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/}}.)

History

Europeans originally settled at the mouth of the Tamar River at George Town in 1804; however moved to the present site of Launceston in 1805. As such, it is Australia's third oldest city (after Sydney and the state capital, Hobart) and has a lot of historical buildings and sights.

Related Topics:
Europeans - George Town - 1805 - Sydney - Hobart

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Launceston was once the home of John Batman (see History of Melbourne). From Launceston, Batman planned and designed the city of Melbourne, and in 1834 he sailed with John Pascoe Fawkner across Bass Strait to settle at Port Phillip, Victoria. Note: The spelling of John Batman's name is Bateman in some literature.

Related Topics:
John Batman - History of Melbourne - Melbourne - John Pascoe Fawkner - Bass Strait - Port Phillip - Victoria

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