Look Up: The Hidden Stories Above Launceston’s Streets

When you visit Launceston, it’s easy to be drawn in by its historic charm, the bustling cafés of George Street, the boutique shops of Quadrant Mall, and the picturesque streetscape of Cameron Street. But to truly experience the city’s character, you need to look up. Above the shopfronts and busy footpaths, the second floors of Launceston’s heritage buildings hold stories of the past and, more recently, some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

A City Built on Its Second Storeys

Launceston’s historic buildings weren’t just designed for business at street level. Their upper floors once played a vital role in daily life, housing tailors, dressmakers, and boarding houses filled with travellers. Some spaces were even lively dance halls, where music and laughter spilled out onto the streets below.

As you walk through the city, take a moment to admire the details above. Notice the decorative cornices, the hand-carved sandstone facades, and the intricate iron lacework on balconies. These embellishments weren’t just for function, they showcased craftsmanship, prosperity, and a city that took pride in its architecture.

Look up along George Street, and you’ll spot the remnants of painted advertisements, ghostly reminders of businesses long gone. St. John Street is lined with delicate iron balconies and ornate stonework, where shopkeepers once stood, watching over their stores. These second-storey details whisper stories of the people who built Launceston. Stories still woven into the city’s skyline today.

Above the Streets: Discover Launceston’s Hidden Spaces

While these upper floors were once home to merchants and lodgers, today, they hold something new—Launceston’s growing scene of hidden spaces and rooftop escapes.

Tucked away upstairs on Charles Street, Dill Pickle Club is one of Launceston’s newest and quirkiest small spaces. Step through an unmarked door, climb the stairs, and you’ll find yourself in an intimate, vintage-inspired area that feels like a well-kept secret. Over on George Street, Cinco Passiones is a libation lounge bar, which has transformed a forgotten upstairs room into a stylish cocktail space, perfect for an evening away from the city’s bustle.

For book lovers, Quixotic Bookshop is a must-visit. If you're searching for a long-lost book or hunting down something you can't find in the standard bookshops, this is the place. As you climb the stairs, take a moment to sit with a coffee and immerse yourself in the hidden history that the space holds.

And for the ultimate perspective shift, head to The Royal Oak Rooftop Bar. Built in 1851 by Antonio Martini, a Spanish-born stonemason, this historic pub has been a favourite for generations. Now, its upstairs space has been reimagined, offering visitors a chance to sip a drink while taking in the city skyline from above.

Art enthusiasts should make a point of visiting the Leonie Duff Gallery hidden in the old Brisbane Street Hotel. When you enter, make sure to look up before taking the stairs—the intricate details of the building are steeped in history. The old hotel room doors still whisper the stories of a bygone era, adding to the gallery’s unique atmosphere. And don’t forget to admire the winning Glover Prize artwork by Leonie Duff that adorns the space, encapsulating Launceston’s artistic spirit.

These revived second-storey spaces are more than just places to relax; they’re part of Launceston’s story, blending the city’s rich past with its vibrant present.

See Launceston from a New Perspective

The next time you explore Launceston, don’t just admire what’s at eye level—look up. The city’s history is written in its rooftops, its fading signage, and its hidden balconies. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take the stairs. Step into one of Launceston’s upstairs venues, where history meets modern hospitality in the most unexpected ways.

Or better yet, join us at Launceston by Foot for a walking tour. We’ll take you beyond the obvious, sharing the stories behind the buildings, the people who shaped them, and the hidden spots waiting to be discovered.

Book your tour today and see Launceston from above.