formerly Patersonia
City (pop., 2001: 57,685) and port, northeastern 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.