Launceston
Getting to know the city of Launceston:
The city of Launceston lies to the north of Tasmania, Australia. This city is situated at the junction, where the North Esk and South Esk rivers amalgamate to become the Tamar River. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania and the ninth largest non capital city of Australia. The city of Launceston is the only inland city in Tasmania.
Climate in Launceston is oceanic, temperate in nature. This city is characterized by four distinct seasons. Since the city of Launceston is located in the Tamar Valley and is surrounded by large hills and mountains, the climate in this city keeps changing in short time frames. The months of January and February are the warmest months in the city. Winters are cool, but winds are almost nonexistent during this season. July is the coldest month in Launceston. Rainfall in this city ranges from moderate to low levels.
The city of Launceston stands out for its extraordinary architectural creations. This city sports the Federation style housing. Most of the buildings situated in the central business district of this city belong to the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries. However, the highlight of the city still remains the plethora of Victorian and Georgian buildings that surround this region. The Brutalist architecture is a rare scene in this city.
Launceston is a major retail centre, which is also a vital service centre servicing the northern area of Tasmania. Agricultural and Pastoral activities are carried out on a large scale in the city of Launceston. Viticulture is an upcoming trend in this city. Agricultural industries in this region are managed and supported by the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research. The rural economy in Launceston is known for its superfine wool, which has attracted a number of international buyers in the recent times.
Two sports that are played and followed at a massive level in the city of Launceston are Cricket and Australian Rules football. The city of Launceston is the birthplace of two well known cricket figures, the former Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting and the retired cricketer and Australian selector, David Boon. Australian Rules football is generally played at York Park. The game of Rugby League Football is played at both junior and senior levels. The team, Launceston Warriors represents the city in the Tasmanian Rugby League. V8 Superstars takes place in Launceston every year. Since the year 2009, swimming facilities have been redeveloped in the city, the best example of which is the Launceston Aquatic. Two other popular games in this region are basketball and hockey.
Media, Health & Transport Parameters in Launceston:
The Examiner is Launceston’s local newspaper, which was found by James Aikenhead in the year 1842 and is presently being published by Fairfax media. As far as television services are concerned, this region is serviced by four free to air television stations, two of which are government funded channels run by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Service. The remaining two are commercial stations. A number of radio stations are aired in the city of Launceston, the well known names in the industry being LAFM, Chilli FM, Triple J-ABC, Radio National and SBS Radio to list down a few.
In the area of Health, the Launceston General Hospital, which is a public hospital, offers world class facilities to both inpatients as well as outpatients. This city also houses two private hospitals, namely, St Lukes Private Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital. This city was the first to make use of anesthesia in the Southern Hemisphere. Launceston is also an active hub for the state’s medical retrieval service.
One major mode of transportation in the city of Launceston is private vehicles that dominate the urban and rural roads in this city. Metro Tasmania, which is a Tasmanian government owned and operated public bus facility, services this city. The city of Launceston is recognized as a hub for the state’s five major highways, which include the Midland Highway, Bass Highway, the Tasman Highway, West Tamar Highway and the East Tamar Highway. This city is home to the Launceston Airport, which serves over one million passengers in a year. Direct flights to cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane take off from this airport.
Places to Visit in Launceston:
Tamar Valley: If you are desirous of being welcomed by orchards, scenic pastures and forests, then paying a visit to the Tamar Valley should suffice. You can explore the magnificent Tamar River that flows from Launceston to Bass Strait by heading to the Tamar Valley. You can engage in some wine tasting and also buy wines of your choice at this place.
City Park: You can have a rendezvous with moneys, ducks, colorful flowers as well as huge trees by visiting the City Park. Apart from this, there is a chessboard, children’s playground and barbeques also available at this location.
Tasmania Zoo: Located in the picturesque Tamar Valley is this local family run, Tasmania Zoo. At this zoo, you are sure to bump into round about 250 individual animals, which represent 100 unique species. On your visit to this zoo, make it a point to experience the Jurassic Swamp tour.
Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery: You can familiarize yourself with both colonial and decorative arts by paying a visit to the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. At this gallery, you will be introduced to permanent as well as temporary art exhibitions.