Launceston Airport

Overview

Launceston Airport (LST) is the second busiest airport in Tasmania, serving as the primary gateway for the northern half of the island. It is a regional airport that connects the Tamar Valley, Launceston, and surrounding districts with mainland Australia and other parts of Tasmania. The airport handles a mix of domestic and regional flights, with carriers including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, and Sharp Airlines. Common routes include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Bass Strait islands. The airport is compact and efficient, designed to handle the steady flow of tourists and business travellers who rely on its services.

Location & Access

Launceston Airport is located at Western Junction, approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) southeast of Launceston’s city centre. It sits on the outskirts of the rural suburb of Evandale, with the airport address being 5 Trotters Lane, Western Junction, Tasmania 7212. Access from Launceston is straightforward via the Midland Highway (National Highway 1), a divided road that connects the city to the airport. The drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

For those without a car, several ground transport options are available. Shuttle buses run between the airport and Launceston city, with services timed to match flight arrivals and departures. A local bus service (Metro Tasmania) also connects the airport with the city and nearby suburbs, though schedules can be less frequent. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber are available at the terminal forecourt, and car hire companies have desks inside the terminal. If you are heading to the Tamar Valley wine region, the airport’s location makes it a convenient starting point for a self-driving itinerary.

Facilities

The terminal at Launceston Airport is modern and well equipped for its size. The following amenities are available on site:

• Baggage storage: A luggage storage service is available, allowing travellers to store bags for a few hours or a day – ideal for those with a layover or a late flight who want to explore the area without hauling luggage.
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal. The network is reliable and speeds are reasonable for browsing and streaming basic content.
• Accessible facilities: The airport is fully accessible. There is a wheelchair-accessible car park, accessible entrance, and accessible toilets. Ramps and lifts provide level access to all areas of the terminal.
• Toilets are clean and well maintained, with a baby changing table available in the accessible toilet for parents travelling with infants.
• Paid parking: A car park with both short-term and long-term options is located directly in front of the terminal. Payment can be made via machines or the EasyPark app. The short-term parking is useful for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, while long-term is better for those leaving their vehicle for several days.
• On-site services: Besides the above, the terminal houses a café and a small retail shop selling snacks, drinks, and travel essentials. There is also a seating area near the gate with charging points for electronic devices.

The terminal operates on a single level, so navigating it is straightforward. Security screening is quick, and the departure lounge is within easy walking distance of the check-in counters.

About the Region

Launceston Airport is the primary arrival point for Tasmania’s north. The region is defined by the Tamar River and the surrounding Tamar Valley, a world-renowned wine-growing area famous for its cool-climate varieties, especially Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The valley is dotted with historic villages, vineyards, and farm gates selling local produce such as berries, nuts, and artisan cheeses.

The city of Launceston itself is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including the Gothic-style Launceston Post Office and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. The standout natural attraction is Cataract Gorge, a stunning river gorge with walking trails, a chairlift, and a swimming pool, located just a short walk from the city centre.

Further afield, the airport serves as a gateway to some of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. To the west lies the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, about two hours’ drive away. To the north, the coastal towns of Low Head, George Town, and the historic settlement of Port Arthur (though further east) are reachable within a couple of hours. The region also has a strong agricultural identity, with extensive fields of poppies (used for medicinal opiates), pyrethrum, and lavender. Visitors often come for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and bushwalking.

Given its compact size, Launceston Airport provides a stress-free entry point to this diverse landscape, allowing travellers to be in the heart of the Tamar Valley within minutes of landing.

Practical Information

• Address: 5 Trotters Lane, Western Junction TAS 7212, Australia
• Website: www.launcestonairport.com.au
• Phone: +61 3 6391 6222
• Hours: The terminal is open daily, but opening hours vary according to the flight schedule. Typically, the terminal opens from around 4:00 AM to after the last flight in the evening. The airport experiences peak passenger flows around 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when flights to Melbourne and Sydney depart. It is advisable to arrive at least one hour before domestic flights (90 minutes for peak times).
• Parking: Paid short-term and long-term parking available. Charges apply, with the first 15 minutes free for drop-off.

For real-time flight information and any updates, always check the airport’s website or contact the information desk upon arrival.