Launceston, city and port in northern Tasmania, Australia, at the junction of the North Esk and South Esk rivers and at the terminal navigational point of the Tamar River. Launceston is a port of entry and Tasmania's second largest city after Hobart, the capital. It is in the center of a rich dairying region. The principal manufactures of Launceston are textiles and brassware. One of the world's first hydroelectric stations (1895) is found here. Population (1999 estimate) 98,200.
