Cataract Gorge Reserve
Cataract Gorge
A gorge on the South Esk River just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, with a suspension bridge, a record-setting single-span chairlift, and Victorian-style gardens where peacocks roam.
The Cataract Gorge is Launceston's signature landmark. Here the South Esk River has carved a steep basalt gorge before joining the Tamar River. From King's Bridge, follow the north-bank Cataract Gorge trail for about 30 minutes to First Basin. There you'll find a free outdoor swimming pool that opens in summer, the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, and the chairlift said to have the world's longest single span (about AUD 20 return). On the south bank, the Cliff Grounds have peacocks, wallabies, century-old trees, and a restaurant. If you're fit, you can continue upstream to the ruins of the old Duck Reach hydroelectric power station. Entry to the reserve is free, but parking is paid.
Opening hours
Reserve open all day; cable chairlift about 09:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)
- National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
- James Boag Brewery
- City Park
- Tamar Island Wetlands
- Swiss Village Grindelwald
- Tamar Valley Wine Route
- Hollybank Treetops Adventure