SHOPPING CENTRES WESTERN JUNCTION

Franklin House is convict built and located in northern Tasmania at Franklin Village, Launceston. Built by former convict and successful businessman Britton Jones, Franklin House is notable for its rich use of imported Australian Red Cedar. Extended to accommodate one of the colonies leading private schools which operated there from 1842 until 1866 the house finally became the birthplace of the National Trust in Tasmania in 1960. Franklin House survives with house, stables and garden. Nearby and also accessible is St James Church which was built in 1845 and has many associations with the House. The Tearooms are open during house hours for light meals and refreshments. The Metro Bus services, numbers 40 and 50 from the City to Franklin village, stop outside the House.

Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company is a production and tasting centre near Evandale, south of Launceston. You'll be guided through the delicious range of products, such as a variety of berry fruit sauces, chocolate sauces as well as apricot chutney, Cumberland sauce and Thai chilli. There's a dedicated tasting room adjacent to the production kitchen, and a deck looking out onto a garden and topiary nursery - the largest in Tasmania. You can purchase all products including a range of gift packs from the centre. Interstate and overseas postage can be arranged. The Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company is about 20-minutes' drive (17 kilometres/10.5 miles) from central Launceston.

The Evandale market is a popular country market in historic Evandale in Tasmania's north. Come and be a part of one of Tasmania's favourite markets with over 100 stalls, including a wide range of wares from high quality crafts to bric-a-brac for every budget. There are also plenty of food stalls and children's amusements. Evandale is a lovely Georgian village with well preserved cottages, houses, churches, inns and shops. It is a great place for browsing in antique galleries and art and craft shops. The Launceston airport lies between Evandale and Launceston. You can also visit other historic towns nearby including Longford and Westbury. A short drive into Launceston will offer you a host of street-side cafes, boutique shops and leafy city parks. You can also head down the Tamar Valley Wine Route to sample some of Tasmania's finest cool climate wines. The market is open every Sunday from 8am to 2pm. Evandale is located just 15 kilometres (nine miles) south of Launceston.

Sharman's Fine Wines is a boutique vineyard and cellar door located at Relbia, northern Tasmania. Relbia is a 15-minute drive south of Launceston (10 kilometres/6 miles), a short distance from the Launceston airport.

Established in 1987, Mike and Philippa Sharman's four-hectare (10 acre) Glenbothy vineyard sits on the banks of the North Esk River. The vineyard has been planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. A range of excellent cool wine styles is produced in relatively small quantities, including pinot noir, a Bordeaux blend, barrel-fermented and un-oaked Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and a sparkling wine..

You can sample Sharman's wines each weekend at the cellar door, or at other times by appointment. Sharman's Fine Wines is part of the Tamar Valley wine route.

Bundaleera is a picturesque vineyard producing pinot noir, chardonnay and riesling in Tasmania's north..

The two-hectare (five acre) vineyard is nestled in a small valley on the southern escarpment of the North Esk River. This provides a wonderful micro-environment for growing premium grapes and a beautiful and tranquil setting for enjoying wine.

Visit and sample the trophy-winning pinot noir as well as the classic, award-winning Chardonnay and Riesling. While you are in the area, be sure to stop by other vineyards and enjoy the peaceful rural feel of the region.

Bundaleera Vineyard is located at Relbia about 15-minutes' drive (14 kilometres/8.6 miles) from central Launceston.