Launceston is situated in the north of Tasmania, between spectacular mountain ranges and pretty rolling countryside. While boasting some of the oldest architecture in Australia, the city is also home to a new education precinct with state-of-the-art facilities, friendly locals and an innovative food scene.
With so many reasons to love living in this Tasmanian city, let’s take you through the top ten.
1. State-of-the-art education facilities
International students can enjoy Launceston’s brand-new education precinct in the heart of the city. The site is home to the newly developed University of Tasmania campus and library buildings, along with the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. In the city centre, you will also find a modern TasTAFE campus, which offers a wide selection of tertiary courses.
2. Experience the real Tasmania
Launceston’s location in Tasmania’s north places you in close proximity to some of the state’s best attractions. In fact, the magnificent Cataract Gorge is on the city’s doorstep, and in just a couple of hours, you can reach Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Bay of Fires and the stunning north coast. The famous Tamar Valley wine region is only a 15-minute drive from Launceston’s city centre.
Plus, it only takes 2.5 hours to get from Hobart to Launceston, making weekend breaks all the more possible.
3. Regional migration benefits
The Australian Government rewards international students who choose to study in a regional area. As Launceston is classified as a Category 3 regional area, international students who graduate from a Launceston educational institution may be eligible to remain in Australia for a longer period on a post-study work visa. In the future, this may even provide a pathway to permanent residency.
4. Cheaper cost of living
Australia’s regional areas tend to be more affordable than capital cities. This is because capital cities often suffer from overpopulation, which can raise the demand for rental properties and cause prices to rise.
If you’re thinking about studying in Tasmania then Launceston accommodation might be a more affordable option. Reports show that the average price of a three-bedroom rental property in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart is nearly 20 per cent higher than a similar-sized rental property in Launceston.
5. Close-knit community
It’s usually easier to meet people in a smaller city. This is because you generally attend the same events, bars and eateries as locals.
Launceston is no exception, and the city is home to a close-knit and welcoming community. There are often events happening in the city’s Civic Square, as well as the Saturday morning Harvest Markets.
6. Beautiful architecture
Launceston was settled in 1806, making it one of the oldest cities in Australia. This means the city enjoys a historical streetscape with beautiful old buildings.
A stroll through some of Launceston’s oldest streets will give you the chance to spot some colonial and Victorian architecture, as well as the many different ways the buildings have been repurposed.
7. Walkable
A car can make travelling around Tasmania a lot easier, but in Launceston, you might not even have to use it. Launceston is a very walkable city, with many bike paths and walking tracks to take advantage of.
From Launceston’s education precinct in Invermay, it’s only a 10-minute walk into the centre of town. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can always hop on one of the city’s e-scooters for an even quicker journey.
8. Foodie heaven
Did you know that Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? The city is recognised as an international food destination for its high-quality local produce, innovative restaurants and community food culture.
At Harvest Markets, for example, you can pick up a fresh bottle of milk straight from the farm, access ethically farmed salmon at 41 South and dine in a converted watermill at Stillwater Restaurant.
9. Cooler climate
Compared to the rest of Australia, Tasmania enjoys a relatively cool climate, and Launceston weather is sure to please anyone who doesn’t enjoy the heat. With an average January temperature of just 25C, Launceston students won’t have to worry about sweltering in the extreme summer temperatures!
10. Winner of the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year
This year, Launceston took out the title of Wotif’s 2022 Aussie Town of the Year. Placed against other regional locales from around the country, Launceston secured the top spot because of its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, food culture and proximity to the state’s best attractions.
