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.
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.
Working hours |
|
| Customs Officers | 24 hours |
| Quarantine Officials | 24 hours |
| Immigration Officials | As for Customs |
Customs and Immigration |
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| 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 |
The following Ground Handlers are CDU members and supply superior ground handling services throughout Australia.
Approach |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
Shipping agents |
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| The following CDU members offer superior service throughout the region. | |
Port Operations/Services |
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| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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| Working hours | 24 hours |
| Overtime | Yes - as required |
Stevedoring |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
|
| 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 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 operators in Tasmania: