Launceston is the nation`s third oldest city having been founded in 1805, one year after Hobart.

It is a treasure trove of history and delights, complete with beautifully maintained and restored historic buildings that give it an old world charm and make it unique in Australia.

The city is at the junction of two rivers and stands at the source of the beautiful 64-kilometre Tamar River Valley region that is becoming increasingly famous for its very fine wines.

Right at the city's doorstep is the Cataract Gorge, a spectacular ravine that has been gouged from the basalt hillsides over countless thousands of years.

In summer it is a favourite for locals and visitors alike and provides a natural amphitheatre for open air concerts.

Launceston has a great reputation for its first-class restaurants, some specialising in Tasmania`s renowned seafood, game and produce.

The experience of eating out can also be extended to the great outdoors with picturesque picnic spots within easy walking or driving distance from the city.

Whatever your interest, river cruises, scenic flights, white water rafting, rock climbing and abseiling, bush walks, wilderness tours, colonial home and garden tours, all can be arranged very easily from Launceston.

Tabs

Activities

Launceston is Tasmania’s second major city and a vibrant hub for food and wine, culture and nature. In fact, the whole region is jam-packed with city and country charm, gorgeous old towns, excellent food and wine and beautiful scenic highlights.

One of Australia’s oldest cities, Launceston has one of the best-preserved early cityscapes in Australia with its elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture and century-old parks.

Just a short walk from the city centre, Cataract Gorge is a slice of wilderness right in the heart of town and Launceston’s star natural attraction.

There’s also plenty of culture on offer at art galleries, museums and local designer stores, not to mention the famous cool climate wines, local brews and fine dining that are the essence of the Launceston experience.

From Launceston, you can follow the Tamar River Valley north through Tasmania’s premium wine-growing region, past forested hills and farmland, lavender fields, vineyards, orchards and pretty riverside towns. Historic villages are found around every corner, from Longford on the outskirts of Launceston to Evandale, Ross and Campbell Town along the Heritage Highway south.

Local highlights:

• Explore the majestic Cataract Gorge Reserve and take a river cruise, an ideal way to explore the Tamar River and wetland area

• Visit the Queen Victoria Museum, one of Australia’s best regional galleries.

• Take a tour of historic Boag’s Brewery, founded in 1883.

• Visit a winery and sample some of the best cool climate wines in the world.

• Hollybank Treetops and Segway Adventures for adventure and excitement just 15 minutes out of Launceston.

• Just an hour from Launceston are Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm world renowned golf courses.

Customs

Working hours

Customs Officers 24 hours
Quarantine Officials 24 hours
Immigration Officials As for Customs

Customs and Immigration

Passenger Manifest Three copies at the first port of call with one copy to Immigration with the passengers card one copy to Customs and the third copy to remain on board the ship.
Embarking Passenger Manifest 3 copies - 1 to Customs 1 to Port 1 stays
Crew Manifest 2 - 1 at first port to Immigration 2nd stays.
Stores List 2 (Aust. Customs Service and Sydney Ports Corporation
Customs Declaration (Ship) 1 (Australian Customs Service)
Customs Declaration (Crew) 2 (Australian Customs Service)
Forms Comments All forms listed above are produced at the first Australian port of call and then one copy of each form travels on board the ship to be produced at subsequent ports.
Customs Declaration (Passengers) One at first Australian port of call only.

Port health

Health Declaration One (pratique) at first Australian port of call only

 

Ground Operations

The following Ground Handlers are CDU members and supply superior ground handling services throughout Australia.

Port Approach

Approach

Arrival Departure Restrictions Yes
Tidal Variation 2.3 metres
Prevailing Currents Channel average 4 knots, Berth 2 knots
Prevailing Winds
Length of Channel 11,800 metres
Depth of Channel From 10.4 to 50 metres
Comments Vessels over 170 metres restricted to flood entry and departure one hour either side of high and low water.

Depth and breadth of turning basin

Location of Turning Basin Off Wharf
Diameter 220 metres
Depth 9.9 metres

Pilotage

Pilotage Name Tasmanian Ports Corporation - Bell Bay VTS
Pilotage Address

1 Mobil Road, Bell Bay TAS 7253 or PO Box 221 George Town TAS 7253

Pilotage Phone No + 61 3 6380 3013 or + 61 3 6380 3075
Pilotage Fax No + 61 3 6380 3043
Is Pilotage Compulsory Yes
Position of Pilot Pickup 2.4 nautical miles north-west of Low Head Light
Distance from Berth 8.6 nautical miles
Pilot VHF Channel 14
Description of Pilot Boat 13 metres Halmatic, speed 24 knots
Pilot Hours 24 hours
Pilotage Fees As per Tasports' Schedule of Port Charges: www.tasports.com.au

 

Port Services

Shipping agents

The following CDU members offer superior service throughout the region.

