Dog-Friendly Launceston: Visiting Launceston with a Dog

Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania, lies on the banks of the Tamar River in the north of the island. While there aren’t many dog-friendly sightseeing options within the city itself, there’s plenty of fun dog-friendly things to do in the surrounding countryside.

Read on to find out more about what to do, plus where to stay, when visiting Launceston and northern Tasmania with a dog.

Dog-Friendly Launceston

Are Dogs Allowed at Cataract Gorge?

One of the top tourist attractions in Launceston is Cataract Gorge. This recreational reserve just outside of the city centre contains picnic grounds, a restaurant, walking tracks, a gorgeous swimming pool and even a chairlift.

However, Cataract Gorge is off limits to dogs. There are multiple signs around the reserve stating that no dogs are allowed. There is one workaround though – dogs are permitted on some of the boat cruises that meander down through Cataract Gorge – see more below.

Cataract Gorge No Dogs Sign
Dogs are not allowed at Cataract Gorge Reserve

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in and Around Launceston

Instead of visiting Cataract Gorge, check out these ideas for dog-friendly sightseeing ideas to do in Launceston, plus in the surrounding countryside.

#1 Cruise on the Tamar River

As I mentioned above, dogs are prohibited from visiting Cataract Gorge Reserve, one of the natural highlights of Launceston. However, this only applies to visits on land – it’s also possible to visit the gorge by taking a cruise on the Tamar River, with dog-friendly options available.

Dogs are permitted on the Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise operated by Tamar River Cruises. This cruise departs multiple times per day, year round. Operating on the Lady Launceston, a replica steam-boat, the short cruise lasts 50 minutes, the perfect time for a cruise with your leashed pup at your side.

#2 Taste the Local Sparkling Wine

Launceston is situated on the banks of the Tamar River, one of the main wine growing regions of Tasmania. In particular, the region is well-known for producing fine Tasmanian sparkling wines.

One of my favourite cellar doors in the region is Jansz. Located in Pipers Brook, about a 45 minute drive from the centre of Launceston, this winery pioneered the use of the traditional Methode Champenoise in the region.

Jansz Winery
Visit the pet-friendly Jansz cellar door

Dogs are permitted outdoors at their cellar door. Make an advance booking for a curated tasting of their sparkling wines, perhaps accompanied by one of their Tasmanian cheese plates Enquire directly about the options for visiting with your pup.

Another winery renown for its sparkling wines that is also dog-friendly is Clover Hill Wines. Enquire in advance about the options for visiting with a dog – advance reservations are preferred for tastings. The view from their outdoor area is stunning!

Clover Hill Wines
The outdoor area at Clover Hill Wines

#3 Go Berry Picking

Sparkling wine isn’t the only fine treat to enjoy while visiting the Tamar Valley region. The area is also dotted with a variety of farm door outlets, from cheese factories to nut orchards. One of my favourites is the Hillwood Berries Farmgate, just over 20 minutes from Launceston.

Berries from Hillwood
A punnet of freshly picked berries at Hillwood Berries Farmgate

While dogs are not permitted to join you in between the rows of berries to pick them, they are fine to join you on the rest of the property, including the outdoor tables at the adjoining cafe.

If there’s two of you, take turns filling up a punnet with luscious strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries. Generally pick-your-own operates from November to April. Or perhaps just enjoy the farm produce and desserts on offer in the cafe?

Hillwood Farmgate Dog Rules Sign
The dog rules at Hillwood Berries Farmgate

#4 Stroll Through Fields of Lavender

The middle of summer is also the best time of year to visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This famous lavender farm is about a 45-minute drive to the northeast of Launceston, with peak flowering season generally occuring between December and January.

If visiting during the flowering period when the fields are bursting with purple lavender, generally 1st December to 31st January, there is an admission charge to enter. The current fee is $20 per adult, or $15 with early bird tickets, with under 16s and dogs free. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash and pick up after them, so they can continue to be allowed in the fields.

During the rest of the year, you can still visit the shop and cafe, which specialises in lavender-infused products. My pick is the vividly coloured lavender ice-cream!

Lavender ice cream at Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Sampling the lavender ice cream at Bridestowe

#5 Ride on the Don River Railway

Australia is home to multiple dog-friendly historic train rides, but the only one I’m aware of in Tasmania is the Don River Railway. Located in Don on the western side of Devonport, it’s a 75 minute drive from Launceston and an easy day trip.

