Diemen's Land]] from 1804 to 1808.<ref name="Short Launceston History" />

The geographical area in which Launceston is now located was previously occupied by the [[Aboriginal Tasmanians|Aboriginal Tasmanian]] ''Letteremairrener'' people. The ''Letteremairrener'' country encompasses most of the Tamar Valley region. In 1804, reports from early European voyagers describe a number of ''Letteremairrener'' camps, consisting of up to ten bark huts located on either side of the Tamar River.<ref>Shayne Breen, ''Aboriginal Connections with Launceston Places'' (Launceston: Launceston City Council 2006), 22.&nbsp; &nbsp;</ref> Extensive archeological evidence suggests that occupation and usage of the Tamar basin can be dated from at least 7,000 years ago, although it was likely used as long as 35,000 years ago.<ref>Sue Kee, ''Midlands Aboriginal Archeological Site Survey'' (Hobart: Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage), 31&nbsp; &nbsp;</ref> The ''Letteremairrener'', as seasonal hunter-gatherers, spent the winter months near George Town and the summer months residing on Ben Lomond, before returning to the banks of the Tamar River for the mutton-bird season.<ref>Breen, ''Aboriginal Connections with Launceston Places,'' 22.</ref> Campbell Macknight characterizes early colonial contact with the ''Letteremairrener'' people as a mixture of fear, curiosity and aggression.<ref>Campbell Macknight, ''Low Head to Launceston'' (Launceston: Historical Society of Northern Tasmania, 1998), 31.&nbsp; &nbsp;</ref> After several aggressive encounters prompted by bands of ''Letteremairrener'' in 1806'','' most likely as revenge for the colonists trespassing and hunting on their land without permission, Colonel William Patterson, in charge of the new settlement in Launceston, led a series of putative skirmishes that were ostensibly continued by colonists until 1831.<ref>Breen, ''Aboriginal Connections with Launceston Places,'' 26.</ref> These conflicts intensified from 1827 until 1831 during the period of the [[Black War]], with genocidal expeditions occurring within the ''Letteremairrener'' country and neighbouring areas.<ref>Breen, ''Aboriginal Connections with Launceston Places,'' 27.</ref>

By 1827, Launceston's population had climbed to 2,000 and the town had become an export centre, mainly for the colony's northern pastoral industry.<ref name="Short Launceston History" /> Small hotels and breweries began to emerge in the 1820s before larger, more "substantial" hotels were built in the 1830s.

Ships from Launceston carried parties of sealers to the islands of [[Bass Strait]] early in the 19th century. They also took whalers to the coast of Victoria in the 1820s and 1830s where they established temporary bay whaling stations.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Evans|first1=Kathryn|title=Shore-based whaling in Tasmania historical research project: Volume 2; site histories|date=1993|publisher=Parks & Wildlife Service|location=Hobart|page=67}}</ref> Some of these temporary communities, such as the ones at [[Portland Bay]] and [[Port Fairy]], were the forerunner of permanent settlement of those places. Expeditions from Launceston were involved in the [[Foundation of Melbourne]].{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

[[Walter George Arthur]], who petitioned [[Queen Victoria]] in 1847 while interned with other Aboriginal Tasmanians on [[Flinders Island]],<ref>Henry Reynolds (1995) ''Fate of a Free People: A Radical Re-examination of the Tasmanian Wars'', Penguin Books, Australia, p.159 ff</ref> lived for several years in Launceston as one of numerous homeless children, before being taken into custody by [[George Augustus Robinson]] who sent him to the Boys' Orphan School in [[Hobart]] in 1832.<ref>Henry Reynolds (1995) ''Fate of a Free People: A Radical Re-examination of the Tasmanian Wars'', Penguin Books, Australia, p.16</ref>

Newer popular team sports such as [[cricket]] and [[Australian rules football|football]] failed to be sustained in Launceston before the population grew substantially. The sports were initially middle class recreations, as the working class found it difficult to participate after a six-day working week. Nevertheless, a "demand for facilities" led to the upgrade of the [[NTCA Ground|Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association Ground]] (NTCA Ground) among other sporting facilities in the 1860s. Not long beforehand, Tasmania played [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]] in Australia's first [[first-class cricket]] match at the NTCA Ground in 1851.<ref name="Green8-13">Green (2006), p. 8–13.</ref>

[[Tin]] was discovered at [[Mount Bischoff]] in 1871 in north-western Tasmania, starting a minerals boom. Gold mining commenced about {{convert|50|km}} away in [[Beaconsfield, Tasmania|Beaconsfield]] in 1877.<ref name="Short Launceston History" /> During the following two decades Launceston grew from a small town into an urban centre. In 1889, Launceston was the second town in Tasmania to be declared a city, after state capital [[Hobart]].<ref name="tco">{{cite web|url=https://launcestonhistory.org.au/history-of-launceston/a-timeline-of-launceston/|title=A Timeline of Launceston|date=25 June 2012|publisher=Launceston Historical Society|access-date=3 June 2021}}</ref> During the late 1880s, a small periodical called ''Launceston Literary'' contained stories as well as memoirs of the pioneering days of the region.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} The publication was distributed from a store in the northern end of the town, and while largely forgotten today, was at the time considered relatively popular, if at times controversial.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

==Demographics==
According to the [[2021 Australian census|2021 census]] the population of Launceston is 76,849. Launceston is the 21st most populous city in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/6004|title=Launceston 2021 Census QuickStats|access-date=15 May 2023}}</ref> 
 
* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 3.5% of the population.
* 79.2% of people were born in Australia. The next most common countries of birth were England 2.9%, Nepal 1.6%, India 1.5%, China 0.9% and New Zealand 0.8%.
* 85.1% of people spoke only English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Nepali 2.3%, Mandarin 1.2%, Punjabi 0.5%, Urdu 0.4% and Vietnamese 0.3%.
* The most common responses for religion were No Religion 47.9%, [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] 13.8% and [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] 12.1%.{{r|2021CENSUS}}

== City of Gastronomy ==
Launceston's designation as a [[City of Gastronomy|UNESCO City of Gastronomy]] in 2021 signifies global acknowledgment of this gastronomic paradise.

