200 km north of Hobart on the Midland Highway. Known affectionately as ‘Lonny’ by the locals, its full name is pronounced ‘Lon-seston’. Surrounded by hills, this is the garden city in the heart of Tasmania. It’s a quiet and pleasant spot, with a number of historic houses amongst its many tree-lined parks.

The Cateract Gorge and Cliff Grounds is just ten minutes’ walk from the centre of town. The dramatic scenery here was caused by a violent earthquake which took place more than 40 million years ago. The park has a hiking trail along the cliffs, as well as a chairlift which claims the longest span in the world (300 m).

In the centre of town, on George Street, you can visit the Old Umbrella Shop (www.nationaltrust.org.au/tas/old-umbrella-shop; open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 12 noon), which dates from the 1860s. Here they have a display which shows how the locals kept themselves dry during the usual weather which has persisted during the last 100 years. There are quite a few interesting things to do in and around Launceston: Platypus House (http://www.platypushouse.com.au, open daily from 9.30 am, and 10 am in winter), is an interactive experience for endangered platypus’ and echidnas a 40 min drive from Launceston, it’s especially good to visit on wet days. Or if you love seahorses you’ll be happy to know there is Seahorse World in the Tamar Valley a 45 min drive (www.seahorseworld.com.au, open 9.30 am – 4.00 pm December to April, and 10 am – 3pm May to November). For adults without kids there is also the Boags Brewery Tour (tel. + 61 03 6332 6300; www.boags.com.au; brewerytours@boags.com.au), booking essential.