Most people flying into Tasmania head straight to Hobart. I didn’t. I flew into Launceston instead – and it turned out to be a great decision. Starting in the north put me right at the beginning of a route that took me through Cradle Mountain, the historic village of Ross, and eventually down to Hobart by bus. If you’re planning something similar, here’s what the Sydney to Launceston journey actually looks like.

The flight from Sydney

I flew Jetstar from Sydney. My ticket came to around AU$90 without checked luggage – good value for a domestic flight into Tasmania. The flight takes about two hours, and I was on an evening departure, which worked well. Full day in Sydney, in Launceston before it got too late.

Tasmania’s north coast comes into view on the approach to Launceston

The views on descent are worth a window seat. Depending on your approach path, you might get Tasmania’s north coastline – green farmland tapering into sandy beaches and deep blue ocean – or the forested ridgelines and valleys of the interior.

Forests and ridgelines roll out below on the approach into northern Tasmania

One thing worth knowing before you book: if you fly Jetstar without paying for checked luggage, your cabin bag must not exceed 7kg. They weigh it at the gate and charge on the spot if it’s over. Virgin Australia didn’t do the same in my experience – so if you’re travelling with a heavier carry-on and want to avoid the risk of a gate charge, Virgin is worth considering even though the ticket price will be higher.

Which airlines fly into Launceston?

Three major carriers serve Launceston from the mainland: Jetstar, Qantas (via QantasLink), and Virgin Australia.

Both Qantas and Jetstar serve Launceston – you’ll often see them parked side by side on the apron QantasLink also serves Launceston alongside Jetstar and Virgin Australia

Direct flights arrive from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Melbourne is by far the most frequent route – between the three airlines, there are up to eleven flights a day. Sydney has multiple daily services across all three carriers. Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth are served less frequently, with some routes seasonal.

For the Tasmanian islands, Sharp Airlines fly daily to Flinders Island and King Island.

So whatever your origin city, you have options – and on the busy Melbourne and Sydney routes, competition between carriers keeps prices reasonable if you book ahead.

Launceston Airport: what to expect

Launceston Airport is small – one terminal, simple layout, and you’re at baggage claim within minutes. Few airports in Australia get you from aircraft to car park exit as fast as this one. After the scale of Sydney Airport, the contrast is immediately obvious. It’s a relief, not a disappointment.

Disembarking at Launceston means stairs and open tarmac – no jet bridges here

One thing to know: there are no jet bridges. You disembark via stairs directly onto the open tarmac and walk across to the terminal building. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the character of the place – and on a clear evening with Tasmania’s hills on the horizon, it’s actually a lovely way to arrive.

Walking off the tarmac and straight into arrivals – that’s the Launceston Airport experience

What makes it memorable is the setting. The airport sits surrounded by open countryside, with mountain ridgelines visible beyond the airfield in every direction. Inside, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, food options, and a Launceston Store stocking Tasmanian produce, wine, and gifts – a nice touch that sets the tone immediately.

A AU$100 million redevelopment is currently underway – with new food and beverage outlets already open as part of phase one – so expect ongoing improvements to the terminal over the coming years.

Getting from Launceston Airport to the city

The airport is 15 kilometres from Launceston city centre. There is no public bus service from the terminal. Your options are:

Uber

This is what I used, and it’s the most practical option – especially for evening arrivals. There are two clearly marked Uber pickup points outside the terminal. Request your ride as you walk out of arrivals and it shows up quickly.

Worth knowing: the airport does not allow Didi, despite it being popular elsewhere in Australia. Uber is your only rideshare option here.

The ride into the city takes about 15 minutes and cost me around AU$20.

Taxi

Taxis are available outside the terminal. A fare to the city centre generally runs AU$25 to AU$35 depending on traffic and your exact destination – comparable to Uber, but without the upfront estimate.

Renting a car

If you’re planning to explore Tasmania independently – the Tamar Valley, Cradle Mountain, the east coast – hiring a car at the airport makes a lot of sense. Having your own wheels opens up a completely different kind of trip.

You can compare rental options at DiscoverCars before you travel to lock in a good rate.

Where I stayed in Launceston

I was at the Centennial Inn on Bathurst, a mid-range property right in the city centre on Bathurst Street, about 1.9 km from Cataract Gorge – close enough that I walked there the next day. Good location, free parking, restaurant on site. A practical and comfortable base for two nights while you do Cradle Mountain and explore the city.

You can also check current rates on Booking.com.

Why start your Tasmania trip in Launceston?

Most visitors fly into Hobart and stay there. Starting in Launceston instead gives you a logical north-to-south route through the island – Cradle Mountain on day two, Ross village en route, then Hobart for the rest of the trip. You see more of Tasmania, and you avoid treating Launceston as an afterthought.

The city also has more going on than its reputation suggests. Cataract Gorge is right on the edge of the CBD, the food scene is serious (Launceston holds UNESCO City of Gastronomy status), and the Tamar Valley wine region is on the doorstep.

Before you fly

A few things worth sorting before you leave:

• Book your flight early for the better fares – prices rise as the date approaches
• Have the Uber app set up with payment ready before landing
• If you’re renting a car, compare options at DiscoverCars in advance
• Let your accommodation know your arrival time if it’s a late evening flight

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