Top tips for visiting Launceston
Heading to our neck of the woods? Did you know the Tamar Valley region – the home of Holm Oak – is less than an hour’s drive from beautiful Launceston? Here are some of our favourite things to do in the region we live in and love.
Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre for some mining history
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Holm Oak vineyards is the always interesting Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the history of the Beaconsfield Mines, engage with more than 10,000 historical pieces from Beaconsfield and the Tamar Valley, and interact with buttons, tunnels and levers throughout the grounds while searching for gold. There’s even a 3D experience to take you into the mine and discover what lies beneath. Visit the website →
Miners Gold Brewery for a cleansing ale
Right by the Beaconsfield mine, you’ll find the Miners Gold Brewery, which opened in July 2019. Kathy and Brett Victory (an apt name, we think) are brewing some beautiful ales and pairing them with an equally beautiful lunch menu (and eventually dinner, too), based around the wonderful produce of the West Tamar Valley. So, once you’ve taken in all the fascinating experiences on offer at the Heritage Centre, drop in for a tasting and settle in for lunch. Visit the website →
Activities near Launceston. Get wild at Cataract Gorge
Another must for your time in Launceston is to discover the great outdoors and there’s no better place to do that than at The Cataract Gorge. Only a 15-minute walk from Launceston’s city centre is Mother Nature at her best. Take a ride on the Scenic Chairlift and view the gorgeous surrounds from high above, wander the pathway along the cliff face and take in the views of the South Esk River, or chow down on a Basin Burger or some Creamy Seafood Chowder for lunch at the Basin Café. Day sorted. Visit the website →
The Southern Ocean Aquarium
Ever wondered what a Seahorse farm might look like? Wonder no more. Born from research by local marine biologists to help protect the species, Seahorse World in Beauty Point (around 50 minutes from Launceston) gets you up close and personal with this underwater creature in its unique habitat. The Cave of the Seahorse exhibit features various types of seahorses, while The Southern Ocean Aquarium – where the headline act meets sea dragons, cuttlefish and even sharks – provides a sensory overload of the aquatic kind. Plus, the kids will love the touch pool so much, you’ll be hard-pressed to get them outta there. Visit the website →
Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm the local farmers and friendly volunteers get together to host the Harvest Launceston, Community Farmers’ Market to show off their produce and sell their wares. Chat to the stallholders about how best to cook their delicious local produce and discover what’s in season, or stop and have a bite of tasty ready-to-eat foods on offer. Korean pancakes or Tasmania’s best seafood plates, anyone? It’s a must-visit. Visit the website →
Penguin Tour near Launceston
After a day out and about driving through Tamar Valley to Launceston, keep heading south as the sun sets, and meet the local fauna. Low Head Penguin Tours is a beautiful family experience you’ll never forget. Gathering at the Coastal Reserve beach, which is right on magnificent Bass Straight, where you’ll see Little Blue Penguins (you might know them as Fairy Penguins) waddle onto the beach from the water. If you listen really carefully you might hear them sing when they come out of the surf. It’s Happy Feet in real life! For tour details Visit the website →
Berry picking near Launceston
Tasmania is renowned for its produce, and our berries are second to none. There’s something special about being able to pick your own crop, too, and, of course, the kids love it. At Hillwood berries, you can pick to your heart’s delight seven days a week, then settle in to the Farmgate Café on this working farm for something sweet with a coffee or cuppa. The farm is also well-stocked with homemade treats to take with you – from berry vinegars to jams and fruit wines. Visit the website →
Visit our cellar door
If you’re planning a Tasmanian escape this year and want to check out gorgeous scenery, sip on delicious Holm Oak wines and meet our very friendly swine Pinot d’ Pig, our cellar door is re-opening for visitors from 1 June 2022. Our cellar door will be open (between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday) with all our great wines available for tasting. Dry or sweet, light or full-bodied drops, the choice is yours.
Bring the kids, who can take apples from our on-site orchard and feed our resident Pinot d’Pig. We might be off the beaten track, but we’d love to welcome you to Holm Oak soon.