Multiple train rides operate daily from Thursday to Sunday, starting from the museum which is open daily. A variety of trains are used, with a heritage carriage set usually operating on weekends, hauled by a steam locomotive or a vintage diesel locomotive.

The train ride along the historic Melrose line between Don Village and Cole Beach lasts about 30 minutes. Entry to the museum and site is included with train ride tickets, or else it’s possible to just buy a ticket for the museum and site. Both the museum and train rides are dog-friendly.

#6 View the Sheffield Murals

Another great day trip from Launceston is to the small country town of Sheffield, about an hour’s drive west. This town is most famous for the many murals painted on its buildings all throughout the town, although there are also some great country-style cafes.

The first mural in Sheffield was painted in 1986, and these days there are over 200 murals in the town and the surrounding area. To locate them all, check out this handy map, or else visit the local visitor centre to hire a 45-minute audio tour.

Naturally, it’s fine to wander around the streets admiring the murals with your pup by your side. Try and also spot the dogs in some of the murals!

Mural in Sheffield
One of my favourite murals in Sheffield

Dog-Friendly Parks in Launceston

Dogs are allowed on-leash in most parks in Launceston, although there are some prohibited areas and places where there are time restrictions. Additionally, there are ten off-leash dog exercise areas, of which seven of them are fenced.

To view the full list of off-leash dog parks in Launceston, use this webpage. On the right hand side, apply the “By Features” filter to search for parks with “Dogs Off Leash” and/or “Dogs Off Leash Fenced”. (There’s also an interactive map, but I found that tricky to use, as it also displays all dog bag dispensers!)

Currently, there are fenced dog parks at the following seven parks in Launceston:

  • Coronation Park in South Launceston
  • Hardwicke Street Reserve in Summerhill
  • Heritage Forest in Invermay
  • Hoblers Bridge Reserve in Newstead
  • Lawrence Vale Road Reserve in South Launceston
  • Rocherlea Recreation Ground in Rocherlea
  • St Leonards Picnic Ground in St Leonards

There are also unfenced off-leash dog exercise areas at these three parks:

  • Arbour Park in West Launceston
  • Newnham Reserve in Newnham
  • Waverley Lake Park in Waverley

Dog-Friendly Cafes in Launceston

There’s plenty of cafes in Launceston where dogs are welcome at the outdoor dining tables.

In the centre of Launceston head to Cafe Mondello on Charles Street, which warmly welcomes dogs. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the focus is on fresh, local ingredients. And importantly warm blankets and heaters are on offer in winter!

Another dog-friendly cafe is Maple Cafe, with two locations on Cameron Street in Launceston and Abbott Street in East Launceston. Also open daily for breakfast and lunch, both of the family-friendly spaces have spacious seating areas, including an outdoor area where dogs are welcome.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation in Launceston

There’s a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation around Launceston, including pet-friendly holiday homes. Before making a booking, check out the the best neighbourhoods to stay in Launceston.

Three out of the four caravan parks around Launceston are pet-friendly. Probably the most pet-friendly option is Discovery Parks – Hadspen, just west of the city. As well as being permitted on sites, dogs are also allowed in selected budget cabins. The cabins can accommodate up to four, with a double and bunk bed, plus a kitchenette and ensuite.

Another excellent option if you are self-contained is Old Mac’s Farm Stay. Seasonally opened over the warmer months, the unpowered sites are very cheap. Powered sites are also available. Note that tents are not permitted. Dogs need to stay on leash.

We also stayed the night at a free camping spot in Lilydale. A 30-minute drive outside of Launceston (and close to many of the other attractions of the Tamar Valley), overnight stays are permitted for up to 24 hours at the Lilydale Falls Reserve. There are toilets, but limited room for caravans or larger set-ups. Note that dogs are no longer allowed on the walking track to the nearby falls, only at the campsite.

Lilydale Falls
Lilydale Falls

If you’re after something more luxurious, check out Stillwater Seven, seven luxurious rooms located on the edge of Cataract Gorge. Pets are welcome to join you you in Suite 7, which has its own private courtyard. Enquire about options for dining at the onsite hatted restaurant.

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About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

2 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Launceston: Visiting Launceston with a Dog”

  1. Thanks Shandos. Such a surprise and delight when your name popped up. This has been extremely helpful as I plan our upcoming Tassie trip with our mini schnauzer.
    Julie Lake ( Mum of Greg and Fiona Pearce) 😆

    Reply

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