Launceston, Tasmania

Launceston is a small city in the north of Tasmania, Australia, population of approximately 98,000, located at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. Like many Australian cities and towns, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom—in this case, Launceston, Cornwall. (Note, however, that while the English Launceston is pronounced {{IPA|/?l??ns(t)?n/}} or {{IPA|/?l??ns(t)?n/}}, the Australian one is pronounced {{IPA|/?l?ns?st?n/}}.)

Geography and landmarks

Launceston serves as the commercial hub for the north of the state and, like many parts of Tasmania, is a major tourist centre. Some points of attraction are:

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• The Cataract Gorge, a natural wonder of Tasmania and only five minutes walk from the city
• The City Park, which includes an enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys, a gift from the sister-city of Ikeda, Japan
• The Tamar Valley, which is home to some of Australia's best vineyards
• The Boags Brewery, which produces one of Australia's premium beers.

Launceston is the home of Aurora Stadium (a.k.a. York Park), which is the state's only first-class sports ground equipped with lights for evening games. As a result, two of the Melbourne teams, Hawthorn and St Kilda, have agreed to play a small number of AFL (Australian football) games there each year.

Related Topics:
Aurora Stadium - Hawthorn - St Kilda - AFL - Australian football

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The Launceston General Hospital is one of 3 major public hospitals in the state. The Launceston Remand Centre serves as the areas detention facility.

Related Topics:
Launceston General Hospital - Launceston Remand Centre

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Launceston is the hub for the state's medical retrieval service. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is serviced by the state's ambulance service, and doctors from the Launceston General Hospital.

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The University of Tasmania has a large campus close to the city, at Newnham. The Australia Maritime College is located on the grounds.

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