A Relaxing 2 Day Itinerary for Launceston: Wine, History, and Food
- Lisa
- May 7
- 6 min read
Planning a weekend getaway to Launceston? This charming Tasmanian city has so much to offer - from incredible food and wine to fascinating local history. If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your visit, here’s a 2 day Launceston itinerary that combines some of the region’s best experiences, loved by locals and tourists alike.
There are two ways to get to Launceston from the Australian mainland. For those who are short on time, we recommend booking with a local airline - either QANTAS, Virgin or Jetstar, which will fly direct into Launceston in around one hour from Melbourne Tullamarine airport. Otherwise, catching the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport is likely a better option for those who plan on holidaying in Tasmania for an extended period of time. The ferry takes approximately 8 hours, depending on conditions, with two departures a day. The ferry also allows passengers to bring their car on board (for an extra fee), which is great for those who plan to camp, or spend a lot of time driving through the state.
If you're travelling from abroad, don't forget to purchase an eSIM to ensure you stay connected during your trip to Tasmania. We recommend airalo for price, convenience, and reliability.
Day 1: All about Tasmanian food and wine
Sip and Savour in the Tamar Valley
Your first day in Launceston is all about Tasmania’s famous wine region - the Tamar Valley. One of the best ways to explore without worrying about driving (legal BAC in Australia is .05) is to join a guided Tamar Valley Wine Tour. This full-day tour takes you to some of the region’s top wineries, where you’ll get to taste award-winning cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Along the way, you’ll also learn a bit about the wine-making process and meet passionate local producers. This tour includes wine tasting at approximately 4 wineries, with lunch sandwiched somewhere in the middle. Lunch with a drink is included in the price of the tour, and all tastings at wineries are included in the price of the tour. Wineries you'll visit will depend on the day of the week, and the time of the year, so your tour may look a little different to mine.
The host of this tour has been doing wine tours in the Tamar Valley for years, and will give you information about the region as you drive. One thing we enjoyed was that the driver gave us the low-down on the wineries before visiting - we got to know a bit about the history, the owners, and other little bits of information we'd otherwise not known if we had decided to drive ourselves.
By the end, you’ll have a great overview of what makes Tamar Valley wines special, and probably a bottle or two to take home!
Dinner at Grain of the Silos
After a day touring the Tamar Valley’s stunning vineyards, Grain of the Silos is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a memorable dinner. Set inside the beautifully restored Peppers Silo Hotel (literally old grain silos!), this restaurant has built a reputation as one of Launceston’s best dining spots, focusing on the incredible produce Tasmania is famous for.
The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, celebrating local farmers, fishers, and growers. You’ll find Tasmanian beef, lamb, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables, all transformed into modern, creative dishes. If you enjoy wine, their list (of course!) features some of the best bottles from the Tamar Valley and other top Tasmanian wineries. It's a great way to continue your wine journey from earlier in the day, now that you've learned a little about the wines of the region.
The restaurant itself has a warm and elegant atmosphere, with views across the river and thoughtful touches that make it ideal for a relaxed yet special evening. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a celebration, or just a great meal after a long day, Grain of the Silos delivers quality and style in every bite.
We highly recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends and during busy seasons.
If you're travelling with kids, the huge playground opposite the restaurant is the perfect spot to let them run around. Just be sure they're confident climbers, before letting them up the huge rope climbing frame!
BEST GUIDED DAY TRIPS FROM LAUNCESTON 1. Cradle Mountain National Park day tour 3. Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park day tour BEST EXPERIENCES IN LAUNCESTON |
Day 2: From French Pastries to Brewery Tours
Breakfast at Le Petit Chou
Start your second day with a delicious breakfast at Le Petit Chou, a charming café with a French twist. Known for its fresh pastries and great coffee, this is the perfect spot to fuel up before a day of exploring. Whether you’re after something sweet or savoury, they’ve got you covered. The cafe has indoor and outdoor street dining options. Otherwise, feel free to takeaway your food to enjoy in a local park.
Explore Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre
Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre is more than just a museum - it’s a hands-on, interactive experience that brings Tasmania’s mining history to life. Set in the historic gold mining town of Beaconsfield, about a 30-minute drive from Launceston, the centre offers something for all ages, from history buffs to curious kids.
One of the highlights is the story of the 2006 Beaconsfield mine rescue, where miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb were trapped underground for two weeks after a dramatic mine collapse. You can see the yellow elevator that brought them back to the surface of the earth after their rescue, and explore exhibits that explain the huge effort it took to save them. The mine is no longer open for mining, but the story remains an inspiring part of Australian history.
Aside from the mine rescue story, there's so much more to see! Take your time exploring:
Heritage farming machinery and mining tools: Get up close to historic farming equipment and see how much has changed in the last 100 years.
Hands-on interactive displays: Operate old machinery, and give panning for gold a go.
Local history exhibits: Learn about the Beaconsfield community, early settlers, and the challenges of mining life in Tasmania.
The centre is thoughtfully laid out with different themed areas, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re delving into mining history, learning about Tasmania’s gold rush, or reflecting on the human stories of courage and resilience, the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre is an unforgettable stop for people of all ages.
Allow at least 2 hours to fully explore all areas, and don't forget to grab some local honey from the gift shop on the way out.
The Historic James Boag's Brewery Tour
Wrap up your Launceston adventure with a James Boag's Brewery Tour - because what better way to wrap up your time in Launceston than with a locally brewed beer? This iconic brewery has been part of Launceston since 1881, and the guided tour takes you behind the scenes to see how their beers are made. Of course, you’ll also get to sample some beers at the end of the tour.
The tour is a fun and relaxed way to end your visit to Launceston, especially if you’re a beer fan. The best part of the tour was learning about James Boag's beers that are only available for sale in Tasmania, and getting to try them for the first time.
No photos are allowed during the brewery tour, but you'll be able to take some photos of the small museum, and inside the bar. The tour currently runs 3 times a day, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. You can book your tour through the official website.
Final thoughts on spending 2 days in Launceston
In just two days, this Launceston itinerary should give you a taste of Tasmania’s wine, food, and history - perfect for a weekend getaway or part of a longer Tassie trip. We haven't jam-packed it to the brim, instead we've kept the itinerary relaxed. This also allows you to fit in a few extras to suit your travel style along the way. Keep a look out for fruit farms along the road between Launceston and Beaconsfield (we got some cherries!), as there are plenty of farms offering freshly picked fruit for sale, in addition to some allowing you to pick your own for a discount.
Whether you’re sipping Pinot Noir in the Tamar Valley or learning about Launceston’s brewing history at James Boags brewery, we hope you’ll leave with a real sense of what makes this city and its surrounds so special.
Like this post? Save it to Pinterest!
 |  |