Launceston camping spots for outdoor lovers

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From camping alongside alpacas to pushing in the tent pegs on the banks of a pretty river near a historic estate, the campgrounds in and around Launceston provide a perfect escape into nature.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly campsite with a giant jumping pillow or a secluded spot to unwind adjacent to a vineyard, this guide will help you find the ideal location to pitch your tent and explore the photogenic landscapes of northern Tasmania.

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

Looking for a holiday park with all the bells and whistles? Make a beeline to BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park, just a 2-minute drive from the CBD. There’s a bouncing pillow, games room, taxidermy display, playground, BBQs, camp kitchen and laundry. Bring a torch for wildlife spotting – there are plenty of wallabies that hop down from the bushland in the evening.

an aerial view of BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is just minutes from the CBD.

Accommodation-wise, folks in caravans, campervans, motorhomes and camp trailers can choose from an exclusive number of powered sites with either grass or a concrete slab, while tent-dwellers have plenty of grassy terrain to choose from.

an air-conditioned villa at BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

Stay in an air-conditioned villa at BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park.

For those who prefer four solid walls, there’s a wide range of air-conditioned villas, including the sleek three-bedroom condos that sleep up to eight.

a look inside the modern interior of Big4 Launceston Holiday Park

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park offers sleek three-bedroom condos that sleep up to eight.

Pick up a snack at the excellent providore and gift shop, which stocks the likes of local mussel soup and freeze-dried ice cream. If you don’t feel like cooking, take a 10-minute stroll to the All Year Round Tavern and order the BBQ pork belly ribs (slow roasted for a whopping 18 hours).

Address: 86 Glen Dhu St

Old Mac’s Farm Stay

Just 10 minutes from the CBD but with relaxed country vibes, Old Mac’s Farm Stay is a sprawling green retreat that combines the rustic charm of farm life with an inner city-style restaurant. Does it get any better than emerging from your caravan, walking past friendly sheep, alpacas and chickens and dining on berry French toast with pink Persian fairy floss?

highland cattle at Old Mac’s Farm Stay, Launceston

Walk past friendly cattle at Old Mac’s Farm Stay. (Image: Murray Howse Graphic Design)

The restaurant, Apricus – meaning ‘sunny, having lots of sunshine’ – serves up brekky, lunch and dinner. The drink selection is impressive, with friendly staff pouring a fabulous array of teas (think Malabar chai and honeydew green) and quality local beers, wines, cocktails and spirits.

the Apricus Restaurant at Old Mac’s Farm Stay, Launceston

Dine brekky, lunch and dinner at the on site restaurant Apricus.

For caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers (sorry tents are not permitted) there are unpowered and powered sites. Facilities include water hook-up, toilets and dump point but take note – there are no shower facilities.

the camping site at Old Mac’s Farm Stay, Launceston

Old Mac’s Farm Stay exudes relaxed country vibes. (Image: Murray Howse Graphic Design)

There’s a communal fire pit or you’re welcome to bring your own, provided it’s elevated off the ground. At dawn or sunset, pull on some sturdy shoes to hike up to Big Hill Lookout for stunning views across the whole site.

the river at Old Mac’s Farm Stay, Launceston

Escape into nature at Old Mac’s Farm Stay. (Image: Murray Howse Graphic Design)

Address: 53a Sandown Road, Norwood

Launceston Holiday Park Legana

Launceston Holiday Park Legana, 10 minutes north of the city, is a great pick for anyone looking for a relaxing yet convenient spot close to the Tamar Valley vineyards and farms. Set on a swathe of leafy parkland, foodies will love visiting the idyllic berry plantations, apple and pear orchards and honey producers in the area.

the property exterior of Launceston Holiday Park Legana

Launceston Holiday Park Legana is situated near Tamar Valley vineyards.

The park has a range of accommodation options, from roomy powered sites and a grassy tent area to no-frills self-contained cabins, including family villas that sleep five. Amenities include shower facilities, a well-equipped camp kitchen and a laundry. The Legana shops area is close by, so you won’t be far from access to groceries, a post office and a bottle shop.

Address: 711 W Tamar Hwy, Legana

Discovery Parks – Hadspen

A 15-minute drive southwest of Launceston, this tidy Discovery Parks property would suit travellers looking for a quiet, budget-friendly park with a cool games room for the kids. Campers and caravaners can pick from green or gravel-powered sites.

a father and daughter with their bicycles at Hadspen River

Pedal your way around Discovery Parks – Hadspen.

For adventurers looking for lodgings, there are self-contained homely villas that sleep up to six (some are pet-friendly). The superior cedar cabins with two sets of wooden bunk beds would be the pick of the bunch for families with kids.

kids in the outdoor fire area at Discovery Parks Hadspen

This tidy Discovery Parks property suits travellers looking for a quiet, budget-friendly park.

Heading out? Hadspen’s handy location allows easy access to nearby attractions, such as local wineries and the 200-year-old Entally Estate, where you can pop by for a tour, Devonshire Tea on the verandah or to sip Entally wine.

Address: 9 Main St, Hadspen

Longford Riverside Caravan Park

Smack bang on the banks of the pretty Macquarie River, the Longford Riverside Caravan Park offers a no-fuss stay for nature lovers, just 10 minutes from the Launceston airport and 20 minutes from the CBD. The park boasts 100 powered sites, all with sullage and water, and 50 unpowered sites, as well as on-site near new permanent caravans for those seeking a bit more comfort.

the Longford Riverside Caravan Park featuring scenic nature views

Retreat into a cosy caravan on the banks of the Macquarie River.