== Geography ==
[[File:Launceston busy downtown.jpg|alt=Summertime in Launceston|thumb|Brisbane Street, Launceston in summer.]]
[[File:Aerial view of Launceston.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of Launceston]]
[[File:Launceston bank on the corner of John and Brisbane St.jpg|thumb|Heritage Bank of NSW, corner of St John and Brisbane Streets]]
Launceston is at {{Coord|41|26|31|S|147|8|42|E|type:city_region:AU-TAS|display=inline}} in the Tamar Valley, Northern Tasmania. The valley was formed by volcanic and glacial forces over 10&nbsp;million years ago.<ref name=inthebeggining>Wooley and Tatlow, p. 1.</ref><ref name="Geography">{{cite web|title=Geography of Launceston|publisher=Asia Rooms|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/australia/launceston/launceston-overview/geography-of-launceston.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516230046/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/australia/launceston/launceston-overview/geography-of-launceston.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=16 May 2008|access-date=4 January 2009}}</ref>
The city is about {{convert|45|km}} south of the [[Bass Strait]], with its closest neighbour-city being [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]], about {{convert|99|km}} to the north west.<ref name="height01">{{cite web|title=Driving Times|publisher=Tourism Tasmanian|url=http://travelmedia.tourismtasmania.com.au/visit/driving_times.html|access-date=4 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213154525/http://travelmedia.tourismtasmania.com.au/visit/driving_times.html|archive-date=13 February 2009}}</ref>
Launceston combines steep (originally heavily wooded) ridges and low-lying areas (originally wetlands – with parts of the suburbs of [[Inveresk and York Park Precinct, Launceston|Inveresk]] and [[Invermay, Tasmania|Invermay]] below high-tide level).<ref name="height02">{{cite web|title=LISTmap (Mount Ossa)|publisher=Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries and Water|url=http://www.thelist.tas.gov.au/listmap/listmap.jsp?llx=419200&lly=5363700&urx=420100&ury=5364300&layers=17|access-date=19 June 2007}}</ref>
As a result, areas of Launceston are subject to [[landslip]] problems, while others are liable to poor drainage and periodic flooding. The topography of the area is not conducive to easy dispersion of airborne pollution, due to the phenomenon of [[thermal inversion]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soer.justice.tas.gov.au/2003/atm/1/issue/6/index.php|title=Launceston topography and meteorology|publisher=State of the Environment (SoE) Tasmania|access-date=16 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080729170639/http://soer.justice.tas.gov.au/2003/atm/1/issue/6/index.php|archive-date=29 July 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Since the 1990s, the city's air quality has improved. Studies indicate that 73% percent of air pollution in Launceston and surrounding areas during the winter period is caused by wood smoke, while about 8% is from motor vehicle pollution. During the early 1990s about 60% of households used wood heaters, but since the mid-2000s only 25–30% of households use wood heating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/airquality.php|title=Air quality for Launceston and the Tamar Valley|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=31 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010094830/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/airquality.php|archive-date=10 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/subsector.php?id=2405|title=History of Air Quality in Launceston|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=31 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723205655/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/subsector.php?id=2405|archive-date=23 July 2008}}</ref> According to the 2011 Tasmanian Air Monitoring report, particulate matter met the Air NEPM goals starting in 2006, and did not exceed the [[PM10]] standard in the years 2009–2011.<ref name=Tasmanian-Air-Monitoring-2011>{{cite web|title=Tasmanian Air Monitoring Report 2011|url=http://www.scew.gov.au/sites/www.scew.gov.au/files/resources/7c4e85af-5d11-9074-d171-0184e06fc243/files/tasmania-aaq-nepm-air-monitorin-report-2011.pdf|website=Standing Council on Environment and Water|access-date=2 November 2014|date=June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102232252/http://www.scew.gov.au/sites/www.scew.gov.au/files/resources/7c4e85af-5d11-9074-d171-0184e06fc243/files/tasmania-aaq-nepm-air-monitorin-report-2011.pdf|archive-date=2 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Launceston is situated at the [[confluence]] of the [[South Esk River]] and the [[North Esk River]], forming the Tamar River [[estuary]]. It is used for commercial and recreational shipping and boating. In earlier years, oceangoing shipping used the river to obtain access to the Port of Launceston wharves located in the city centre and Invermay.
The Port for Launceston is now located at the George Town suburb of [[Bell Bay, Tasmania|Bell Bay]], some {{convert|40|km}} downstream on the east bank of the Tamar estuary, close to the river mouth. The South Esk River is the longest river in Tasmania. It starts in the North East Mountains near Roses Tier and flows through the Fingal Valley where it passes through the towns of [[Fingal, Tasmania|Fingal]] and [[Avoca, Tasmania|Avoca]] before flowing into the [[Midlands (Tasmania)|Northern Midlands]] where it flows through the towns of [[Evandale, Tasmania|Evandale]], [[Perth, Tasmania|Perth]], [[Longford, Tasmania|Longford]] and [[Hadspen, Tasmania|Hadspen]] before finally reaching Launceston via the [[Cataract Gorge]]. The river is dammed at [[Trevallyn Dam|Lake Trevallyn]] on the upper reaches of the Cataract Gorge, with water being diverted into the [[Trevallyn Power Station]] with runoff flowing into the remainder of the [[Cataract Gorge]] and eventually merging with the Tamar River. The North Esk River starts in the Northallerton Valley in Tasmania's north-east mountains and winds its way to Launceston via the Corra Linn Gorge at [[White Hills, Tasmania|White Hills]]. The St Patrick's River, the largest tributary of the North Esk, is dammed at [[Nunamara]] to provide the majority of Launceston's town water since the mid-1800s.

[[File:Launceston Panorama.jpg|thumb|600px|centre|Panorama of the [[confluence]] of the Tamar River and its tributaries, the [[South Esk River]] and the [[North Esk River]]]]

=== Flooding and levee system ===
[[File:Gorge in Flood.jpg|thumb|right|Cataract Gorge during 2003 Flood]]
Since the 1960s, parts of Launceston have been protected by a series of flood [[levee]]s that reach up to {{convert|4|m}} in height as large portions of the suburbs Invermay and Newstead sit within a [[flood plain]]. The last major flood occurred in [[1929 Tasmanian Floods|1929]] when Invermay was completely devastated. More than 4,000 people were left homeless after just one night of flooding. Since then, there have only been minor floods.<ref name="AJEM-Flood-Atkins-2009"/><ref name="levees">[http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upload/2131/markersbrochure.pdf Flood Warning Markers], ''Launceston City Council'' Brochure {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723231549/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upload/2131/markersbrochure.pdf |date=23 July 2008 }}</ref> Work was under way in 2011 on a $59&nbsp;million flood levee upgrade that should protect the city from 1-in-200-year events, that was then expected to take five to six years to construct.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2011/02/21/3144392.htm|author=Tim Walker|title=Flood levee vital for Launceston|publisher=ABC Northern Tasmania|date=21 February 2011|access-date=9 August 2011}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2024}} The council had acquired land used by eighteen businesses on the south side of Lindsay Street in Invermay, with businesses having until July 2009 to leave.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/01/2233084.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506090930/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/01/2233084.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 May 2008|title=LCC compulsorily acquires land for flood levee project|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=May 2008|access-date=1 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/human-interest/20m-blowout-in-launceston-levee-costs/1547563.aspx|title=$20m blow-out in Launceston levee costs|date=22 June 2009|publisher=The Examiner|access-date=3 July 2009}}</ref> In 2016 the Tamar River flooded resulting in the widespread flooding of low lying suburbs. The St Leonards and West Tamar Highways were temporarily closed as water levels rose, causing significant disruption to the city and loss of livestock.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

=== Climate ===
{{Main|Climate of Launceston, Tasmania}}
[[File:Cataract Gorge, Launceston in spring.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rhododendrons]] in spring at Cataract Gorge]]
Launceston has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfb''), bordering on a warm-summer [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Csb''), with mild to warm, somewhat dry summers and cool damp winters with chilly nights. The city is located in the [[Tamar Valley, Tasmania|Tamar Valley]] and is surrounded by many large hills and mountains. With this type of topography, Launceston's weather patterns can change considerably in a short period. The warmest months are in January and February with an average air temperature range of {{convert|12.2|to|24.4|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}}. Throughout the year there is an average of 4.3&nbsp;days a year over {{convert|30|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} The maximum recorded temperature was {{convert|39|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}} on 30 January 2009, with Launceston Airport reaching {{convert|40.4|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}} on that same day, during the [[Early 2009 southeastern Australia heat wave|2009 Southeastern Australia heat wave]]. The city averages 67.3 clear days and 148.8 cloudy days per annum.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Winters are cool with minimum temperatures dropping below {{convert|2|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}} an average of 61&nbsp;days a year. The coldest month is July, with an average temperature range of {{convert|2.2|to|12.5|°C|°F|0|abbr=on}}.
The lowest recorded minimum at Launceston's current weather station, Ti Tree Bend was {{convert|-5.2|C|F}} on 21 July 1991. Launceston very rarely receives [[snow in Australia|snowfall]], with snow falling in 1951 and 1986, and again on 3 August 2015, when most of the state received snowfall due to a cold front moving up from [[Antarctica]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aquilina|first=Sarah|date=2017-08-03|title=Throwing it back to this day in 2015|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/4830206/throwing-it-back-to-this-day-in-2015/|website=The Examiner|language=en-AU}}</ref> On the night of 4 August 2020, Launceston received an inch of snow on the ground, with varying levels around the state.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Willard|first=Jessica|date=2020-08-05|title=Quite a rare thing: most significant snowfall in Launceston since '70s|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/6864991/quite-a-rare-thing-most-significant-snowfall-in-launceston-since-70s/|website=The Examiner|language=en-AU}}</ref>

