Launceston
Settled 1806, one of Australia's oldest cities. First anesthetic surgery in Southern Hemisphere 1847, first hydroelectric city 1895. Named Australian Town of the Year 2022.
Launceston exists because the Tamar River estuary offered the best harbor in northern Tasmania. European settlers arrived in March 1806, making it one of Australia's oldest cities—named after the Cornish town the settlers left behind. The confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers, where they become the Tamar, provided natural advantages that would shape 200 years of development.
The city pioneered several Australian firsts. In 1847, a Launceston surgeon performed the first surgery under anesthetic in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1895, Launceston became the first Australian city lit by hydroelectric power—generated at Duck Reach Power Station, which supplied the city until the 1950s. The first underground sewerage system in Australia was installed here.
The economy built on these foundations. Superfine wool from the surrounding pastoral districts still attracts international buyers at Launceston's wool sales. Viticulture has replaced apple growing as the signature agricultural industry—the Tamar Valley now produces notable cool-climate wines. The University of Tasmania's Launceston campus includes the Australian Maritime College.
Tasmania's economy grew 20.3% in real terms between 2015-16 and 2022-23. Launceston and Greater Hobart experienced the highest population growth in the state. Named Australian Town of the Year in 2022, Launceston is now regarded as one of Australia's most livable regional cities.
By 2026, Launceston offers a model for regional prosperity: heritage, education, and premium agriculture rather than resource extraction.