By Ute Junker -
You will never get stuck in a traffic jam in Launceston. Tasmania’s second city remains wonderfully accessible, a place where most attractions lie within a 20-minute walk and everyone has time for a chat. Beyond its inviting blend of fine food, grand colonial buildings and a slow-lane vibe – not to mention the magnificent Cataract Gorge – Launceston and the surrounding areas are home to some of Tassie’s best wineries.
EAT
Few places dish it out as consistently as Stillwater. Aside from serving up breakfast and lunch seven days a week, it also morphs into the city’s most in-demand restaurant several nights a week. Whether you’re starting the day with a rye waffle with smoked Huon salmon, or slowly working your way through an Asian-inflected dinner, this converted mill always delivers a meal to remember.
It’s all about share plates at the buzzing Geronimo, but some dishes you will want to keep for yourself. Distract your fellow diners with the diverting charcuterie platter while secretly scoffing the more-ish pan-fried gnocchi, which comes laden with tasty Tassie produce including apple, grapes and white balsamic walnuts.
It’s not often that we get excited over a Scotch egg, but the version at Bryher Café – made with superb black pudding – is worth making a bit of noise over. Don’t be too disappointed if it’s not on the menu, however; at this locavore café the menu changes virtually every day, depending on what local producers are bringing in.