Winter, for Launceston, is also the season with the least amount of wind. Because of this and the topographical effect of the Tamar Valley, Launceston winters are renowned for foggy mornings, with Launceston Airport the most fog-bound commercial airport in Australia. The average annual rainfall, with moderate to low variability, is {{convert|665|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}, falling on an average of 88.4&nbsp;days a year. The most rain Ti Tree Bend has received in a year was {{convert|829.6|mm}} in 1992, though Launceston Airport received {{convert|953.1|mm|in}} in 1956. As in most of Tasmania 2006 was the driest year when just {{convert|394.8|mm}} fell.<ref name="Climate" /><ref name="BoM_MR">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/tas/20090130.shtml|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government|title=Tasmania breaks all-time high temperature record again|date=30 January 2009|access-date=31 January 2009}}</ref><ref name="Record">{{cite web|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/news/local/news/environmental-issues/422-deg-scamander-sets-states-hottest-record/1420740.aspx|publisher=The Examiner|title=42.2 deg: Scamander sets State's hottest record!|date=31 January 2009|access-date=31 January 2009}}</ref>

The Bureau of Meteorology reported that 2007 was the warmest year ever recorded in Launceston since temperatures were first recorded in 1884. Temperatures ranged from a minimum of {{convert|8.1|C|F}} to a maximum of {{convert|19.2|C|F}}.
During 2006 and 2007, Launceston had the hottest maxima throughout the state. In 2008, Launceston had the highest average maximum temperature out of all Tasmanian cities with {{convert|18.6|C|F}}.<ref name="Climate">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/tas/launceston/climate.shtml|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government|title=Climate of Launceston|access-date=26 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222154659/http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/tas/launceston/climate.shtml|archive-date=22 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="bom.gov.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091237_All.shtml|title=Climate of Launceston|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government|access-date=2 September 2008}}</ref><ref name="Climate annual">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/tas/summary.shtml|title=Tasmania in 2007|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government|access-date=28 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/tas/archive/2006.summary.shtml|title=Tasmania in 2006|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government|access-date=1 November 2008}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Launceston (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1980–present)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 39.0
|Feb record high C = 34.4
|Mar record high C = 33.5
|Apr record high C = 27.7
|May record high C = 22.9
|Jun record high C = 18.4
|Jul record high C = 18.4
|Aug record high C = 20.3
|Sep record high C = 24.8
|Oct record high C = 28.7
|Nov record high C = 30.7
|Dec record high C = 34.1
|year record high C = 39.0
|Jan high C = 24.8
|Feb high C = 24.6
|Mar high C = 22.7
|Apr high C = 18.9
|May high C = 15.8
|Jun high C = 13.3
|Jul high C = 12.8
|Aug high C = 13.8
|Sep high C = 15.7
|Oct high C = 18.2
|Nov high C = 20.6
|Dec high C = 22.7
|year high C = 
|Jan mean C = 18.7
|Feb mean C = 18.6
|Mar mean C = 16.5
|Apr mean C = 13.2
|May mean C = 10.4
|Jun mean C = 8.1
|Jul mean C = 7.7
|Aug mean C = 8.7
|Sep mean C = 10.5
|Oct mean C = 12.6
|Nov mean C = 14.9
|Dec mean C = 16.8
|year mean C = 
|Jan low C = 12.6
|Feb low C = 12.5
|Mar low C = 10.3
|Apr low C = 7.5
|May low C = 5.0
|Jun low C = 2.9
|Jul low C = 2.5
|Aug low C = 3.5
|Sep low C = 5.2
|Oct low C = 7.0
|Nov low C = 9.1
|Dec low C = 10.9
|year low C = 
|Jan record low C = 2.5
|Feb record low C = 3.4
|Mar record low C = 0.5
|Apr record low C = -1.5
|May record low C = -3.0
|Jun record low C = -4.9
|Jul record low C = -5.2
|Aug record low C = -3.5
|Sep record low C = −2.4
|Oct record low C = -1.4
|Nov record low C = -2.0
|Dec record low C = 2.0
|year record low C = −5.2
| Jan avg record high C  = 32.1
| Feb avg record high C  = 30.4
| Mar avg record high C  = 29.0
| Apr avg record high C  = 23.8
| May avg record high C  = 20.0
| Jun avg record high C  = 16.8
| Jul avg record high C  = 16.1
| Aug avg record high C  = 17.5
| Sep avg record high C  = 20.3
| Oct avg record high C  = 24.1
| Nov avg record high C  = 27.3
| Dec avg record high C  = 29.6
| year avg record high C = 32.6
| Jan avg record low C  = 6.5
| Feb avg record low C  = 6.1
| Mar avg record low C  = 3.7
| Apr avg record low C  = 1.1
| May avg record low C  = -1.0
| Jun avg record low C  = -2.2
| Jul avg record low C  = -2.5
| Aug avg record low C  = -1.8
| Sep avg record low C  = -0.3
| Oct avg record low C  = 1.1
| Nov avg record low C  = 2.7
| Dec avg record low C  = 4.7
| year avg record low C = -3.0
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 51.5
|Feb rain mm = 35.2
|Mar rain mm = 38.8
|Apr rain mm = 51.2
|May rain mm = 63.1
|Jun rain mm = 66.9
|Jul rain mm = 78.6
|Aug rain mm = 83.8
|Sep rain mm = 65.6
|Oct rain mm = 48.3
|Nov rain mm = 52.8
|Dec rain mm = 47.6
|year rain mm = 684.1
|Jan rain days = 4.8
|Feb rain days = 4.6
|Mar rain days = 4.4
|Apr rain days = 6.5
|May rain days = 7.6
|Jun rain days = 8.3
|Jul rain days = 9.8
|Aug rain days = 10.9
|Sep rain days = 10.0
|Oct rain days = 7.6
|Nov rain days = 7.0
|Dec rain days = 6.0
|year rain days = 87.5
|unit rain days = 1 mm
|humidity colour = green
|Jan afthumidity = 48
|Feb afthumidity = 49
|Mar afthumidity = 48
|Apr afthumidity = 56
|May afthumidity = 63
|Jun afthumidity = 69
|Jul afthumidity = 69
|Aug afthumidity = 63
|Sep afthumidity = 60
|Oct afthumidity = 53
|Nov afthumidity = 53
|Dec afthumidity = 48
|year humidity = 57
|Jan dew point C = 10.6
|Feb dew point C = 11.1
|Mar dew point C = 9.2
|Apr dew point C = 8.4
|May dew point C = 7.5
|Jun dew point C = 6.4
|Jul dew point C = 5.9
|Aug dew point C = 5.4
|Sep dew point C = 6.0
|Oct dew point C = 6.8
|Nov dew point C = 8.4
|Dec dew point C = 9.1
|Jan sun = 285.2
|Feb sun = 256.9
|Mar sun = 241.8
|Apr sun = 198.0
|May sun = 155.0
|Jun sun = 135.0
|Jul sun = 142.6
|Aug sun = 170.5
|Sep sun = 201.0
|Oct sun = 254.2
|Nov sun = 267.0
|Dec sun = 282.1
|year sun = 2589.3
|Jan percentsun = 62
|Feb percentsun = 66
|Mar percentsun = 63
|Apr percentsun = 60
|May percentsun = 51
|Jun percentsun = 49
|Jul percentsun = 48
|Aug percentsun = 52
|Sep percentsun = 57
|Oct percentsun = 62
|Nov percentsun = 62
|Dec percentsun = 60
|year percentsun = 59
|source 1 = [[Bureau of Meteorology]] (1991–2020 averages;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=091237&p_prim_element_index=0&p_comp_element_index=0&redraw=null&p_display_type=full_statistics_table&normals_years=1981-2010&tablesizebutt=normal|title=Climate Statistics for Launceston|access-date=28 October 2017|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology}}</ref> extremes 1980–present)<ref name="pogoda">{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_091237_All.shtml|title=Climate Statistics for Launceston|access-date=5 December 2023|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/
|title = Climate data online (Site number: 091237)
|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology
|access-date = 27 Jun 2025}}</ref>
|source 2   =Bureau of Meteorology, [[Launceston Airport]] (1981–2004 sunshine hours)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/cvg/av?p_stn_num=091104&p_prim_element_index=0&p_comp_element_index=0&redraw=null&p_display_type=statistics_summary&normals_years=1981-2010&tablesizebutt=normal|title=Climate Statistics for Launceston|access-date=5 November 2016|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology|work=Australian Government}}</ref>
|date=December 2023
}}

