Road trip to Launceston

Every day, many Tasmanian business people and public servants drive the 2.5 hour stretch between Hobart and Launceston for meetings. It seems crazy in the age of Skype and conference calls, but I guess sometimes face-to-face is best. Those making the trek regularly complain about the ongoing roadworks (improvements) on the Midland Highway, but it didn't bother me much on my brief road trip north last week. In fact, the road is looking great, much better than even a few years back. I drove north for a small gathering of communications and PR people at Saint John Craft Beer - a Launceston institution - and back the next morning.

I stayed at Auldington, an old convent with lovely views over the city and fully renovated, modern rooms inside. It turned out to be great value for money and only a short walk from the centre of town. As I've said before, Launceston grows on me with every visit.  In the frosty dark morning, I ran up Cataract Gorge to the suspension bridge and walked back down the Zig Zag Track. On the drive north, I stopped at Redlands Distillery, and at Oatlands for a late breakfast on the way back. If you have a favourite spot to stop on the Midland Highway, please let me know!

Loving Launceston

View across the North Esk River from The Boathouse back to Seaport

I like Launceston more each time I visit. I don't recall being too impressed with the town itself when I visited as a tourist some years ago. But the more I wander its streets filled with lovely old buildings and sample its food the more I like it.

Princes Square

Apricot Frozen Yoghurt at Stillwater

This week I flew into Launceston from Melbourne. The fields surrounding the airport were under a lot of water. I had heard about flooding in some areas of the town following torrential rain this week. Early on Friday morning I walked up Cataract Gorge and the volume of water roaring down it was incredible. It was too dark for a good photo, but you'll get the idea.