It’s a clean and well-maintained park with two amenities blocks, a camp kitchen, a BBQ area and a small playground. Spend your days exploring the historic town of Longford, with its heritage buildings and local shops providing a glimpse into Tasmania’s past. For outdoor enthusiasts, the river offers opportunities for fishing and quiet riverside walks. Nearby, you can visit notable sites like Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate with its 20 heritage buildings to explore.

a look inside one of the modern caravans at Longford Riverside Caravan Park, Launceston

Longford Riverside Caravan Park offers a no-fuss stay for nature lovers.

Address: 2a Archers St, Longford

Explore the area with our guide to the 11 best things to do in Launceston.
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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The 6 dreamiest Airbnbs in Launceston

    By Liz Whitehead
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    Experience the history, creativity and unique spirit of Launceston with one of these dreamy Airbnb stays.

    Launceston’s rich history and creative spirit are reflected in the variety of unique Airbnb stays around the city. Whether you’d prefer to cosy up in a quaint cottage, base yourself in a sleek inner-city apartment or rest up in a nature retreat— Launceston has a fantastic range of Airbnb’s to suit any style. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the dreamiest Airbnb’s in Launceston that will ensure you have a memorable stay.

    1. Birdhouse Studios

    Best for: Couples, solo travellers and architecture aficionados with a penchant for luxury.

    Birdhouse studios are two impeccably stylish cabins perched on a hill in West Launceston, just 15 minutes’ walk from the CBD. Birdhouse is the epitome of sleek design, yet offers an interior that’s every bit as cosy as it is chic.

    Birdhouse Studios Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    The cosy-yet-chic interiors of Birdhouse Studios. (Image: Birdhouse Studios Airbnb)

    Designed with warm wooden hues to match the surrounding Eucalyptus trees, Birdhouse merges nature with modern design. You’ll also get expansive views over the city’s East side— chill out on the balcony with one of the properties’ many architecture books left for design enthusiasts to flip through.

    External view of Birdhouse Studios in Launceston

    Birdhouse Studios is tucked up high amongst the trees with views of Launceston. (Image: Birdhouse Studios Airbnb)

    2. The Store House

    Best for: Families, couples, and friends looking for spacious and stylish accommodation.

    This townhouse is located in a lovely café precinct, perfect for soaking up Launceston’s lively vibes and heritage architecture. Dressed in modern white with wooden accents and a beautifully designed interior, this townhouse is light, luxurious and airy. There’s also a hot tub to unwind in—the perfect place to enjoy a glass of local Tassie wine if you’ve made an excursion to one of the local wineries.

    The Store House Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    The Store House exudes light, luxurious and airy vibes. (Image: The Store House Airbnb)

    3. Treetop Townhouse

    Best for: Families and bush enthusiasts looking for a comfortable and peaceful place to stay.

    Wake up among the treetops! This getaway offers fantastic views over verdant canopies and distant frosty mountains—perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat away from the city. This Launceston Airbnb is in the beautiful bushland surroundings and a short distance from the CBD as well as Cataract Gorge. Large glass windows encircle the property, allowing for lots of sunshine and exquisite views. Chill out on the deck, or recharge in the cosy interior with a book from the property’s well-stocked library.

    Treetop Townhouse Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    True to its name, the Treetop Townhouse offers fantastic views over verdant canopies and distant frosty mountains. (Image: Treetop Townhouse Airbnb)

    4. Wahroonga on Bourke

    Best for: Couples with a penchant for luxury and modern design.

    Combining history and impeccable style, this 1901 Federation home is a charming place to base yourself for a visit to Launceston. You’ll be cosseted in luxury and great design— with phenomenal city views, heated floors and curated local artwork adorning the walls. Although the space oozes opulence, there are plenty of small personal touches to uncover during your stay (like freshly baked bread!) that makes Wahroonga feel like a slice of home. This accommodation spot is one of the highest-rated Airbnb’s in Launceston, and it’s easy to see why! Wahroonga on Bourke also have an apartment with similar design sensibilities that you can book, too.

    Wahroonga on Burke Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    Wahroonga on Burke exudes casual opulence. (Image: Wahroonga on Burke Airbnb)

    5. Inner City Apartment

    Best for: Couples or solo travellers looking for a well-appointed, centrally located apartment.

    If you’re looking for a stylish and modern apartment in a central location, then this Inner City Apartment is the perfect Launceston base. Conveniently located close to Albert Hall, City Park and the Grand Chancellor, you’ll be in a prime position to catch all of the action and cultural events. You’ll also be a short walk from Harvest Markets, with plenty of museums and things to do a short walk away. Inside the accommodation, you’ll be shrouded by a sleek and stylish design featuring a dark charcoal colour palette.

    Inner city apartment Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    Admire the sleek and stylish charcoal palette of this inner city apartment. (Image: Inner City Apartment Airbnb)

    6. Glebe Cottage

    Best for: Couples in search of something luxe – but a bit different.

    Glebe Cottage is a tiny-home nestled in Glebe Gardens, a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Launceston CBD. This minimalist house has everything you need, tessellated into comfortable and cosy quarters. The home may be compact, but the surrounding gardens are expansive. You’ll have a view of the award-winning gardens from your window, and full access to wander around with a glass of wine in hand.

    Glebe Cottage Airbnb in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

    This tiny home nestled in Glebe Gardens is the perfect getaway base. (Image: Glebe Cottage Airbnb)

    Read our ultimate travel guide to Launceston for more tips, guides and itineraries.