{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y 
|location = Launceston Airport (2004–2025) 
| Jan record high C = 40.4
| Feb record high C = 34.7
| Mar record high C = 34.6
| Apr record high C = 27.6
| May record high C = 22.3
| Jun record high C = 17.9
| Jul record high C = 16.8
| Aug record high C = 20.0
| Sep record high C = 23.4
| Oct record high C = 27.4
| Nov record high C = 31.9
| Dec record high C = 35.2
| year record high C = 
| Jan avg record high C  = 33.3
| Feb avg record high C  = 31.2
| Mar avg record high C  = 29.6
| Apr avg record high C  = 23.9
| May avg record high C  = 19.4
| Jun avg record high C  = 15.9
| Jul avg record high C  = 15.3
| Aug avg record high C  = 16.9
| Sep avg record high C  = 20.0
| Oct avg record high C  = 23.9
| Nov avg record high C  = 27.8
| Dec avg record high C  = 30.0
| year avg record high C = 33.9
| Jan high C  = 25.2
| Feb high C  = 24.6
| Mar high C  = 22.6
| Apr high C  = 18.3
| May high C  = 14.7
| Jun high C  = 12.2
| Jul high C  = 11.8
| Aug high C  = 13.0
| Sep high C  = 15.2
| Oct high C  = 17.6
| Nov high C  = 20.4
| Dec high C  = 22.6
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C  = 18.2
| Feb mean C  = 17.8
| Mar mean C  = 16.1
| Apr mean C  = 12.5
| May mean C  = 9.5
| Jun mean C  = 7.4
| Jul mean C  = 7.0
| Aug mean C  = 8.0
| Sep mean C  = 9.7
| Oct mean C  = 11.6
| Nov mean C  = 14.1
| Dec mean C  = 15.9
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C  = 11.1
| Feb low C  = 10.9
| Mar low C  = 9.5
| Apr low C  = 6.7
| May low C  = 4.3
| Jun low C  = 2.5
| Jul low C  = 2.1
| Aug low C  = 3.0
| Sep low C  = 4.1
| Oct low C  = 5.5
| Nov low C  = 7.7
| Dec low C  = 9.2
| year low C = 
| Jan avg record low C  = 4.7
| Feb avg record low C  = 4.7
| Mar avg record low C  = 2.9
| Apr avg record low C  = 0.5
| May avg record low C  = -2.0
| Jun avg record low C  = -3.4
| Jul avg record low C  = -3.5
| Aug avg record low C  = -2.4
| Sep avg record low C  = -1.4
| Oct avg record low C  = -0.3
| Nov avg record low C  = 1.1
| Dec avg record low C  = 3.1
| year avg record low C = -4.2
|Jan record low C  = 1.3
|Feb record low C  = 2.4
|Mar record low C  = -0.1
|Apr record low C  = -3.3
|May record low C  =  -4.1
|Jun record low C  = -5.6
|Jul record low C  = -5.4
|Aug record low C  = -3.6
|Sep record low C  = -3.4
|Oct record low C  = -2.7
|Nov record low C  = -1.8
|Dec record low C  = 0.8
|year record low C = 
|rain colour = green	
|Jan rain mm = 34.6
|Feb rain mm = 29.8
|Mar rain mm = 49.3
|Apr rain mm = 46.9
|May rain mm = 52.8
|Jun rain mm = 55.5
|Jul rain mm = 68.3
|Aug rain mm = 76.4
|Sep rain mm = 52.8
|Oct rain mm = 45.3
|Nov rain mm = 52.7
|Dec rain mm = 49.2
|year rain mm = 
|source 1 = [[Bureau of Meteorology]]<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/
|title = Climate data online (Site number: 091311)
|publisher = Bureau of Meteorology
|access-date = 27 Jun 2025}}</ref>}}

=== Architecture ===
[[File:74 Elphin Rd Newstead, Launceston TAS.JPG|220px|right|thumb|A [[Federation style]] house in [[Newstead, Tasmania|Newstead]]]]
Many of the buildings in the city's central business district (CBD) were constructed in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and Launceston is a major location of [[Federation style]] housing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/02/20/2167593.htm|title=The changing landscape of Launceston documented in oil|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|access-date=21 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Vision 2020|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upfiles/lcc/cont/_council/community_engagement/strategies_plans_and_reports/vision2020.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326051701/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upfiles/lcc/cont/_council/community_engagement/strategies_plans_and_reports/vision2020.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 March 2012|access-date=2 November 2014}}</ref> Launceston's many well preserved [[Victorian architecture|Victorian]] and [[Georgian architecture|Georgian]] buildings (including the [[Launceston synagogue]], a rare example of architecture in [[Egyptian Revival]] style) together with its diverse collection of [[Art Deco|art-deco]] architecture (such as [[Holyman House]] and Lucks Corner in the CBD, the former [[Star Theatre (Invermay, Tasmania)|Star Theatre]] in Invermay and the former Launceston General Hospital)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ltvtasmania.com.au/content/view/45/151/|title=Launceston City|publisher=Launceston Tamar Valley Tasmania|access-date=17 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081019183513/http://www.ltvtasmania.com.au/content/view/45/151/|archive-date=19 October 2008}}</ref> give the city an unusual period ambience. 20th century examples of architecture that are part of the city include the Government offices of Henty House in Charles Street, the Police Station Building and the ANZ Building on the corner of Brisbane & George Street.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tasmania architecture blog|date=2008|title=20th century Launceston architects and buildings|url=https://architectlaunceston.com.au/|website=Australian Architecture History}}</ref>

This is at least in part a matter of deliberate policy – concerns that high rise development might compromise the character of the city centre have led to strictly enforced building regulations that restrict the height of new structures in the city, so that most buildings in the CBD have fewer than five storeys.<ref>{{Cite web|last=MALONEY|first=MATT|date=2017-09-19|title=Concerns for city high-rise|url=https://www.examiner.com.au/story/4934434/concerns-for-city-high-rise/|access-date=2022-01-01|website=The Examiner|language=en-AU}}</ref>

== Governance ==
[[File:Launceston Town Hall 001.JPG|thumb|left|Launceston Town Hall]]Much of Launceston is contained within the [[City of Launceston]] [[Local government in Australia|local government area]], although some outer suburbs are part of adjacent council districts: for instance [[Riverside, Tasmania|Riverside]], [[Legana]] and parts of [[Trevallyn, Tasmania|Trevallyn]] are part of the [[West Tamar Council]]; [[Prospect Vale, Tasmania|Prospect Vale]] and [[Blackstone Heights, Tasmania|Blackstone Heights]] are included in the [[Meander Valley Council]].

