Launceston - North East, Tasmania.

Originally named Patersonia, the first settlement on the site of present-day Launceston was established in 1804 by Lieutenant Colonel William Paterson.

Paterson and his troops originally established a garrison at Port Dalrymple, now George Town, but after only a few weeks moved across the river to York Town.  They remained there until 1806 when the decision was taken to move on to Patersonia which was subsequently re-named Launceston after the Cornish birth-place of New South Wales Governor Phillip King.

Launceston developed rapidly as both a port and, by 1824, as the major military establishment in northern Tasmania.  A frequent port of call for whalers and sealers it was also exporting local produce, primarily wool and wheat produced in the surrounding areas.  As the prosperity of the pastoralists improved so too did that of Launceston and, having been surveyed in 1826 it was declared a municipality in 1852.

Tasmania experienced a mining boom in the 1870’s with Tin discovered at Mount Bischoff in 1871 followed by gold just 50 kilometres from Launceston at Beaconsfield in 1877.  Over the next twenty years Launceston experienced accelerated growth and by 1889 had established itself as the second largest city in Tasmania after Hobart.

Launceston today is renowned as Tasmania’s Garden City due to the large number of parks and gardens to be found in and around the city, with one exceptional example being the Cataract Gorge.  First developed in 1899 and with the first suspension bridge constructed in 1904 the Gorge is a popular natural retreat with locals and visitors alike.  With a chairlift crossing the basin there are areas of natural bush contrasting with lovely manicured gardens, a band-stand and a great variety of both flora and fauna.

The compact nature of Launceston makes it an ideal place to see on foot.  Historic buildings such as Macquarie House (1830), Franklin House (1838) and the Old Umbrella Shop (1860’s) together with sites such as Princes Square and City Park are all readily accessible.

This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions

www.footloosephoto.com.au

Things to see around - Launceston

Golf at Country Club Tasmania

Golf lovers visiting Tasmania should make the Country Club Tasmania at Prospect Vale on the outskirts of Launceston a must, featuring an 18 hole championship course designed by two of the sports greats, Mike Wolveridge and Peter Thomson, this international standard course is amoung the best courses Tasmania has to offer.

The club features a selection of dining options including the award-winning Terrace Restaurant, outstanding accommodation, a boutique casino and outdoor pursuits including horse riding and trout fishing in the clubs own private lake.

Telephone: 03 6225 7092 Location: Country Club Avenue, Prospect Vale, Tasmania.

Website: www.countryclubtasmania.com.au