Unveiling Launceston's Dark Side
If there's one thing we love about Launceston, it’s her many layers. Every street, every building, and every corner holds a story—and not all of them are sunshine and roses. In fact, some are downright grim, gritty, and absolutely fascinating. That’s why we’re beyond proud to announce the launch of Dark Side of Launceston, our newest walking tour that shines a light (or perhaps a flickering lantern) on the city's shadowy past.
For five years, we’ve been uncovering Launceston’s stories through our walking tours, but this one feels special. It’s born from months of deep research into the convict and settler history of the city—an era that shaped Launceston’s identity in ways both dark and profound. And let’s be honest: we’re a little obsessed with the eerie, mysterious, and downright chilling tales that make up this town’s history.
What’s the Dark Side of Launceston All About?
This isn’t your average ghost tour (though there’s no shortage of eerie tales here). Instead, Dark Side of Launceston explores the true, often shocking stories of the city’s past. From the gallows of the old gaol to the notorious brothel district, we’ll walk you through the places where history unfolded in ways that are as surprising as they are unsettling.
One of the stories that gave us chills during our research was learning about the penal treadmill—a grim contraption where prisoners were punished by walking endlessly, sometimes for hours, with no purpose but to crush rock. It’s one of those historical tidbits that makes you stop and think: What would life have been like here, back then?
And this is just one of many tales we’ll explore on the tour.
Why Now?
Launching Dark Side of Launceston feels like the perfect step forward for us. The pandemic taught us how resilient we can be and reminded us of the importance of connecting with our city’s stories. It also gave us the time to dive deeply into Launceston’s convict past, unearthing details we couldn’t wait to share.
This tour is our way of expanding how we tell Launceston’s story. History isn’t just dates and names—it’s full of humanity, drama, and lessons that still resonate today. And as grim as some of these stories are, they’re also fascinating, educational, and a testament to how far we’ve come as a community.
Why We’re Proud
This tour is the culmination of years of research, passion, and love for Launceston. It’s also a celebration of the city’s resilience—because every dark chapter in history is a testament to the strength and spirit of the people who lived through it.
We’re proud to offer something that’s both thought-provoking and entertaining. And we’re incredibly excited to share these stories with locals and visitors alike. If you’ve ever wondered what’s lurking beneath the surface of Launceston’s beautiful streets, Dark Side of Launceston is your chance to find out.
Tickets are available now, so join us as we take a walk on the darker side of history. Trust us—you’ll never see Launceston the same way again.