Launceston City Council meetings are held in the Launceston Town Hall. The Mayor of the City of Launceston uses the honorific [[the Right Worshipful]]. In 2002, [[Janie Dickenson]] became the youngest female elected mayor in Australia.<ref name=ABC-NewDimensions-Mayor2003>{{cite web|last1=Negus|first1=George|title=New Dimensions, Women High Achievers – Episode 9: Mayor Janie Dickenson|url=http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_people/Transcripts/s822467.htm|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]|access-date=2 November 2014|date=4 February 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202041347/http://www.abc.net.au/dimensions/dimensions_people/Transcripts/s822467.htm|archive-date=2 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The current mayor is Matthew Garwood, elected in 2023. He was elected via by-election following the previous mayor, Danny Gibson, stepping down from the role due to grooming allegations.[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-05/danny-gibson-former-launceston-mayor-allegations/104107638] The mayor preceding Danny Gibson, [[Albert Van Zetten]], was initially elected in 2007, before being re-elected in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tasmanian Electoral Commission|date=2018|title=2018 Local Government Election State-Wide Report|url=https://www.tec.tas.gov.au/Info/Publications/LocalGovernmentElectionReports/Current_Reports/2018_Local_Government_Elections_State-wide_Report.pdf|website=Tasmanian Electoral Commission Local Government Election Reports}}</ref> 

State [[Tasmanian Legislative Council|Upper House]] seats that incorporate parts of Launceston are the Electoral Divisions of [[Electoral division of Paterson|Paterson]], [[electoral division of Windermere|Windermere]] and [[electoral division of Rosevears|Rosevears]]. For federal elections, Launceston falls within the [[Division of Bass]], with the sitting member being [[Jess Teesdale]] from the [[Australian Labor Party]], who won the seat in the 2025 election. The state Lower House seat is also called the [[Division of Bass (state)|Division of Bass]] and is one of the five electorates in the [[Tasmanian House of Assembly]]. Both federal and state seats share common boundaries.

=== Flag ===
[[File:Tasmania Launceston City Flag.svg|right|thumb|Launceston Flag]]
The Launceston flag design is based on the city's Coat of Arms granted by the [[College of Arms]], London, on 11 June 1957.<ref name="CoatofArms">{{cite web|title=Coat of Arms|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/subsector.php?id=1283|access-date=16 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722054429/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/subsector.php?id=1283|archive-date=22 July 2008}}</ref> The Brisbane Street Mall, the War memorial at Royal Park, atop the Council Chambers and on top of the Albert Hall are places in the city where the flag is regularly flown. Flying the flag is restricted to Council Property. The three intersecting lines in the flag represent the city's three rivers (North Esk, South Esk and Tamar) and the two rectangles in the lines represent [[tin]] ingots. The strip across the top with the jagged edge is green to represent the city's parks, gardens and surrounding countryside. [[Waratah]] flowers at the top symbolise all flowers and similar beauties of nature. The ingots are included because Launceston used to be a large tin-smelting centre. The little circle at the river junction is Launceston.

== Economy ==
{{See also|Economy of Tasmania}}
Along with being a major retail centre with an average of 75% of market share in surrounding local councils, Launceston is a major service centre for the north of Tasmania.<ref name=LCC-Issues-2007-10>{{cite web|title=Issues for Community Comment: Chapter 1 – The Launceston Context|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upfiles/lcc/cont/_services/development/planning/planning_scheme_support_information/chapter1_the_launceston_context.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103014619/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upfiles/lcc/cont/_services/development/planning/planning_scheme_support_information/chapter1_the_launceston_context.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-11-03|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=2 November 2014|date=October 2007}}</ref> The city is home to a campus of the [[University of Tasmania]] including the [[Australian Maritime College]] and also has a minor minerals and manufacturing base.

Launceston is a major hub for the regional agricultural and pastoral activities. Historically, this has been connected with the growing of apples – in recent years the stress has moved to [[viticulture]]. Superfine [[wool]] remains an important part of the rural economy of north-east Tasmania and wool sales in Launceston attract many international buyers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/v-taseconomy/home|publisher=Tasmanian Government|title=Tasmanian Economy Reports|access-date=28 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720180720/http://www.treasury.tas.gov.au/domino/dtf/dtf.nsf/v-taseconomy/home|archive-date=20 July 2008}}</ref> The various agricultural industries in the district are supported by the [[Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research]] which operates the Mount Pleasant Research Laboratories in the Launceston suburb of Prospect.

=== Tourism ===
[[File:Aerial perspective of Cataract Gorge and the Tamar River.jpg|thumb|Aerial perspective of Cataract Gorge and its surrounds with the Tamar River]]
Launceston serves as the commercial hub for the north of Tasmania, and like many parts of the state, is becoming a major tourist centre. Visitors to the city have grown over the past few years{{which|date=November 2024}}: during 2004 Launceston attracted 412,800 visitors, up 51% from 2001. The United Kingdom is the origin of 25% of all international visitors to the city and 17% originate from the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upload/2579/intro.pdf|title=Retail Strategy for Launceston City|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=4 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725080525/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/upload/2579/intro.pdf|archive-date=25 July 2008}}</ref> The [[Cataract Gorge]] is Launceston's largest tourist attraction and is in close proximity to the city centre. It is home to the longest single span chairlift in the world, stretching {{convert|308|m}} across the gorge.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cataract Gorge Reserve|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=205|access-date=2 November 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141102220827/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=205|archive-date=2 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=120|title=Cataract Gorge Reserve|publisher=Pure Tasmania|access-date=2 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724064127/https://www.puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=120|archive-date=24 July 2008}}</ref> Launceston has many parks throughout the city including [[Launceston City Park|City Park]], located next to the city centre. City Park is home to Albert Hall. The park also has a large enclosure for [[Japanese macaque]] [[monkey]]s, a gift from sister city [[Ikeda, Osaka|Ikeda]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gatewaytasmania.com/content/view/12/9/|title=Launceston and NE|access-date=8 November 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228100956/http://www.gatewaytasmania.com/content/view/12/9/|archive-date=28 February 2008}}</ref> The [[General Post Office, Launceston|Launceston General Post Office]] is a heritage-listed building that dates back to the 1880s, with a clock tower added in the early twentieth century. The GPO clock chime chimes every quarter-hour, twenty-four hours a day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/commonwealth/tas.html|title=Commonwealth heritage places in Tasmania|work=Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts|publisher=Australian Government|access-date=14 November 2008}}</ref> [[Tasmania Zoo]], which is known for its wildlife conservation work, including a breeding program for [[Tasmanian devil]]s, is located near the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Zoo|publisher=Tasmania Zoo|url=https://tasmaniazoo.com.au/conservation/|access-date=28 June 2022}}</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Arts and entertainment ===
Launceston's [[Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery]] was established in 1891.<ref>{{cite news|title=Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery|work=QVMAG|url=http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/aboutus.html|access-date=14 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113151125/http://www.qvmag.tas.gov.au/aboutus.html|archive-date=13 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/212/464/|access-date=22 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302034759/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/212/464/|archive-date=2 March 2009}}</ref>
Now the largest museum located outside a capital city in Australia, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is located at two sites across the city: the original purpose-built building at Royal Park and another at the [[Inveresk and York Park Precinct, Launceston|Inveresk Cultural Precinct]], on the grounds of the former railway station and rail yards in buildings largely converted from the former Railway Workshops.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200111/s425516.htm|title=Tribute's for Launceston's mayor|date=26 November 2001|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|access-date=27 July 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227030049/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200111/s425516.htm|archive-date=27 February 2009}}</ref> The precinct also includes the Launceston Tramway Museum, which houses the No. 29 tram, the 'Mary St' shelter shed and a host of other memorabilia.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120714055500/http://picasaweb.google.com.au/mahnken2001/LauncestonAndLilydaleTasmania/photo%235219740956375977026 Tram No 29 Inveresk 2004]</ref> The state's largest preservation railway, the [[Don River Railway]], also has a carriage rebuilding workshop on the site. Australia's oldest bookshop, A.W. Birchall & Sons (Birchalls) dating from November 1844, was closed in 2017<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-06/end-of-an-era-as-173yo-bookstore-birchall27s-to-close/8165770|title=End of an era as 173yo Birchalls book store to close|publisher=ABC News|location=Australia|date=6 January 2017|access-date=28 June 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Princess Theatre at night, Launceston.JPG|thumb|The [[Princess Theatre (Launceston)|Princess Theatre]]]]

