Our Home
Tasmania is a special place of spectacular scenery, the cleanest air and purest water in the world and fertile land that grows the premium produce we use in our Tasmanian single malt whisky.
Visit us to explore our whisky distillery and the rich aviation history of Hangar 17 in northern Tasmania.
Location:
Hangar 17, 287 Evandale Road, Western Junction, TAS 7212
We are located just south of the Launceston Airport terminal along Evandale Road. Look for our sign at the car park that services QANTAS freight, the Aero Club and Hangar 17. We are at the northern end of the car park.
Tours and tastings:
Guided tastings are $15pp for 20 minutes and tours are $20pp (including a tasting) for 1 hour.
Tours usually start on the hour every hour.
Opening hours:
We are open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday for tours.
Sunday tours are available by appointment only. Contact the Distillery for more information.
Please note we are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Contact:
info@launcestondistillery.com.au, or phone 03 6391 9140 for tour enquiries or private tour requests.
Our home - Hangar 17
Island Inspiration
Tasmania’s heritage is rich, its history is harsh but its future looks vibrant. The island state prides itself on a culture of innovation and excellence, with passionate people creating world-renowned boutique brands. We are proud to sit at the heart of the Tasmanian Whisky Trail and aim to enhance the reputation and respect of Tasmania as a premium whisky producer.
Located in northern Tasmania, Launceston is one of Australia’s oldest colonial cities being settled in 1806.
Our place in history
Launceston’s first whisky distillery, the Caledonian Distillery, was established in 1824 and became one of the Colony’s foremost distilleries. In 1839, the Distillation Prohibition Act was enacted – outlawing the distilling of spirits across the island. Since 1992 when the law was changed to allow for the first modern day distillery, Hobart has been home to a growing number of producers. Launceston Distillery is the first traditional whisky producer in Launceston to gain a production licence since the Caledonian closed nearly 180 years ago.
Launceston is a boutique riverside city, located in the heart of Tasmania, at the confluence of the North Esk (laykila) and South Esk (plipatumila) rivers, where they form the Tamar River (kanamaluka).
Taking Flight - the history of Hangar 17
Hangar 17
Our home played a key role in the development of aviation in Tasmania and Australia. Hangar 17 housed historic airlines Holyman’s, Australian National Airways and Ansett, providing Northern Tasmania with a gateway to the rest of the world.
There was a romance associated with the glamour and grandeur of flying in the 1950s and 1960s, so too a nostalgia around a fine glass of traditional whisky – we are proud to write the next chapter of the building’s history by entwining the pleasurable with the past.
Queen Elizabeth leaving Western Junction in February 1954, with Hangar 17 in the background (Tasmanian State Archives)
Significant History
Hangar 17 is Tasmania’s oldest aviation building still standing in its original location. From this hangar, commercial aviation in Tasmania was established. Affectionately known as the ‘Holyman Hangar’, it was erected in 1933 following the formation of Tasmanian Aerial Services by Victor and Ivan Holyman with Laurie Johnson. The service initially flew passengers to the Bass Strait islands using the Desoutter monoplane Miss Flinders and Fox Moth biplane Miss Currie.
Hangar 17 is on the right
Expansion Ensued
The airline expanded and was renamed as Australian National Airways (A.N.A.) in 1936. ANA was the largest domestic aviation company operating throughout Australia until the 1950s. The Hangar was extended to its current size and an upgraded passenger departure lounge and airline offices were built.
Photo courtesy Tasmanian State Archives
With deep respect, Launceston Distillery acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional and ongoing custodians of this land. We recognise their connection to the land, seas, air and waterways of lutruwita.
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