Launceston Synagogue, Egyptian Revival synagogue in Launceston, Australia

Launceston Synagogue is a house of worship built in Egyptian Revival style, constructed in 1846 and still standing in the city center on St John Street. It has a trapezoidal front wall, a Star of David window, and retains most of its original architectural features from when it was first built.

The building was founded in 1846 by the Launceston Hebrew Congregation, which raised funds to construct it as a prayer house over a century ago. Its creation marked an early chapter in Australia's Jewish history and demonstrates how faith communities organized themselves during colonial times.

The synagogue's name recalls the Launceston Hebrew Congregation, which borrowed £500 in the 1840s to buy the land. In 1847 it was arranged that Jewish prisoners in Hobart and Launceston could attend services and refrain from work on the Sabbath; pass holders counted toward a minyan but could not receive honours. The building closed as a house of worship in 1871, reopened in the 1930s, closed again in 1961 and reopened in 1984.

The building sits in an easy-to-reach location in the city center and is clearly visible from the street, though it does not stay open regularly for casual visits. If you want to see the interior, check ahead with the local community or plan your visit around special events when access is usually available.

In 1847 it was arranged that Jewish prisoners in Hobart and Launceston jails could attend synagogue and refrain from work on the Sabbath; pass holders counted toward a minyan but could not receive honours. The building was designed by Richard Peter Lambeth and built in 1844 by Tasmanian builders Barton and Bennell.