Hello, my name is Geoff and I invite you to be my guest on my unique and high quality experiences of Launceston and/or our iconic Cataract Gorge. I will be your personal host on all of the experiences I provide and you will not only find out fascinating facts but be entertained with colourful stories. Below are my experiences but I can tailor something specific for you. Just ask me!
Journey through Ye Olde Launceston – This acclaimed experience covers not just all you need to know about Launceston and its amazing history but also Tasmania (Van Diemen’s Land) and more. The formation of modern-day Tasmania has its foundations in the early colonial history of Australia and with a surprise French connection. From those early days of struggle and conflict came a city that now has the most diverse collection of architectural styles and eras in Australia. I have extensive knowledge of those eras and styles and if I don’t know a building that you want to know about, I’ll find out! Of course, the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Launceston is far more than architecture and there are the stories of those early colonial settlers and ex-convicts who became the ’movers and shakers’ that forged into being one of Australia’s oldest cities.
Duration – 1.5 – 2 hours
Fee: $45 per person
Accessibility – Walks are on flat ground on paved footpaths. People with mobility scooters are able to attend. Assistance animals are most welcome.
Journey through Ye Olde Launceston Deluxe Experience– This experience is for those of you who are looking for that something special and extra when it comes to discovering what Launceston has to offer. In addition to the history, architecture, culture and other stories of Launceston this experience concludes at local artist Eleanora Pulcini’s Experientia Populi Gallery and hospitality venue where you can view some old videos of Launceston while tasting locally produced spirits, wines, cheeses and more. And all while immersed in Eleanora’s incredible art that reflects her spirit and soul.
Duration – 3 hours
Fee: $125 per person
Accessibility – Walks are on flat ground on paved footpaths. People with mobility scooters are able to attend. Assistance animals are most welcome.
Cataract Gorge Experiences – The iconic Cataract Gorge is Launceston’s jewel in the crown and it has very significant Tasmanian Aboriginal spiritual and cultural connections. It also has extremely ancient origins and its geology is unique in the world. There is also the more contemporary history of the Gorge where, thanks to beer, a swamp was made into Picnic Grounds, is home to award winning and world record Gorge Scenic Chairlift, once hosted the biggest rock concert weekend in Australia and where the colourful Peacocks roam free. To discover all of that, and taken to some of the places tourists never know about in the Gorge, then come along with me on one of my Cataract Gorge experiences.
Duration – 2 hours
Fee: $45 per person
Accessibility – Part of this experience goes off the main pathways and not accessible for those in mobility scooters, wheelchairs. For people with mobility issues the route can be changed to make the experiences accessible. Assistance animals are most welcome.
Combined Experiences – To really discover the very best of Launceston then come along on my combined experiences of our amazing city and iconic Cataract Gorge. This will be one of the best days you will spend in Tasmania and is amazing value for money.
Duration – 5 hours
Fee: $95 per person
Coach Tours – This unique 1-hour onboard story-telling commentary will add something very special for your coach tour guests. In an hour we cover all of Launceston’s CBD and its fringes with entertaining narratives told by me that cover not just significant sites/buildings/events but also the tales of characters such as Dodgy Roger. I also have a collection of photographs and other artefacts your guests can also experience.
Duration – 1 hour
Fee: Starting at $120
Read about more of my story here:
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/6478451/launcestons-tales-told/
Hello, I am Geoff and I will be your personal host on any of the experiences you will join me on. I am a Launceston born and bred fellow, a local historian, Aboriginal historian, knowledge sharer and educator. I first started doing guided tours of Launceston in 2005 before becoming a lecturer/tutor in Aboriginal histories and cultures at the University of Tasmania's Aboriginal Education Centre, Riawunna. It paid a lot more!
In 2016 I ended my lecturing career and once again ventured into the world of tourism. This time it was doing Tasmanian Aboriginal histories and cultures experiences in our iconic Cataract Gorge. As a former lecturer I had leant a lot from various Elders and done 'on-country' experiences all over Tasmania. Tapping into that knowledge is what I bring to my Cataract Gorge experiences.
The opportunity then arose to restart hosting my local history tours and share the amazing banks of knowledge I have. Not to mention sharing my personal stories that are part of my deep connections to this beautiful little heritage city. I also specialise in architectural styles and eras, and Launceston is unique to Australia with the diversity of architecture found here.
Bookings can be made by emailing me or calling me. The details are at the bottom of this page.
I look forward to hosting you on some amazing experiences of Launceston!
menganna labberie are Tasmanian Aboriginal words for obtaining knowledge and if you are seeking to do just that when it comes to First Nations cultures and histories, or discover more about the history of Launceston and the Tamar/Kanamaluka region ,then you are at the right place. As a professional educator and Tasmanian Aboriginal, and local, historian I take great pride in providing meaningful and fun experiences for those of all ages. Please visit my Education and Cultural Awareness section for more detailed information.
For teachers and other educators, including school staff, I also provide in-depth Professional Learning and Cultural Awareness sessions that highlight the 8-Ways Aboriginal pedagogies as developed by First Nations academic and educator Dr Tyson Yunkaporta. I also provide a comprehensive take-home package of resources that includes reviews of resources for teachers and students. For more detailed information please visit my Cultural Awareness page on this website.
If you are a business, or organisation, looking for comprehensive and professionally delivered authentic Cultural Awareness sessions for your staff then please contact me for information about what I can provide for you. The information in my Cultural Awareness section will also give you a guide as to what I can do.
As a Tasmanian Aboriginal historian and knowledge sharer, and also importantly a qualified, professional and experienced educator, I take great pride in providing the most comprehensive, and fun, experiences for those seeking to find out more about Tasmanian Aboriginal histories and cultures. Pop in to find out more.
Still not convinced that you need to do one of my unique tours? Visit this page to see what others have have said about their wonderful experiences of my amazing tours of Launceston and our iconic Cataract Gorge.
