LAUNCESTON FACTFILE Population: 69,000 Location: North of Tasmania Climate: Hot in summer and cool in winter - dry most of the year Geography: North of Tasmania Interesting fact:Launceston is named after the Cornish town in England

Explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders had come close to it after uncovering the Tamar River, which runs past modern-day Launceston, in 1798.

It was Paterson, though, who led the settlement under the guidance of Governor King.

And in honour of King, it was later renamed Launceston - King had hailed from the aforementioned Cornish town in England.

Its main focus over the years has been as a port, originally for whalers and seals, and later for exporting tin elsewhere.

Today it is Tasmania's second city after Hobart and lacks the hustle and bustle of its island neighbour.

Launceston is famous for its attractive array of parks and gardens, earning it the nickname "Tasmania's Garden City".

Among the best are City Park, Prince's Square, Royal Park and the Punchbowl Reserve.

Other major tourist attractions include Cataract Gorge, a vast cliff drop into the Tamar Valley.

There lies a stunning array of flora and fauna, with superb walks and a picturesque cable car ride for visitors across the area.

Launceston is also famous for its historic buildings dating from the early 19th century.