2024 Invermay Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

On November 7, 2024, the four of us set off from Melbourne and took QF1513 to Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania. Day 1: Arrival Tasmania is known as the "end of the world" and the "heart of the world." It is located at the southernmost tip of Australia and is shaped like a heart. From the air, it looks like a heart-shaped island. Tasmania is famous for its stunning natural scenery and unique ecological environment, making it a paradise for travel and ecology enthusiasts. Some people have put Tasmania on their bucket list, and it is also a place I have wanted to visit for many years. This time, I finally made it. After getting off the plane, we rented a Subaru Forester at the airport and planned to spend five days driving from Launceston to Hobart, taking in the main attractions along the way. After checking in, we strolled through the old streets of Launceston, where there are many old buildings with typical British town charm. But the streets were relatively quiet, with not many people around. We also visited the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Launceston, Tasmania

Hey, guys! Today, I'm going to take you to a beautiful hotel that I can't get enough of—the Dream Lakeside Resort Hotel! 🏨💖 As soon as you step into this dreamy place, you'll be captivated by the sparkling lake and the well-arranged villas! 🏞️🏡 Each villa looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale, retaining traditional architectural charm while incorporating modern design elements. It's a visual feast! 👀🎉 The rooms are even more impressive! 🛏️🛋️ Spacious and bright guest rooms are furnished with high-end furniture and soft furnishings. Every detail exudes luxury and comfort. Plus, each room has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can enjoy the picturesque lake view anytime, anywhere. It's as if the whole world has come to a standstill! 🖼️💭 What's a vacation without good food? 🍽️🍰 The hotel restaurant is a foodie's paradise! From authentic local cuisine to exquisite international dishes, there's something for everyone. Treat your taste buds to a spontaneous culinary journey! 🤤🌍 What I love most about the hotel are the leisure and entertainment facilities! 🏊‍♀️🏋️‍♂️ Whether it's the indoor heated pool, gym, or spa center, you can enjoy the natural beauty while maintaining optimal physical and mental health. The spa center, in particular, is amazing. The professional therapists and comfortable environment allow you to completely relax. It's as if all your worries have been blown away! 💆‍♀️💖 The Dream Lakeside Resort Hotel is definitely a hidden gem in my book! 💎💖 Whether you're on a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat, this place can fulfill all your fantasies and needs. Come and join me in experiencing this perfect blend of luxury and nature! 👫💕

👍️Recommended because: Launceston, a city far from the hustle and bustle, where nature and culture blend together, is worth recommending. Natural scenery and historical heritage: Launceston is located in the heart of Tasmania, with large lawns and lush trees, fresh air, and beautiful natural scenery. At the same time, as the earliest gathering place for British immigrants, the city has well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings, and the streets are full of strong British style. 📅Travel guide: Valley scenery, you can choose to walk or take a cable car and boat. In addition, go to the Tamar Wetlands in the suburbs to feel the tranquility and harmony of nature. Historical and cultural exploration: Visit the old city, admire the well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian buildings, and experience the strong British style. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery to learn about local history and culture. Food and shopping: Taste local food in restaurants and cafes in the city, buy Tasmanian specialties, such as white cherries, and enjoy leisurely shopping time. Recommended surrounding attractions: As a transit point for Cradle Mountain, Launceston is convenient to go to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park to experience hiking and enjoy the magnificent mountains and lakes. 🏨Accommodation guide: High-end hotels: such as The Sebel Launceston, a 5-star hotel, provides luxurious and comfortable accommodation, suitable for travelers pursuing high quality. Mid-range hotels: Hotel Launceston is a 4-star hotel with convenient location and thoughtful service, suitable for most travelers' needs. Homestay experience: such as Midnight Moonshine Loft, provides a self-service worry-free check-in experience, suitable for travelers who like homestay style. Other recommendations: There are also some highly rated hotels, such as Best Western Plus Launceston, Leisure Inn Penny Royal Hotel & Apartments, etc. These hotels also provide comfortable accommodation and convenient location. 💗Other tips: Passport: Make sure your passport is valid during your trip and leave enough blank pages for use when entering and exiting. Visa: Whether a visa is required depends on your nationality and travel purpose. For example, Chinese citizens usually need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Australia (the country where Launceston is located). The visa application process may include filling out an application form online, making an appointment for an interview (if necessary), submitting the required materials (such as passport, photo, financial proof, etc.) and paying the visa fee.

