Launceston has some of the most fun playgrounds and parks in Australia, and with a brand new colossal outdoor play space built in 2020 there’s even more to explore! Here are some of our favourite Launceston playgrounds….
Riverbend Park
Address: 81 Lindsay street, Invermay 7250
Definitely the biggest of Launceston’s playgrounds, built in 2020 there is something here for all ages. Riverbend Park is divided into four areas: The River Play area, Gorge Play area, Wild Core area, and Urban Plaza. There is a fenced area for toddlers but the rest of the space is open plan. It’s so big that it’s very easy to lose each other here – so I definitely recommend dressing younger kids in bright clothes! The slides and climbing nets are enormous, definitely challenging for older kids (and fun-loving parents!) and there is water play for hotter days too. Not much shade so bring hats and sunscreen in Summer.
Facilities: Accessible Parking, Accessible Play Space, Accessible Toilet, BBQ, Dogs Not Allowed, Parking, Picnic Tables, Public Seating, Play Space, Fenced Playground, Toddler Equipment, Swing, Basketball Court, Shade Areas, Toilets
Tailrace Park
Address: Valley Street, Trevallyn 7250
This is one of our most visited parks, we love the giant slide and climbing net and there is lots of green grass around the play area for ball games and to run the dog. There is a lovely short boardwalk around the river (not dog-friendly) and great paths for bikes or scooters. A bike path links Tailrace Park to the city (about 4km) and next door to the park there is a great indoor play centre if the weather changes (see below for more details).
Facilities: Accessible Parking, Accessible Toilet, BBQ, Dogs Allowed, Parking, Picnic Tables, Public Seating, Play Space, Toddler Equipment, Swing, Basketball Court, Shade Areas, Toilets, Exercise Equipment
Heritage Forest
Another of our favourites and the first park we found ourselves visiting when we arrived in Launceston as it has bus parking, power available and is dog-friendly. It’s a massive recreation space with different areas – the playground has a 40ft flying fox and lots of other equipment, with grass areas for running and ball games and lots of trees to climb. The whole compex is linked by gravel bike paths – definitely bring your bikes if you can as you can cycle around to the BMX track with lots of fun bike jumps to play on. Dogs are welcome on leash in all areas and there is also a huge off-leash dog area too. We call this one ‘The Tassie Tiger Park’ as there is a giant Tassie Tiger to play on in the playground!
Facilities: Accessible Parking, Accessible Toilet, BBQ, Beginners Bike Track, Bike Jumps, Bike Path, Conservation Values, Dogs On Lead, Dogs Off Leash Fenced, Drinking Fountain, Flying Fox, Garden, Native/Community Garden, Outdoor Gym Equipment, Parking, Picnic Tables, Public Seating, Play Space, Toddler Equipment, Swing, Shade Areas, Shelter, Walking Trail Sealed, Walking Trail Unsealed
Royal Park
Address: Royal Park Esplanade, Launceston 7250
One of the most picturesque of the Launceston playgrounds, Royal Park is situated on the Tamar River and looks out over the water. It’s linked with Riverbend Park and the city with bike trails which are child and scooter friendly.
Facilities: Accessible Parking, BBQ, Bike Path, Boat Ramp, Dogs On Lead, Drinking Fountain, Lake or River, Outdoor Gym Equipment, Parking, Parking Fees, Picnic Tables, Public Seating, Play Space, Toddler Equipment, Pontoon, Shade Areas, Shelter, Skate Park, Sportsfield, Tennis Court, Viewing Deck, Walking Trail Sealed, WiFi
Launceston Skate Park
Address: Royal Park, 78 Paterson St, Launceston
Technically part of the Royal Park complex (see above) the skate park is definitely worth a mention in itself. You could easily miss this area if you come from the river side of the park, you need to walk through a tunnel or over the top of the storm barriers to find it. It’s a large park surrounded by green grass, with a large bowl, half pipe, grind poles and a quarter pipe. We’ve been there lots of times with our younger kids and the older kids who skate there have always been friendly and happy to share the space.
Longford Park
Address: 16 Lyttleton St, Longford TAS 7301
This park is further out of town so you’ll need to drive, but well worth a mention for it’s unique play equipment. There is all the traditional stuff, swings and roundabouts all in great condition, but they also have electronic equipment too that is super fun! For example a climbing frame with lights on – each time they flash you have to hit the buttons or race your friends to get the highest score – great fun for adults too!
Facilities: Play equipment, electronic play equipment, BBQ facilities, toilets, picnic tables, baby change and disabled toilets, dog friendly.
Punchbowl Reserve
Address: 102-134 Punchbowl Rd, Punchbowl TAS 7249
This park feels a million miles from anywhere, yet it’s just a short drive from Launceston city centre. It’s a huge, beautiful green space with BBQs and great play equipment, but our kids usually end up climbing the trees or playing in the shallow river spotting eels. There is also a duck pond and walking trails – definitely spend a few hours at this one.
Facilities: Accessible Parking, Accessible Playground, Accessible Play Space, BBQ, Bike Path, Conservation Values, Dogs Not Allowed, Drinking Fountain, Garden, Native/Community Garden, Lake or River, Parking, Picnic Tables, Public Seating, Play Space, Toddler Equipment, Swing, Self Guided Walk, Shade Areas, Shelter, Walking Trail Sealed, Walking Trail Unsealed
Cataract Gorge
Address: 74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston TAS 7250
This has to be one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Australia, perched on a hill overlooking the famous Cataract Gorge with the scenic chairlift passing in the sky above. The highlight of this playground has to be the hamster wheel – not for the very young or the faint-hearted! There is a lovely water play area and further down the hill is the open-air public swimming pool – perfect for Summer days. There are lots of beautiful walks to do here too so make sure you give yourself enough time to do everything – or come back again!
City Park
As the name suggests, this is Launceston’s most central playground, located in the centre of town. The children’s playground itself is quite small, tucked away in the far corner of the park, and the equipment suits younger children, but the park itself is beautiful and has lots of paths for bikes and scooters. There is also a lovely kids’ train that drives around the park for $2 a ride, a giant chess set and the longest bench in the Southern Hemisphere!
Launceston Playgrounds – Indoor Play
If the weather turns too wet or cold to enjoy Launceston playgrounds, there are also two excellent indoor play centres to enjoy.
Kids’ Paradise
Address: 1 Waterfront Dr, Launceston TAS 7250
Situated next to Tailrace Park, Kids Paradise has two large play areas and suits kids from infant to tween. There is soft play, dressups, toddler area, slides, ball pools and more.
Launceston Entertainment Complex (LEX)
Address: 23 Racecourse Crescent, Launceston TAS 7250
Known as the LEX for short, the Launceston Entertainment Complex has fun for all ages, with a space themed soft play area – ‘Adventure Planet’ for the younger kids, to laser tag and a trampoline park for older fun-seekers. Located just a few minutes from City Park .
If your family loves adventure don’t miss a visit to Hollybanks Treetops Adventures, just 30 minutes from Launceston, hit the link to read our review.
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