Port Operations/Services

Barwil Agencies Oceania
Address 9/189 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Telephone +61 2 9439 7223
24 hour contact +61 416 189 760
Fax +61 2 9439 8587
Website www.barwil.com
Email sydney@barwil.com.au
Services Contact: Greg Coopman.
Beaufort Shipping Agency Company
Address Level 8, 120 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
  GPO Box 3988 Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone 61 2 9364 8960
24 hour contact +61 411 123 013
Fax +61 2 9364 8999
Website N/A
Email operations@beaufortshipping.com
Services Contact Ian McAllister
Information on other Shipping Agents can be obtained from the Port Authority (see Port Operator).

Towage

Are tugs available Yes
Are tugs compulsory No
Tug operator`s name Tasports Towage
Tug operator`s fax +61 1 300 366 742 
Ship or tug lines Tug lines
Tug working hours 24 hours

Linesman

Contact Qube Ports  

Port officials

Working hours 24 hours
Overtime Yes - as required

Stevedoring

Stevedoring Name For details of suitable stevedores, please contact the Shipping Agent

Provedoring

For details of several quality, competitively priced provedores please contact the Shipping Agent.

Telephones

Telephones Yes
How many 4
Notice required Yes

Bunkering

Fuel Grades All
Quay or barge Quay by road tanker
Suppliers Mobil

Water

Fresh Water Yes
Exquay or barge Ex quay
No of hoses One
Capacity per hose/hour 30000 litres per hour
Tonnes per hour guaranteed 30
Type of connect Camlock
Connect size in inches 1.5 inches

Dry garbage

Dry garbage Yes
Barge alongside Yes
Containers available Yes
Size of containers 200 litres
Number available 4 plastic, numerous steel
Incineration or dump Incinerator
Facilities to transport Truck

Wet garbage

Wet garbage Yes
Ship or shore pump Both
Sludge disposal 7000 litres per truck load unlimited quantity
Sludge details n/a

Charges

Port Charges as per Tasports' Schedule of Charges: www.tasports.com.au

Repair facilities

Nearest dry dock Sydney - Australian Defence Industries - Gardenn Island
Length 347 metres beam 40 metres
Maximum Tonnage 1000000 tonnes deadweight (according to vessel design)
Divers Available Yes
Engineering facilities Yes

Dredging

Dredging undertaken No
Dredging when N.A.

 

Port Operator

Port operator

Name Tasmanian Ports Corporation
Address 1 Mobil Road, Bell Bay TAS 7253 or
PO Box 221 George Town TAS 7253
  GEORGE TOWN TAS 7253
Telephone +61 1 300 366 742
Facsimile +61 3 6382 1695
Web Site www.tasports.com.au
Email Address bellbay@tasports.com.au

Berth details

Berth Inspection Head
Maximum draft 9.9 metres at berth
Tidal variation 2.3 metres
Berth length 230 metres (max. vessel size 150m LOA)
Guaranteed berthing for cruise ships No
Are other ships able to dock No
Cargo ships at dock No
Security fences Yes

Nearest ports

Australia Melbourne
Nearest Overseas Port Auckland

 

Terminal

Terminal facilities

Terminal Building No
Meet and Greet Facilities No
Toilet Facilities No
Telephones No
Availability of Maps and/or Brochures No
Souvenir Shopping No
Money Exchange No
Is the US Dollar Accepted? No

Transport

Closest Airport to Pier Launceston Airport
Distance to Airport 70 km
Transport to Airport Yes
Can Passengers Walk to Town No
Drive Time from Pier to Shuttle Stop 30 minutes
Distance from Pier to Town Centre 30 minutes
Are Shuttle Buses Necessary Yes
Suggested Shuttle Stop in Town n/a
Availability of Taxis at Pier Yes
Availability of Public Transport at Pier No
Other Forms of Transport at Pier n/a

Tour buses

Distance from Ship to Tour Buses < 50m
What is the Normal Coach Capacity 50
Are Tour Buses Air Conditioned Yes
Are Refreshments Provided on Buses No
Are Cold Towels Provided on Buses No
Are Step Stools Provided on Buses Not required

 

Tourism

Tourism operators in Tasmania:

Tourism operators