Lonnie”, as it’s known to the locals, might be diminutive (just 86,000 in population terms), but discounting it from your list of worthy food destinations would be a mistake. The streets, rich in Federation, Victorian and Georgian architecture, boast charming cafes, hipster bars, contemporary restaurants and a thriving local food culture. To boot, on the doorstep is the Tamar Valley wine region, with more than 20 cellar doors to explore. Perhaps this food focus has something to do with heritage: Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest towns, founded in 1806.

One of the city’s biggest claims to fame is that two of its residents, John Pascoe Fawkner and John Batman, settled Melbourne. To this day, Launcestonians will happily joke that Melbourne is just an outpost of Launceston. Well, the outpost may have grown bigger than the parent, but when you give birth to a city like Melbourne, you must have epicurean blood in the veins. No wonder Launceston has a fine food and wine scene of its own.

The veteran of Launceston’s dining scene, Stillwater (2 Bridge Rd), is almost 20 years old and still going strong. Co-owner Kim Seagram says it was created to “showcase Tasmania’s best produce, wine and beer – some of the finest in the country”. Between the elegant restaurant, the newly revamped bar and the onsite providore, that’s exactly what the Stillwater team continue to do.

Also on your must-visit list is Stillwater’s sister eatery, Black Cow Bistro (70 George St), housed in an old butcher’s shop and specialising in top-quality Tasmanian beef.

Combining food, wine and history, Brock Kerslake’s Taste Walk Talk tours of Launceston are all about championing local producers and shop owners. Kerslake is a former primary school teacher – but don’t expect to be tutored in a structured way. Instead, Kerslake says his tours are more “a casual chat as we wander around. We talk about interesting buildings, quirky stories and unique places”. Whether you book one of his four-hour, two-hour or pre-dinner tours, expect to spend time exploring the streets on foot, sampling along the way. That might include wallaby prosciutto at a local butcher, treats at Launceston’s oldest sweets shop, or craft beers and ciders at the city’s hippest bar.

The Saturday-morning Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market (71 Cimitiere St) is all about fare that’s grown, reared or made nearby. Expect up to 60 stallholders plying seasonal fruit and veg, artisan breads, meats, cheeses and dairy, preserves, local ciders and wines, and that staple of any farmers’ market: freshly ground, locally roasted coffee.

Not in town on a Saturday? Hit up East Launceston’s Alps & Amici Foodstore & Kitchen (52 Abbott St) for local produce, Australian and international goodies, plus house-made meals.

In between meals, stroll to the picturesque Cataract Gorge. You can choose the level of exertion – the gentle incline along the northern riverbank takes about 15 minutes; the hilly Zig Zag Track on the southern side takes slightly longer, and requires a little more effort.

Chef Matt Adams describes his eatery Timbre Kitchen (755 West Tamar Hwy, Legana) as unpretentious, a bit of fun and not too conservative. In a light-filled dining room, overlooking vines and countryside, his menu is both broadly appealing and a firm favourite with the fooderati. Make sure you order the wood-oven grilled cheese and devilled eggs, two definite crowd pleasers.

Stylish modern decor and bucolic views are the defining features at four-bedroom, four-bathroom stay Relbia Lodge (338 Relbia Rd, Relbia), about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Launceston. With full kitchen facilities, it’s ideal for those who want to self-cater. In Launceston, the individually designed suites at Hatherley Birrell Collection (43 High St) prioritise privacy and luxury. Three suites are in the original 1830s mansion; a further two are in a modern pavilion overlooking the manicured garden.

As the name suggests, Saint John Craft Beer Bar (133 St John St) has a solid craft-beer emphasis, with more than 170 labels available at any given time. Co-owner Jade Burley says: “We can guarantee there’ll be something you haven’t tried before.”

The taps feature a rotating selection of 10 beers and two ciders, while the fridges boast cans and bottles from around the world. Smallbatch spirits are another house speciality, while the concise wine list focuses on smaller independent wineries. Outside, the bar runs a food truck serving drinks-friendly fare from 5pm daily. Unsurprisingly, the buttermilk fried chicken with chilli dipping sauce is one of the most popular picks.

The mastermind behind Euro-style eatery Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant (186 Charles St), Jeremy Kode, describes his restaurant in unassuming terms: “It’s a place where people can come together to eat, drink and socialise – it’s not meant to be more challenging than that.”

Regardless, the menu, which focuses on local and seasonal produce from around the state (and Kode’s family farm in nearby Longford), and the casual, contemporary feel make this one of the city’s standouts.

Urban hotspot Bryher Cafe (91 George St) prides itself on house-made delicacies: everything from pastries, biscuits and brioche, to pickles, yoghurt and chutneys.