The name 'Petrarch's Bookshop' was inspired by the Italian poet Petrarca. They have served…read moreLaunceston as a general bookshop since 1985. I stopped by this convenient downtown location a few times during my recent visit to Launceston. I was particularly impressed with the friendly staff and the nice selection of Tasmanian-focused titles. I spend a fair amount of time doing some light reading and the book I should have purchased was, "What Could Possibly Go Wrong" (See Picture). However, I did leave with a nice notebook and wishing I could hang here longer.

Design Tasmania is a non-profit design center and gallery located in Launceston, Tasmania,…read morededicated to showcasing and championing the island's unique design and craftsmanship. Established in 1976, it serves as a central hub for Tasmanian creative culture, featuring world-class exhibitions, a curated retail store, and an iconic permanent wood collection. I had to sneak away from our tour group (and Gayle) to come here and take a look. There was so much to admire about the wood/furniture collection, plus the pieces in the shop. I came away with a couple outstanding Brad Moss pieces, including this Tiger Myrtle Document Box. It wasn't cheap, but solid craftsmanship rarely is. My only regret is that I didn't have more time.

Stunning hand-crafted timber furniture and artwork by local Tasmanian artists…read more There is an exhibition section and a substantial store where you can purchase anything from jewellery to lamps and bed frames. The work is of the highest quality and beautifully displayed. The scent of the timber and oils are delicious and really add to the experience. Well worth the trip if you are into industrial design and artisanal pieces.

Moderately priced store located in the centre of Launceston CBD…read more Great for cheap, nice work clothes.

Great gallery, great cafe - I have stopped by here a couple of times now since moving back to…read moreTasmania late last year. I appreciate the wide range of art and craft available, presented professionally I might add. It is wonderful to be able to view, buy and support local artists. Hard to hold a conversation over the meal though as I want to keep looking at everything! Both times I have been in here the hostess has greeted us in a friendly attentive way, and I am pretty sure if I come often enough we will know each other by name - I have observed a large array of people come and go greeting her and vice versa - a local celebrity perhaps! And perhaps well so, since this gallery cafe has created great revenue for Scottsdale I am sure. Open 7 days per week means stopping by on your Sunday country drive for lunch or brunch - n.b. pretty good coffee and a variety of tasty meals, not just your standard fare - last one I had was roasted vegetable salad with a delightful home made dressing. I know I will be back - for the art and the food!

An absolute wonderland for kitchenwares and homewares, my favourite - I come here whenever I'm in…read moreLaunceston and I love it. They stock EVERYTHING. They have all the big name brands, and everything for the serious cook to the total amateur. Prices are reasonable, and with the range they stock you can find something to suit any budget. The staff are excellent and super helpful. If they don't have something in stock they'll order it in for you. They have sales throughout the year, and if you are a member then you can get extra discounts and bargains - definitely worthwhile signing up.

Big call, but Your Habitat is the BEST homewares store I've ever visited (and I've visited many)…read more A visit to Your Habitat is mandatory on all my trips to Tassie. The owners have their fingers on the pulse when it comes to selecting stock that covers traditional and trendy cooks and entertainers. Your Habitat stocks many well-known and reliable brands, including KitchenAid, Scanpan, Le Creuset, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton (imagine your Christmas goose cooked and served up with these brands?!). Fancy a tea of coffee? Come in to grab a new Bodum plunger or milk frother or an on-trend tea pot, with some chic cups or mugs to match. Picnicking at the park? Before heading around the corner, swing by Your Habitat for all your picnic needs, including pretty serving ware, cute napkins and colourful plates and bowls. Into baking? Well, come on down. Service is always very professional. Prices are reasonable too - especially at sale time. Join the loyalty program while you're in - no cost and great rewards on offer. Your Habitat is also online and their service via online shopping is very good in my experience. Happy shopping (and cooking).

This gallery is all class. A spectacular display from a decent collection of Tasmanian artisans is…read moreawaiting you inside the historic building on a prominent corner in the pretty township of Evandale. Art, ceramics, jewellery, linocuts, wood, sculpture and so much more is available. Just a short 1/2 hr or so drive away from Launceston, head to the airport and then follow the signs beyond to Evandale. I highly recommend this gallery as a mandatory stop if you're anywhere in the vicinity. Plenty of other great stuff in town to make a day of it. Go on a Sunday and you'll have the added bonus of the expansive weekly market to enjoy.

Evandale is a gem of a town, and this quaint gallery exhibiting local crafts ansd art are well…read moreworth popping in for. If you are after a great piece of local art to display in your home or business then check this place out! If you are geeting married have you considered using a gallery as a gift regisrty? My friends recently did just that with this business; you score some great art and help the local ecomony to boot. Handmark also have a gallery in Salamanca, Hobart, a popular tourist area close to the waterfront. This addition in Evandale opened up to work more closely with the artists up North so says the friendly man behind the counter.

Don't be expecting the same range of designers and offerings as its big city counterparts, but this…read moreis still a pretty decent Myer for a regional centre. No shopping outing in Launie is really complete without a trip to Myer Launceston. Great homewares and electrical departments. Cosmetics also good (but I wish they had Mac to brighten things up a tad). Clothing-wise, you'll be able to get all the staples, but maybe not that 'something special.' Shoes can also be a little hit and miss, but worth a shot. Situated conveniently in the Brisbane Street mall.

Not a bad selection for a regional store, great for shopping when they have some sales, any other…read moretime it's a little over priced

When I was growing up, this was the place to go in Launie for women who liked beautiful…read moredesignerware. A trip to Yeltour use to really excite me (and my mum), but now I (or should I say "we") feel that it's a little bit blah. Brands seem to have been downgraded a bit over the years, coinciding with the emerging focus on the youth market and rebranding. Still worth coming here if you're in town and looking for clothes, as it's still one of the better clothes shops around. Stocks a large range of clothes and accessories to boot, e.g. stocks the types of youth brands you'd see in Myer Melbourne (eg Wish, Cooper Street), travel clothes such as Metalicus and Mela Purdie, and some designer jeans (they use to do Sass & Bide).