Located in the Southern Launceston suburb of [[Prospect, Tasmania|Prospect]], the Country Club Casino is a hotel, casino and golf course complex. It was the second casino to be built in Tasmania and one of the first in Australia.
[[Launceston Aquatic]], a $26.3&nbsp;million regional aquatic centre was completed in July 2009. The site, just outside the central business district spans about {{convert|6450|m2}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hazellbros.com.au/projects/12940263|title=Launceston Aquatic Centre|access-date=10 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720070750/http://www.hazellbros.com.au/projects/12940263|archive-date=20 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Launceston Aquatic|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/373/840/|access-date=22 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302025734/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/373/840/|archive-date=2 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Official name and partner announced for Aquatic Centre|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/RAC%20name%20and%20logo%20launched%20-%20media%20release%20-%20231008(1).pdf|access-date=22 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602081404/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/images/stories/RAC%20name%20and%20logo%20launched%20-%20media%20release%20-%20231008%281%29.pdf|archive-date=2 June 2009}}</ref>

From 1999 to 2003, Launceston was the site of three of the four [[Gone South]] music festivals. From 2006 to 2011, it hosted the [[MS Fest]], a music festival held at the Inveresk Show grounds each summer to raise funds for [[multiple sclerosis]] research.<ref>{{cite news|title=MSFEST|work=Tasmanian Government|url=http://events.dtpha.tas.gov.au/Events/Controller/view_event.asp?id=3907|access-date=22 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080722081300/http://events.dtpha.tas.gov.au/Events/Controller/view_event.asp?id=3907|archive-date=22 July 2008}}</ref> This has since been replaced with the Breath of Life Festival from 2012 to 2014, a similar event held at the Inveresk show grounds to raise funds for [[lung cancer]] research.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2667051/out-of-breath/|title=Out of breath|date=November 2014}}</ref>

Launceston is also the host of the Junction Arts Festival. The Junction Arts Festival was first held in 2010, and spans five days in the Launceston CBD each year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.junctionartsfestival.com.au/about|title=About Junction|last=Group|first=S.|date=2018-09-19|website=Junction Arts Festival|language=en-au|access-date=2018-09-19}}</ref> The Festival program changes each year, and includes various art forms, including music, dance, visual and interactive art, short films and live performances, from local, national and international artists.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.junctionartsfestival.com.au/program|title=Program|last=Group|first=S.|date=2018-09-19|website=Junction Arts Festival|language=en-au|access-date=2018-09-19}}</ref>

[[File:Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.jpg|thumb|600px|centre|Looking towards the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery]]

=== Sport ===
{{See also|Sport in Tasmania}}
[[File:Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs - 31st May 2008 181.jpg|thumb|right|An AFL match at UTAS Stadium]]
Sport is a popular recreational and spectator activity in Launceston and like most of the state, [[cricket]] and [[Australian rules football]] are popular sports. The city has been the birthplace of two prominent Australian cricketers; the former Australian cricket captain [[Ricky Ponting]] and the retired cricketer and Australian selector [[David Boon]]. It is also the birthplace of Australian cricketer [[James Faulkner (cricketer)|James Faulkner]], who along with Ponting and Boon all have the distinction of having been [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|Player of the Match]] in the [[List_of_Cricket_World_Cup_finals|Final]] of the [[Cricket World Cup]]. The first [[first-class cricket]] match played in Australia was at the [[NTCA Ground|Northern Tasmania Cricket Association Ground]] between the [[Melbourne Cricket Club]] and the [[Launceston Cricket Club]] in 1851.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ARCHIVE/1850S/1850-51/AUS_LOCAL/TAS_VIC_11-12FEB1851.html|title=Tasmania V Victoria|access-date=28 August 2008}}</ref>

[[Australian rules football]] is very popular in Launceston, and is often played at [[York Park]] (University of Tasmania Stadium). Holding 20,000 people—more than any other stadium in Tasmania—York Park was swampland before becoming Launceston's showgrounds in 1873. Hawthorn has played between two and five AFL matches each season since 2001, and the [[St Kilda Football Club]] played two games a year between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, the [[Tasmanian Government]] signed a A$16.4&nbsp;million, five-year sponsorship deal with the [[Hawthorn Football Club]], under which the club will play four regular season games and one [[National Australia Bank Cup]] pre-season match at the venue each year. Throughout its history, York Park has hosted major pop concerts and other entertainments. Since 2001 it has been a venue for international sports events, and in 2005 was redeveloped at a cost of $23.6&nbsp;million. Association football (commonly known in Launceston as "soccer") is also played and watched in Launceston [York Park]—the only place in Tasmania to have hosted national league soccer matches. A [[National Soccer League]] game was held at Aurora Stadium in 2002 between [[Perth Glory FC|Perth Glory]] and [[Melbourne Knights]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ozfootball.net/ark/NSL/20012002/Round20.html|title=NSL 2001–2002, Round 20|publisher=Ozfootball.net|access-date=10 June 2008}}</ref> [[A-League]]'s [[Melbourne Victory]] have held a pre-season cup game at the venue each year since 2006. The record crowd is 8,061.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=22066|title=Football spreads its reach|date=2 May 2008|publisher=[[A-League]] website|access-date=10 June 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617074657/http://www.a-league.com.au/default.aspx?s=hal_newsdisplay&id=22066|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>

Launceston is not represented by an [[NRL]] Football Club, but is expected to be represented by an [[Tasmania Football Club|AFL Team]] by 2028, as Tasmania was awarded the [[History of the Tasmanian AFL bid|19th AFL Licence]] on 2 May 2023 when AFL Presidents Unanimously approved the Tasmanian bid

[[Rugby league]] football is played in the region at junior level and senior level, the Launceston Warriors play in the [[Tasmanian Rugby League]] and were minor premiers in the 2012–2013 season.

Since 2004, the [[V8 Supercars]] (Tasmanian Challenge) has been annually held at the recently re-developed [[Symmons Plains Raceway]], which is around 30&nbsp;km south of Launceston.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.v8supercar.com.au/content/tasmania/|title=V8 Tasmanian Challenge|access-date=29 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913045347/https://www.v8supercar.com.au/content/tasmania/|archive-date=13 September 2009}}</ref> 
Marcos Ambrose, driver of the number 9 Richard Petty Motorsports car is most likely America's most notable Launceston native. A number of other sports have notable presence in Launceston, including basketball (men's, women's and indoor) and [[field hockey|hockey]]. In 2009 Launceston redeveloped the city's swimming facilities which now include a modern indoor multimillion-dollar swimming centre at windmill hill, now named [[Launceston Aquatic]].

The city co-hosted the basketball [[FIBA Oceania Championship 1975]], where the [[Australian national basketball team]] won the gold medal.

=== Media ===
Launceston's local newspaper ''[[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]]'' was founded by James Aikenhead in 1842, and has been continually published ever since.<ref>{{cite news|title=Launceston Australian News Media|work=Mondo Times|url=http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/au/184/4479|access-date=22 January 2009}}</ref> The newspaper is currently owned by [[Nine Entertainment Co.|Nine Entertainment Co]] (Nine having merged with [[Fairfax Media]] in 2018). Another local media site is ''[https://tasmaniantimes.com/ The Tasmanian Times].''

Along with the rest of the state, the city has four free-to-air television stations, including two government funded channels from the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC), the [[Special Broadcasting Service]] (SBS) and two commercial stations; [[TNT (Australian TV station)|Seven Tasmania]] ([[7HD]]) & [[WIN Television|WIN]] ([[9HD]]) These services are available in digital format as well as eleven digital-only stations, one carrying Network 10 programming [[TDT (TV station)|Tasmanian Digital Television]] ([[10 HD]]), and nationwide digital-only stations [[ABC Family (Australian TV channel)|ABC Family]]/[[ABC Kids (Australia)|ABC Kids]], [[ABC Entertains]] and [[ABC News (Australian TV channel)|ABC News]] (on ABC), [[SBS Viceland]], [[SBS Food]] and NITV (on SBS), [[7two]] and [[7mate]] (on Seven), [[9Gem]], [[9Go!]] and [[9Life]] (on WIN), and [[10 Drama]], [[10 Comedy]] and [[Nickelodeon (Australian TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] (on TDT).

