Launceston is a city that offers more than just its charming streets and Victorian architecture. Its proximity to Tamar Valley makes it a prime spot for memorable lunch experiences, especially if you enjoy pairing good food with excellent wine or exploring breathtaking landscapes. Among the many options, two standout tours shine for their personalized approach and outstanding value: the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and the Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch. These tours are perfect for wine lovers wanting to combine tastings with a delicious meal, all while enjoying small-group intimacy and expert guidance. For those looking to see Tasmania’s natural beauty, the Cradle Mountain Day Tour offers a scenic escape with a hearty lunch included, and the Cradle Mountain Fully Guided Dove Lake Day Trip is ideal for active travelers eager to hike and explore.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of lunch experiences in Launceston, from intimate wine tours in the Tamar Valley to full-day excursions into Tasmania’s wilderness. The wine tours include visits to select vineyards with tastings and gourmet lunches, perfect for wine enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the mountain trips combine stunning scenery, hikes, and picnic-style lunches for outdoor lovers. Each option offers something unique—so read on to find your ideal midday adventure.
1. Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
At number one, this small-group wine tour from Launceston takes you into the heart of Tamar Valley, known for its boutique vineyards and award-winning wines. The tour includes visits to 3 to 4 vineyards, where you’ll sample premium wines and learn from guides with decades of experience. What really sets this experience apart is the Tasmanian produce platter lunch paired perfectly with Tamar Valley wines. The tour is designed for intimacy, with round-trip transfers included, ensuring you won’t have to worry about driving or logistics.
What makes this tour stand out are the personalized touches—from guided tastings to the storytelling about Tamar Valley’s wine-making history. Reviewers consistently praise the tour guide Terry, noting his wealth of knowledge and friendly manner. With a price of $125.43 per person and a duration of about 6 hours 30 minutes, this tour offers excellent value for those wanting an in-depth introduction to Tasmania’s wine scene. Perfect for wine connoisseurs, foodies, or anyone seeking a relaxed yet engaging day out.
Bottom Line: This tour’s small-group setting and gourmet lunch make it a top choice for wine lovers who want a personalized, immersive experience in Tamar Valley.
2. Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
Ranking closely behind, the Launceston Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch offers a 7-hour exploration of Tasmania’s renowned wine region for $116 per person. This tour emphasizes learning about Tasmania’s wine heritage, with guided tastings at carefully selected wineries. The guide provides insights into wine tasting techniques, helping you become a “wine judge” by the end of the day—a fun twist for those interested in expanding their palate and knowledge.
What makes this tour appealing is its more relaxed pace and the chance to meet new people, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy socializing during their lunch. Included is a meal at a cellar door, perfectly paired with Tamar Valley wines, giving you an authentic taste of Tasmania’s wine culture. With over 180 reviews averaging 4.8/5, travelers often mention the expert commentary and friendly atmosphere as highlights.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those wanting a comprehensive wine experience with educational components and a relaxed social vibe.
3. Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston Including Lunch
For around $132.21, this full-day tour offers a blend of Tasmania’s stunning wilderness and a hearty lunch. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Cradle Mountain National Park without the hassle of self-driving or long hikes. The tour includes visits to Sheffield, famous for its murals, as well as the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. From there, you’ll enjoy guided walks around Dove Lake and take in the spectacular scenery that makes this UNESCO World Heritage site so special.
One of the highlights is the lunch included in the package, which provides a satisfying break amid the stunning mountain vistas. Visitors often praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see native wildlife, with several reviews noting the fantastic scenery and memorable stops. The 10-hour duration makes it a full day but well worth the price, especially for those interested in nature and photography.
Bottom Line: Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a well-organized day exploring Tasmania’s wilderness with a scenic lunch stop.
4. Cradle Mountain: Fully Guided Dove Lake Day Trip with Lunch
At the top of our list for active travelers, this fully guided 6km hike around Dove Lake combines Tasmania’s most iconic scenery with a comprehensive, guided experience. For $148 per person, you get a 10-hour immersion into the natural beauty of Cradle Mountain, with a lunch included. The day is fully organized, with pickups from key locations, so you don’t need to worry about planning logistics—just bring your walking shoes.
The hike is tailored to be accessible yet offers breathtaking views of the mountain and lake, along with the chance to encounter native wildlife like wombats. The guide shares detailed insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology, making this a rich educational experience as well as an outdoor adventure. Guests have praised the expert guidance and the chance to explore the scenery without the risk of getting lost.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers eager to combine hiking with scenic vistas and a well-organized, guided experience.
How to Choose
Choosing the right lunch experience in Launceston depends on your interests and energy level. If you’re a wine enthusiast wanting a personalized tasting, the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch offers great value and intimate settings. For a more relaxed social vibe with a focus on education, the Launceston Tamar Valley Wine Tour is ideal.
If your preference leans toward nature and scenic hikes, the Cradle Mountain day trips are excellent choices—whether you want a gentle exploration (including lunch) or a full guided hike (Dove Lake). Consider your fitness level, time constraints, and whether you want a guided walk or a leisurely tasting experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Launceston’s lunch experiences offer a fantastic mix of wine, scenery, and wilderness. Whether you prefer sipping Tasmanian wines amid vineyards or exploring mountain landscapes, this list provides options suited for every taste and travel style. For a memorable Australian lunch, each of these tours delivers a unique taste of Tasmania’s diverse attractions.