Launceston

Launceston (lôn`sĕstən, lŏn`–), city (1991 pop. 66,747), on Tasmania, SE Australia, where the North Esk and South Esk rivers join to form the Tamar estuary; founded 1806. Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania and the main port for trade with the Australian mainland. The principal exports are dairy products, flour, and lumber. There are woolen mills and aluminum works. The city has teacher-training and technical schools.

---

Launceston

 formerly Patersonia

City (pop., 2006: city, 62,218; urban agglom., 99,674) and port, northern Tasmania, Australia. Launceston developed during the 1830s as a whaling port and market centre. It is now the largest population and commercial centre in northern Tasmania. An export hub for a fertile agricultural region, it also has industries, including machine-making factories. One of the world's first hydroelectric stations (built in 1895) lies within the city on the South Esk River.

---

Launceston

a city in Australia, the chief port of the island state of Tasmania on the Tamar River, 64 km (40 miles) from Bass Strait. Pop.: 68 443 (2001)