CATARACT GORGE

Welcome to Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is a tranquil pocket of urban wilderness, just a stroll from Launceston’s city centre.

The 5km stretch of forested river reserve is wrapped around a dramatic gorge and cherished by locals as a place to reconnect, unwind and relax. The surprising proximity of city and natural serenity makes it alluring for travellers, too.

The gorge is threaded by walking trails through natural grassland, woodland, dry forests and wet gullies where wildlife roams. The South Esk River meanders between the rocky gorge, spilling into a wide pool, known as First Basin, in the heart of the reserve. Swimmers can dip their toes into the cold waters of the gorge or, in the summer months, float across the reserve’s public swimming pool located on the southern side of the gorge. The gated pool is surrounded by manicured lawn, which is the perfect place to relax on a sunny afternoon. Nearby you’ll also find the Basin Café and main vehicular entrance to the reserve.

Cross First Basin on foot via the historic Alexandra Suspension Bridge or take a serene ride over the water on the gorge’s retro chairlift.

Across the river on the northern side of the gorge, the shady Cliff Grounds feature a historic rotunda, kiosk, restaurant and picnic areas. Iridescent-blue peacocks roam the pretty Victorian garden, sometimes alongside grazing wallabies. Hear birds calling as they flit through the trees and the rustle of leaves on the breeze as you wander the trails.

No matter how you choose to spend your time here, the calm ambience of Cataract Gorge is ideal for long hours of lingering.

History and walking trails

The natural history of Cataract Gorge stretches back tens of millions of years. It’s also a significant site for the palawa, the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, with a long and rich human history. When William Collins, one of the early European settlers in the area, saw Cataract Gorge, he reported, “The beauty of the scene is probably not surpassed in the world”.

On the fringe of Launceston’s city centre is an old gatekeeper’s residence, Kings Bridge Cottage. It’s located adjacent to the historic Kings Bridge – an ornate wrought iron structure built in 1867 and the starting point for walking tracks into the gorge. The easy, sealed 2km-return Cataract Walk follows the picturesque South Esk River, linking the bridge to Cliff Grounds on the northern side of First Basin. On the opposite bank, the Zig Zag Reserve contains a challengingly steep two kilometre-return trail connecting the Kings Bridge to the southern side of First Basin.

Other popular walking trail options include the 900m First Basin Loop, which meanders below the chairlift and skirts the basin. For a longer stroll, the moderately challenging four kilometre-return Duck Reach Trail leads along the riverbank to historic Duck Reach Power Station. This old hydro-electric plant once powered Launceston and is now an interpretation centre, providing insight into the reserve’s industrial past.

Tune your ears to the sounds of wildlife, the whisper of she-oak and the crunch of gravel underfoot while wandering the numerous trails. As you cross the 60m-long Alexandra Suspension Bridge, be lulled by the gentle sway and the river bubbling over the rocks into First Basin below.

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift – 199w

You don’t need to scale rugged cliffs to get up high at Cataract Gorge. Let your legs dangle freely and feel the sun’s warmth on your face on a gentle journey aboard the Gorge Scenic Chairlift.

At 308m, the chairlift’s central span is the world’s longest of its kind. It’s a delightfully unhurried ride, taking about 10 minutes to cross the gorge and basin, with a chair coming every few minutes. Cruise above the ever-changing South Esk River, which can be turbulent after rain and more serene during drier periods. Pass colourful rhododendrons and glades of ferns, cross tumbles of boulders, the smooth waters of the basin and the reserve’s manicured green lawn.

The chairlift has been in operation since opening in 1972 and at top speed runs at a sedate one metre per second, though it mostly runs even slower to allow more time to properly appreciate the tranquillity of the beautiful surrounds.

The chairlift is open year-round, with operating hours dependent on the season. It typically runs from 9am to 6pm in summer, 9am to 5:30pm in autumn and spring, and 9:30am to 4:30pm in winter. It can be reached by a free inclinator, offering greater accessibility.

The Gorge Restaurant

After working up an appetite exploring Cataract Gorge’s natural environment, indulge in a meal of seasonal local produce at the Gorge Restaurant, surrounded by verdant gardens.

Slurp creamy seafood chowder or a grazing platter of cured meats and antipasto for lunch. Tuck into hearty dinner mains, such as aromatic risotto or confit duck. Then round out the meal with a decadent dessert such as silky crème brulee, or indulge in an award-winning Tasmanian cheese plate.

Located in the Cliff Grounds Reserve, across the basin from the main entrance and Basin Cafe, the restaurant is housed in the traditional tearoom, built in 1896. Today, the restaurant serves up a changing food menu paired with a good selection of local wines. Cosy up near the crackling fire during colder months or soak up the reserve’s natural ambience and dine alfresco.

There is a small parking area close to the restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner on select days. Also at the restaurant, the Gorge Kiosk offers a selection of sandwiches, focaccias and wraps, along with ice-cream, coffees and Devonshire tea.

Across the gorge, find casual dining at the Basin Café, offering breakfast and lunch, along with light snacks and drinks at the Basin Kiosk.

Accessibility

Cataract Gorge is on the leafy fringe of Launceston’s city centre. Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city, with direct flights available from most major Australian cities. If arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, you’ll find Launceston just over an hour’s drive south-east of Devonport.

Access Cataract Gorge at 74-90 Basin Rd, West Launceston. Parking is available onsite. Taxis and Uber rides are readily available from the Launceston city centre.

If walking from Launceston CBD, approach via Paterson St and Kings Bridge before choosing one of the walking trails weaving into the forested reserve.

From December to April, the free Tiger Bus Cataract Gorge Run service takes visitors to the gorge, leaving from the Northern Inveresk Car Park and passing through Launceston’s city centre, with a couple of stops en route, including City Stop T1 on St John Street (opposite St Andrew’s Church). Tiger Bus services are conducted in wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Dog guides are welcome in the reserve, although they are unable to access the chairlift. The chairlift can accommodate most abilities and staff are available on-site to discuss specific requirements. The reserve’s inclinator has wheelchair access and carries up to eight people, transporting visitors from the main entrance near the carpark to the lawn area below.

The Gorge Restaurant offers an online version of their menu available for download from their website.

The gorge reserve is open 24 hours a day and entry is free.