Radio stations aired around Launceston are: [[7LA|LAFM]] and [[7EX|Chilli FM]] – part of the [[Grant Broadcasters]] radio network, [[TOTE Sport Radio]] – Racing Radio, [[Triple J]] – [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]], [[ABC Northern Tasmania]] – (ABC), [[ABC NewsRadio]] – (ABC), [[ABC Classic FM]] – (ABC), [[Radio National]] – (ABC), [[City Park Radio]] – [[Community Radio]], [[SBS Radio]] – (SBS), Way FM – Christian Radio – LCFM Launceston colleges radio station and [[7RPH]] which is a relay of 864&nbsp;AM from Hobart.<ref>{{cite news|title=FM Radio Tas|work=Aus Radio|url=http://www.ausradiostations.com/fmtas.html|access-date=22 January 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916122520/http://www.ausradiostations.com/fmtas.html|archive-date=16 September 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AM Radio Tas|work=Aus Radio|url=http://www.ausradiostations.com/amtas.html|access-date=22 January 2009|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009195657/http://www.ausradiostations.com/amtas.html|archive-date=9 October 2008}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==

=== Health ===
[[Launceston General Hospital]] is Launceston's 300-bed public hospital, located just south of the city centre. Every year, LGH treats over 24,000 inpatients and over 225,000 outpatients. St Lukes Private Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital are the major private facilities. Launceston was also the location of the first use of anaesthesia in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/hospitals/launceston_general/profile|title=Profile|access-date=5 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912002153/http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/hospitals/launceston_general/profile|archive-date=12 September 2008}}</ref>
Launceston is also the hub for the state's medical retrieval service. The [[Royal Flying Doctor Service]] supplies an aircraft and pilots under contract to the state's ambulance service and the aircraft (a [[Beechcraft Super King Air]]) is staffed by Ambulance Tasmania's Intensive Care Paramedics and doctors from the Launceston General Hospital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flyingdoctor.net/|title=Royal Flying Doctor Service|access-date=10 September 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612073357/http://www.flyingdoctor.net/|archive-date=12 June 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Education ===
* [[University of Tasmania]] has its second largest campus in Launceston, based in Newnham. It is currently relocating a significant portion of its campus to Inveresk. 
* [[TasTAFE]] has two major operations in Launceston based at Alanvale and the Central Business District.

=== Utilities ===
[[File:Duck Reach power station bridge.JPG|thumb|left|Duck Reach hydro power station (now a museum) once supplied Launceston with the majority of its electricity.]]
[[File:Trevallyn Dam b.jpg|thumb|right|[[Trevallyn Dam]] in flood in August 2009]]
Launceston's electricity is primarily generated by renewable [[hydro electric]] power plants including the [[Trevallyn Power Station]] which is supplied with water from [[Trevallyn Dam]]. The major retailer is [[Aurora Energy (Tasmania)|Aurora Energy]].

[[File:Launceston Gas Works 1930s Vertical Retort.JPG|thumb|right|Launceston Gas Company's 1930s vertical retort from the east]] Historically, Launceston was powered by gas from the [[Launceston Gasworks|Launceston Gas Company]], (later Gas Corporation of Tasmania). In 1988 it was sold to [[Boral]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Launceston Gas Company|url=http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/L/Launceston%20Gas%20Company.htm|website=The Companion to Tasmanian History|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> The first gas plant was built in 1860 as a horizontal retort Gas Works house made from brick and sandstone on the site's SW corner. This was followed by keepers cottages, labs, the Headquarters Building and the iconic 1930s vertical retort recognised by the wording "COOK WITH GAS" written in its brickwork.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boral.com/history/1980-1989|title=1980–1989|publisher=Boral.com.au|access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> The [[Duck Reach Power Station]] replaced gas for street lighting when it was completed in 1895 (the first municipally owned power station in the Southern Hemisphere). Until the 1950s when Trevallyn Power Station was built, Duck Reach supplied Launceston with most of its power needs – it is now an interpretive historic site. The former Gas Works currently houses the Launceston Hogsbreath Cafe.

Launceston's water comes from the Launceston Water Catchment. The majority is sourced from St Patricks River, a tributary of the [[North Esk River]] which flows through Launceston. The main retailer is Ben Lomond Water. The first reticulated water supply constructed in 1857 still serves the CBD.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/content-files/2016-12/LauncestonWaterSupplyPlaque_Jan08.pdf|title=Launceston Water Supply|website=engineersaustralia.org.au}}</ref> There were fears that the [[Tamar Valley Pulp Mill]] might adversely affect Launceston's water supply.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/19/2368954.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716185805/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/09/19/2368954.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2012|title=Gunns answers water supply critics – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=19 September 2008|access-date=2 April 2010}}</ref>

Like many Australian cities, several major companies provide mobile telecommunications services and wireless internet services to Launceston. Launceston's communication infrastructure was upgraded in 1997 through the federal "Networking the Nation" program. Beginning in 2010, the [[National Broadband Network]] began installation of fire optic cables in Launceston.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-07-17|title=Stage 3 NBN Tasmania announced – NBN Tasmania, NBN – Computerworld|url=http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/337825/stage_3_nbn_tasmania_announced/|access-date=2023-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717171338/http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/337825/stage_3_nbn_tasmania_announced/|archive-date=17 July 2011}}</ref> In 2016, Launceston became the first city in Tasmania to be fully connected to the NBN.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-03-14|title=All Launceston suburbs declared nbn ready {{!}} nbn|url=https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/all-launceston-suburbs-declared-nbn-ready|access-date=2023-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314235522/https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/all-launceston-suburbs-declared-nbn-ready|archive-date=14 March 2022}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Transport==
[[File:Launceston Metro Bus.png|thumbnail|Launceston [[Metro Tasmania]] bus on St John Street in 2014]]
===Road===
The car is by far the most dominant form of transport in Launceston, with the city having 721&nbsp;km of urban and rural roads, even though much of the CBD has narrow one-way streets.<ref>{{cite news|title=Launceston Church Location|url=http://www.users.bigpond.com/lca.burnie/ltn-map.htm|access-date=5 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204190201/http://www.users.bigpond.com/lca.burnie/ltn-map.htm|archive-date=4 December 2008}}</ref><ref name=ROADS&TRANSPORT>{{cite news|title=Roads and Transport|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Built-Environment-and-Parking/Roads-and-Transport|access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Road Damage and Repairs|publisher=Launceston City Council|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/296/630/|access-date=22 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302031030/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/content/view/296/630/|archive-date=2 March 2009}}</ref> One way streets were introduced in Launceston's central business district in May 1974.<ref name=Cooper>{{cite book|last=Cooper|first=Ian|title=Trolley Buses of Tasmania|date=1979|publisher=Australian Electric Traction Association|isbn=0 909459 05 3|pages=52-74}}</ref>

In July 1955, Launceston's tram and trolleybus networks were taken over by the [[Metro Tasmania|Metropolitan Transport Trust]].<ref name=Cooper/><ref>Launceston ''[[Transit Australia|Electric Traction]]'' August 1955 page 9</ref> In addition, [[Kinetic Tasmania]] offers school services and travels to many destinations across Tasmania.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tasredline.com.au/|title=Passenger Route Services|publisher=[[Kinetic Tasmania]]|access-date=1 November 2008}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>{{r|ROADS&TRANSPORT}}

Because of its central location, Launceston is the hub of five of the state's major highways. The [[Midland Highway, Tasmania|Midland Highway]] is the primary route to [[Hobart]]. The [[Bass Highway, Tasmania|Bass Highway]] is the primary route to [[Devonport, Tasmania|Devonport]] and [[Burnie]]. The [[Tasman Highway]] is an alternate scenic route to Hobart via [[Scottsdale, Tasmania|Scottsdale]], the East Coast, the [[West Tamar Highway]] and [[East Tamar Highway]].{{r|ROADS&TRANSPORT}}

