Launceston February 2016

We arrived in Launceston on Monday evening, 15 February. A number of other over 60s and over 70s cricketers were also on the same plane so they could take part in the annual Victoria over 60s versus Tasmania over 60s cricket match to be played at the Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association complex on the Tuesday. An over 70s game was also to be played.

The Victorian players stayed at the Commodore Regent in Brisbane Street, a short walk from the cricket ground and not far from the centre of Launceston and the river. The hotel is across the road from City Park.

After breakfast the cricketers walked the short distance to the cricket ground to prepare for the game. I followed a short time later to find out the plans for the day and as Victoria was batting first I decided to go for a walk around Launceston.

John Hart Conservatory

It was pleasant walking through the gardens. There are monuments, bandstand and statues in the park including an ornate fountain built in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

It was two years since our last visit to Launceston, also for a cricket match, so it was a good opportunity to explore the area once more. Initially I followed the banks of the North Esk River towards Royal Park and the River Tamar.

North Esk River looking towards the hills

View across the Tamar River from the park

Another view towards former grain silos

View towards Cascade Gorge

Last time we explored the city it was Launceston Cup Day and most of the shops were closed and the streets almost deserted. Visiting the Mall near lunch time the streets were also very quiet.

The Mall in Launceston 11.45

I then returned to the cricket ground to watch the afternoon session of the cricket.

Part of the streetscape near the cricket ground

Before returning home on the Wednesday Robin and I had another stroll through Launceston.

The Town Hall had decorated its pillars in football colours for the Hawthorn v Carlton NAB Challenge match to be held at Aurora Stadium on Thursday.

On our walk we encountered a number of senior Victorian cricketers also going for a walk before heading home including these three who posed for a photo.

After an enjoyable two day break in Launceston it was time to return home. Next excursion will be Adelaide next month to play cricket against South Australia.

Posts relating to 2014 visit
Launceston   area near Boag's Brewery
Exploring Launceston - Cascade Gorge and Tamar and North Esk rivers
Westbury Road
Cricket match 2014