Kings Meadows

Launceston might be Tasmania's second largest city, but this sprawling town set on and among the hills at the junction of the Tamar and the North and South Esk rivers wears the responsibility of commerce and heritage lightly.

It is a delightfully relaxed city, rich in trees and parks and gardens. Recreational jewel is Cataract Gorge Reserve close to the centre of the city, whose focal points of First Basin and Cliff Grounds are linked by a suspension bridge and the world's longest, single span chairlift.

Launceston has its share of historic homes including the centrepiece of Franklin Village, Franklin House, which lies just to the south of the southern suburb of Kings Meadows which is also home to the Launceston Golf Club.

No matter where you are in Launceston, you are within half an hour"s driving time of the start of Tasmania"s premier wine growing trail in the Tamar River Valley. It is a little further to the state"s other distinctive wine growing area of Pipers Brook.