If you have just finished The Dark Side Tour and walked through Launceston’s streets hearing about its hidden past, you might be craving more. More names, more stories, more insight into what life was really like here during the convict era. I am the same, and I love nothing more than talking books after a tour. Especially local history books. These are not glossy coffee table souvenirs, they are deep dives into the lives of the people who shaped Launceston. If your eyes lit up on tour when we talked about gallows, brothels or bushrangers, this list is for you.

Planning a visit to Launceston with a toddler in tow? This three-day guide from a local mum shares the best parks, playful museums, scenic walks and toddler-friendly cafés to help you explore Launnie at little-legs pace. From climbing the Big Yellow Tower to roaring at dinosaurs and riding historic trams, these big adventures are packed with charm, coffee stops and plenty of local tips along the way.

Stories begin in unexpected moments, like being stopped in your tracks by a building you’ve passed a thousand times. After leading a Dark Side Tour, where guests uncovered hidden histories, I was reminded to look up. That’s when I saw her—grand arches, a flagpole paying respects to a queen long past, and a history waiting to be uncovered.

Curiosity took hold, leading me to old archives and forgotten stories.

Join a Launceston By Foot walking tour and discover the stories that will stop you in your tracks.

If you’re joining us for the Dark Side of Launceston tour, you’re in for a night of fascinating, gritty, and gruesome history – but let’s make sure you’re not running on an empty stomach!

Launceston may not always get the recognition it deserves, but that’s exactly why it’s such a treasure.

So next time you’re planning a trip, skip the usual spots and spend some time discovering our what to do in Launceston*. We promise you won’t regret it!  

If you’ve ever wondered what’s lurking beneath the surface of Launceston’s beautiful streets, Dark Side of Launceston is your chance to find out.

Because showing off Launceston—our city, our stories, and our Tasmanian pride—is the job of a lifetime

Launceston isn’t just a city—it’s a love letter to everything that makes Tasmania special.