Launceston Gasworks

The Launceston Gasworks, located in the heart of Launceston, Tasmania, is a historic industrial site that played a crucial role in the city's gas supply from the 1860s until the 1970s. Initially established to replace unpopular oil lamps, the gasworks utilized coal to produce gas, with its first gas street lighting introduced in 1860. The site features notable structures, including the 1930s Vertical Retort Building, which is marked by the phrase 'COOK WITH GAS' in its brickwork, and the original Horizontal Retort Building from 1860. Visitors can explore the remnants of the gasworks, including the restored chief engineer's cottage and the company office, which now houses an original gas lamp. Although the gasworks ceased operations and underwent significant changes, it remains a point of interest for those intrigued by industrial heritage and the evolution of energy production in Tasmania.