Travelling to Launceston

Ride, Stay, Explore

Planning to join Sally’s Ride – The Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge from interstate or overseas? Launceston is a welcoming city in Northern Tasmania, known for its blend of historic charm, thriving food and wine scene, and easy access to stunning natural landscapes like the Cataract Gorge and Tamar Valley.

Whether you’re travelling for the ride, extending your stay, or bringing family along, here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

A red brick clock tower with a green domed roof, framed by green trees, against a blue sky with clouds.

Getting to Launceston

By Air
Launceston Airport (LST) is just 15 minutes from the city centre and offers regular flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Several major airlines operate services daily, making it easy to connect from anywhere in Australia or beyond.

By Sea
If you’re bringing your own car or bike, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry runs daily between Melbourne and Devonport. From Devonport, it’s a 1-hour drive to Launceston.

By Road
Launceston is well connected by road. From Hobart, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive north along the Midlands Highway, and from Devonport, it’s just an hour inland.

A rural landscape with a winding asphalt road on the right, green fields with hay bales on the left, and distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Accommodation

Launceston offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and riverside apartments to budget-friendly motels and family-friendly stays. Whether you prefer to stay close to the event start line or explore the surrounding Tamar Valley, there’s something for every style and budget.

We are working with local providers to secure exclusive accommodation discounts for Sally’s Ride participants. Details will be confirmed soon, so check back here before booking your stay.

A marina with boats docked along the water, modern residential buildings on the right, and a walking path with three people strolling, during sunset or early evening.

Extend Your Stay

Launceston isn’t just the starting point for Sally’s Ride—it’s also the perfect base for exploring Northern Tasmania. Consider:

  • Cataract Gorge Reserve – a natural wonder just minutes from the city.

  • Tamar Valley Wine Route – award-winning cool climate wines and gourmet food.

  • Heritage Streetscapes – explore Georgian and Victorian architecture.

  • Outdoor Adventures – from mountain biking to river cruises.

People riding a ski lift over a lush, green, forested hillside near a lake with a rocky shoreline and a walking path.

Visitor Information

For local tips, maps, and guidance during your stay, drop by the Launceston Visitor Information Centre:

Location: 68–72 Cameron Street, Launceston (in Civic Square)
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm, 7 days a week
Phone: (03) 6331 9248

The friendly team can help with tour bookings, dining recommendations, and insider knowledge to make the most of your visit.


Whether you’re flying in, driving across, or coming by sea, Launceston is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable weekend of cycling, community, and discovery.

Cyclists at the starting line of a bike race, under a banner that reads 'START - FINISH 2024', with many riders wearing helmets and athletic gear, preparing to begin the race.