LauncestonLocated on the Tamar River in exotic Tasmania lies the inland city of Launceston. The area boasts four distinct seasons because of its varied landscaping created by volcanic and glacial forces millions of years ago. Combined by low-lying wetlands and heavily wooded ridges housing attractions like Cataract Gorge, Launceston is a nature lover's dream come true.

Established in 1806 and originally named Patersonia after British lieutenant colonel William Paterson, the city of Launceston was relocated to another area and renamed after the birthplace of the Governor King of the United Kingdom. By the late 1820s, Launceston had become an export city with a resident population of approximately 2,000 with small hotels and breweries emerging as a result. The Flood of 1829, however, had brought commerce and revenues to a screeching halt.

The worst flood in Tasmanian history was in April 1929 in the form of extreme rainfall accompanied with high winds. The storms began on Wednesday, April 3rd and persisted for several days, causing damage to over two thousand homes and buildings. The death toll was reported to be between 14 and 22, and recovery from lost trade was not achieved until 1940.

Launceston eventually became a major retail center, focused on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism and was the first in Australia to have an underground sewage system and hydroelectricity. Arts and entertainment venues include one of the oldest bookstores in the world, A.W. Birchall & Sons and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

The Country Club Casino and Resort is a multipurpose resort complex with premier hotel accommodations, restaurants, bars, golfing and a two-floor casino featuring state-of-the-art table and electronic games. Since 1982, this boutique style resort appeals to clients of all tastes and offers some of the best vacation packages on the continent.

For an eclectic mix of attractions and activities, Launceston is an option to consider for your next vacation. The city has been the past recipient of the Tasmanian Tourism Award as well as other awards for arts, history, and music. For more information, visit Destination Launceston.