Every street has a story. Together, they built the Launceston we know today.

Group of adults and children standing outdoors in a park, engaging in conversation on a sunny day with trees and a building tower in the background.

A CITY BUILT ON STORIES

Look a little closer at Launceston.

Behind the streets and buildings you pass every day are the stories of the people, industries and ideas that shaped this city.

Walk with us through Launceston's past and present, discovering how the city has grown, adapted and reinvented itself.

Some stories changed Launceston forever. Others are hiding in plain sight.

Together, they explain the city around us.

Why we tell these stories

Launceston has never stood still. Industries have risen and disappeared, buildings have changed purpose, communities have evolved and the city has continually adapted to what came next.

Understanding those stories gives us a different way of seeing Launceston today.

Heart of Launceston isn't about reciting names and dates. It's about connecting the past with the streets around us, discovering the people behind the city and understanding how Launceston became the place it is today.

What to expect

  • Heart of Launceston begins at the City Park gates on Tamar Street. Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting location and everything you need before joining us.

  • Approximately 90 minutes, covering around 1.5 kilometres through central Launceston at a relaxed pace with regular stops along the way.

  • Yes. Heart of Launceston follows public footpaths and pedestrian crossings and is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility aids and strollers. If you have specific accessibility requirements, get in touch before your tour and we'll happily talk through the route with you.

  • History is at the heart of the experience, but we don't deliver it like a history lecture. Heart connects Launceston's past with the city you see today through storytelling, architecture, public art, local culture and the people and industries that shaped it.

  • Absolutely. Some of our favourite guests are Launceston locals who discover stories and details hidden in streets they've walked hundreds of times. Heart is as much about rediscovering your city as it is about seeing it for the first time.

  • Yes! Well-behaved doggies are welcome to join us. We just ask that they remain on a lead and that you're mindful of other guests. Accredited assistance animals are always welcome.

  • Yes. Launceston By Foot tours operate in most weather conditions, including rain. There are places along our routes where we can find some shelter, but we recommend checking the forecast and bringing a rain jacket or umbrella when needed.

    If severe weather means we need to change or cancel a tour, we'll contact booked guests directly.

READY TO DISCOVER THE HEART OF LAUNCESTON?

Every street has a story. Come discover the ones that shaped our city.

Walk with us through Launceston's past and present and leave seeing the city around you a little differently.

BOOK NOW

Looking for something a little darker?
Discover Dark Side of Launceston →

HEART OF LAUNCESTON

90 minutes. Centuries of change.

The story of a city that keeps moving forward.

Walk through the heart of Launceston and discover the people, industries and ideas that transformed a colonial settlement into the city we know today.

From manufacturing and industry, to food and culture, Heart of Launceston connects the stories of the past with the city around you today. Along the way, you'll discover beautiful architecture, public art, hidden details and local recommendations for what to explore next.

90 MINUTES
Guided walking tour

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS
4:30pm – 6:00pm

SATURDAYS
10:00am – 11:30am

LAUNCESTON CBD
Starts at City Park

SMALL GROUPS
Personal, story-led experience

ACCESSIBLE
Wheelchair & stroller accessible

Exterior view of a historic white building labeled "The Majestic" with ornate architectural details and arched windows, set against a partly cloudy sky.

Meet your guides

A woman holding a photo of a zebra, speaking to a group of people on a city street with brick buildings and parked cars in the background.

See Launceston through a local's eyes.

The best way to get to know a city is to walk it with someone who loves it. Our guides bring their own stories, memories and curiosities to every walk, connecting Launceston's history with the streets, buildings and places around you today.

We want you to leave knowing a little more about how Launceston became the city it is, and with plenty of reasons to keep discovering it for yourself.

Meet our guides →

A woman with tattoos on her arm wearing a black shirt with white text, standing outdoors with people sitting and talking near a park sign with the word "board" visible. The background includes green trees and a walking path.

Don’t just take our word for it.

  • "Loved this tour with Madi! Very knowledgeable and found out so many places to visit. Thanks!"

    Sept 2026

  • “Malcolm was a fantastic, interesting and fun guide on our walking tour of the heart of Launceston. He was knowledgeable on the history but also the way of life in Launceston. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to everyone”

    May 2024

  • “My wife and I had a great night walking through Launceston with our amazing host Madi. I would highly recommend Launceston By Foot for locals and tourists alike. Madi was a great tour leader making us all feel comfortable and welcome. She has so much local knowledge, both historical and current. And her storytelling skills made for an awesome experience, you can really feel the past come to life as you walk through the beautiful town. Thanks for a great time!”

    Sep 2026

  • "Excellent tour with Malcolm as our guide. Very informative and great story telling around local settings. Highly recommend."

    Apr 2026

  • "Malcolm was very knowledgeable and very passionate. Great tour. Great pace suitable for mum who is a slow walker."

    Mar 2026

  • "Madi, thanks for a fab Heart of Launceston walking tour! I thoroughly enjoyed your insights and storytelling. Your local knowledge is excellent. I’d recommend Launceston By Foot to anyone interested in local history and culture or those seeking a fun, well-paced, outdoor experience :)"

    Feb 2026

  • "The tour was great. We learned so much from Malcolm our tour guide. Not only did he tell us about the town and the history, he provided great recommendations for enhancing our trip."

    Mar 2026

  • "Nothing beats a local guide, “My grandmother told me she remembers …” or “This was such and such when I was 18.” And I very much appreciated the tour being run for just one booking - me. The experience was personalised as well she picked out some fascinating stories from Launceston’s rich history ancient and modern, but also took the time to interact, to answer my many questions and to listen and ensure I saw things tailored to my interests. Highly recommended."

    Aug 2025