===Tram and rail network===
[[File:Launceston trams in 1911.jpg|thumb|right|Opening of the Launceston Municipal Tramway in 1911]]
Launceston operated a suburban tramway system between 1911 and 1952.<ref>Still running ''[[Track & Signal]]'' issue 19/2 May 2015 page 84</ref> A decade before the tram system was abandoned, Launceston had begun converting to [[trolleybus]]es, especially for the hilly routes. The [[Trolleybuses in Launceston|Launceston trolleybus system]] ran from 1951 until 1968.<ref>Trolleybuses now history ''[[Truck & Bus Transportation]]'' September 1968 page 140</ref>

A regional passenger rail system operated in Tasmania, of which Launceston was a major hub; however, after many years of gradual retrenchment it was closed in July 1978.<ref>Tasmania's last passenger train ''[[The Railway Magazine]]'' issue 931 November 1978 page 562</ref> The [[Launceston Railway Workshops]] was the primary servicing centre for the [[Tasmanian Government Railways]] diesel locomotive fleet.<ref>TGR Opens New Diesel Locomotive Repair and Maintenance Shop at Launceston ''[[Railway Transportation]]'' April 1953 page 21</ref><ref>TGR Railway Workshops Provide Complete Engineering Service ''[[Network (periodical)|Network]]'' October 1968 page 2</ref>

Former passenger railway lines servicing Launceston:
*[[Launceston & Western Railway]] (1871–1873)
*Launceston–Deloraine (1875–1978)
*Launceston–Hobart (via Evandale) (1876–1978)
*Launceston–Devonport (1885–1978)
*Launceston–Burnie (1901–1978)

The [[TasRail]] freight rail system links Launceston to Burnie, Hobart and [[Bell Bay railway line|Bell Bay]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Transport Supply|work=Tasmanian Government|url=http://www.iris.tas.gov.au/infrastructure/transport/supply|access-date=5 January 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819211327/http://www.iris.tas.gov.au/infrastructure/transport/supply|archive-date=19 August 2006}}</ref>

===Airport===
The city is served by the small curfew-free [[Launceston Airport]], {{convert|15|km}} south-east of the city. The airport serves over one million passengers annually. [[Jetstar]], [[QantasLink]], [[Sharp Airlines]] and [[Virgin Australia]] operate scheduled services at the airport. As at November 2020, there are direct flights to and from [[Adelaide Airport|Adelaide]], [[Brisbane Airport|Brisbane]], [[Melbourne Airport|Melbourne]], [[Perth Airport|Perth]], and [[Sydney Airport|Sydney]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Passenger Jet Services|work=Launceston Airport|url=https://www.launcestonairport.com.au/flights/arrivals-departures|access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref>

===Port===
Launceston's port is located about 48 kilometers north on the Tamar River at Bell Bay.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.portlaun.com.au/|title=Home|website=portlaun.com.au}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author1=Raymond Alfred Ferrall|author2=Port of Launceston Authority|title=The story of the port of Launceston|year=1983|publication-date=1983|publisher=Port of Launceston Authority|isbn=978-0-909817-01-5}}</ref> The Port of Bell Bay handles around 5,300,000 tons of domestic and international cargo each year, and has five piers for cruise and passenger ships.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahmed|first=Zahra|date=2022-12-04|title=12 Major Ports in Tasmania|url=https://www.marineinsight.com/know-more/12-major-ports-in-tasmania/|access-date=2024-03-04|website=Marine Insight|language=en-US}}</ref> The port is adjacent to an industrial park that houses facilities for Temco, [[Sims Metal]], [[BP]] and [[Arrium]], among other companies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Port Information|url=https://www.tasports.com.au/bell-bay-port-information|access-date=2024-03-04|website=Bell Bay Port Information|language=en}}</ref> The Port of Bell Bay is part of a network of ports managed by [[TasPorts]].

== Sister cities ==
Launceston has three sister cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=100|title=Sister Cities|publisher=Launceston City Council|access-date=16 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218085458/http://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/lcc/index.php?c=100|archive-date=18 February 2011}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="background:white;"
|-
! City
! State
! Country
! Year
|-
| [[Ikeda, Osaka|Ikeda]]
| [[File:Flag of Osaka.svg|24px]] [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| {{flag|Japan}}
| 1 November 1965
|-
| [[Napa, California|Napa]]
| {{flag|California}}
| {{flag|United States}}
| 6 June 1988
|-
| [[Taiyuan]]
| {{flagicon|China}} [[Shanxi]]
| {{flag|China}}
| 28 November 1995
|}

== Notable people ==
{{Main category|People from Launceston, Tasmania}}
{{Further|List of mayors of Launceston}}
<!-- Please order ALPHABETICALLY by family name -->
Notable people from or who have lived in Launceston include:
* [[Nathaniel Atkinson]], footballer for [[Melbourne City FC|Melbourne City F.C.]]
* [[Marcos Ambrose]], NASCAR driver
* [[Harold Napier Baker]], Rural Dean of St John's Church
* [[Simon Baker]], actor
* [[George Bailey (cricketer, born 1982)|George Bailey]], cricketer and Australian cricket selector
* [[Lance Barnard]] (1919–1997), former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia under [[Gough Whitlam]]
* [[David Boon]], cricketer
* [[Harry Cooper (veterinarian)|Harry Cooper]], TV veterinarian
* [[James Faulkner (cricketer)|James Faulkner]], cricketer
* [[Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh]], Qantas founder
* [[Daniel Ganderton]], jockey
* [[Daniel Geale]], boxer
* [[Belle Gibson]], scam artist
* [[Simon Hanselmann]], cartoonist
* [[Simon Hussey]], songwriter and record producer
* [[Tasman Jones]], swimmer and diver
* [[David Lambourne]], judge 
* [[Alexander Tasman Marshall]], Tasmanian MHA
* [[Ray Martin (television presenter)|Ray Martin]], journalist
* [[Cleo Massey]], actress
* [[Stewart McSweyn]], distance runner
* [[Ricky Ponting]], cricketer
* [[Richie Porte]], professional cyclist
* [[Bec Rawlings]], boxer
* [[Peter Sculthorpe]], composer
* [[Hattie Shepparde]] (1846–1874), actress and opera singer
* [[Rachael Taylor]], actress
* [[Ariarne Titmus]], Olympic champion swimmer
* [[Frank Lee Woodward]] (1871–1952), Pali scholar, author and theosophist
* [[John Youl (priest)|John Youl]], an early clergyman, St John's Church of England
* [[Shane Yost]], Championship Vert Skater
* [[Fiora Cutler]], Musician

== References ==
=== Citations ===
: ''References using [[The Examiner (Tasmania)|The Examiner]] may require registration for access.''
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book|first1=Charles|last1=Wooley|last2=Tatlow|first2=Michael|year=2007|publisher=Walk Guides Australia <!--|ISBN=9770018354464 This is unlikely to be an ISBN. It is invalid and changes to it to make it valid did not link to a book -->|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTAAPAAACAAJ|title=Walk in Old Launceston: Your Guide to Two Wondrous Hours : Colonial Horrors, Heroism and Splendour}}
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Launceston}}
{{Commons category}}
*[https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/ Launceston City Council]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091207065933/http://michaelferguson.com/2009/08/cataract-gorge-in-flood/ Original video of the Cataract Gorge in flood, August 2009]
*[https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/tasmanian-time-capsule Watch historical footage of Launceston, Burnie, Hobart and the rest of Tasmania] from the [[National Film and Sound Archive]] of Australia's collection.

{{Launceston landmarks}}
{{Launceston suburbs}}
{{Tasmania}}
{{Cities of Australia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Launceston, Tasmania| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Tasmania]]
[[Category:City of Launceston]]
[[Category:Localities of City of Launceston]]
[[Category:1806 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1806]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Tasmania]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Tamar River]]