1. How to Apply for a Passport and Visa 🛂 Passport application: If you don't have a passport, you can go to your local immigration office or make an appointment online. You will need to bring your ID card (original and photocopy), household registration, photos (taken as required), and a passport application form. Generally, passport applications can be completed within 10-15 working days. Visa application: Chinese tourists traveling to Australia need to apply for an Australian visitor visa (600 visa). You can submit your visa application online on the official website of the Australian Immigration Bureau. You will need to prepare the following materials: Passport scan Personal photo Detailed travel plan Bank deposit certificate Round-trip air ticket and hotel booking certificate. Visa approval usually takes 2-4 weeks, so it is recommended to plan your application in advance. 2. How to Get to Launceston from China ✈ There are currently no direct flights from China to Launceston. You need to transfer to major cities in Australia such as Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, and then take a domestic flight to Launceston. Here are some common flight options: Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou to Sydney: These cities all have direct flights to Sydney, with a flight time of about 11-12 hours. Sydney to Launceston: The flight from Sydney to Launceston takes about 2 hours and is very convenient. It is recommended to book your flight in advance to ensure more choices and enjoy lower fares. 3. Transportation Guide After Arriving in Launceston 🚗 Airport transportation: Launceston Airport is about 15 kilometers from the city center. After arriving at the airport, you can choose from several transportation options to the city: Taxi: Go directly to the city center, the cost is about 40 Australian dollars. Airport bus: An economical choice, running between the airport and major hotels in the city center, the fare is about 15-20 Australian dollars. City transportation: Launceston is not a big city, and most attractions can be visited on foot. If you plan to explore the surrounding natural scenery, renting a car is a good choice. The roads in Tasmania are in good condition, the driving scenery is beautiful, and it is very suitable for self-driving travel. 4. Must-see Natural and Cultural Attractions 📸 Cataract Gorge: Launceston's most famous natural landscape, the magnificent gorge, river, and suspension bridge attract countless tourists. You can choose to take a cable car to overlook the gorge, or walk along the riverside path to enjoy the tranquil natural scenery. Tamar Valley: This is one of Tasmania's most famous wine regions. You can take a winery tasting tour, experience Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in a cool climate, and experience Tasmania's unique wine culture. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: One of Australia's oldest museums, it displays Tasmania's rich history and art works, suitable for tourists interested in culture. 5. Launceston's Food and Shopping 🍽 Food: Launceston offers a variety of dining options. From exquisite restaurants to cozy cafes, you can taste local Tasmanian specialties. Don't forget to try Tasmania's seafood, especially oysters, scallops, and salmon. In addition, local beef and mutton are also famous for their high quality. Shopping: There are many boutiques and farmers markets in the city center where you can buy unique Tasmanian honey, dairy products, handicrafts, etc. Design Tasmania is an ideal place to buy works by local designers. 6. Other Practical Travel Tips 💡 Best time to travel: Launceston's summer (December to February) is the best time to travel, with moderate temperatures and suitable for outdoor activities. But the weather in spring and autumn (September to November, March to May) is also quite pleasant, with relatively few tourists. Time difference: Tasmania is 2-3 hours ahead of China, depending on whether daylight saving time is used. Language and currency: The local language is English and the currency is Australian dollars. You can easily exchange currency at banks or ATMs in the city.

#australiatrip Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, blends historic charm with natural beauty. Founded in 1806, it boasts attractions like Cataract Gorge, featuring walking tracks and the world's longest single-span chairlift. The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) showcases Tasmanian history and art. City Park offers Victorian-era gardens and a Japanese macaque monkey enclosure. The Tamar Valley, renowned for its wineries, provides excellent wine tours and tastings. Launceston's vibrant cultural scene and picturesque surroundings make it a compelling destination for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

--- 🏨 Peppers Silo Launceston 89-91 Lindsay Street, Invermay, Tasmania, 7248, Australia 🛏️ Imagine waking up to serene waterside views after a restful night in a plush bed. That's what Peppers Silo offers, along with spacious, spotless rooms and top-notch amenities. It's not smack dab in the city center, but with a car, you'll find it's just a breezy drive away from local hotspots. 🌄 The hotel isn't just about comfy beds and pretty sights, though. They go the extra mile for special occasions—talk about birthday magic! Plus, Archie the adorable canine ambassador will make sure your stay is even more memorable. 🚗💨 Whether you're in town for the views, the vibes, or a vibrant birthday bash, Peppers Silo is a gem in Launceston that's worth the detour. And if you're worried about the hustle and bustle, fear not—this place is as tranquil as they come, with a side of friendly service to boot! #Launceston #LauncestonHotel #LauncestonTravel

#australiatrip Delicious!! Love the fire pit flavor that was in the food! Mouth watering!! Lovely friendly staff. Very impressed with the amount of times we were asked if we needed more drinks. And I'm not being sarcastic! Other places you might get 2 rounds if you're lucky! No dry glasses here! Very nice restaurant and friendly service. Recommend ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️

#australiatrip The museum exhibits dinosaur fossils, various Australian biological specimens, the past of Australia's maritime trade and salvage of sunken ships, and the life and craft supplies of Port Arthur Prison at that time. The MIND BLOWN DAN MARSHALL special exhibition upstairs is very interesting. The history of The Launceston Railway Workshops is also important locally. It's fun to have some science-powered interactions outdoors.