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 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 and South Esk rivers, where they form the Tamar River.
Where we are at the Launceston Airport
Visit our Launceston whisky distillery at:
Hangar 17, 287 Evandale Road, Western Junction. TAS 7212
Directions: We are 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.
Opening hours and tours: We are open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday for tours. Tours usually start on the hour every hour. Sunday tours are available but only by appointment via the below email address.
Bottle sales are available at the Distillery as well as from our online store.
Contact: info@launcestondistillery.com.au , or phone (03) 6391 9140 for tour requests.
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
