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Cataract Gorge
Cataract Gorge is a unique natural formation just minutes from Launceston City Centre. It began forming millions of years ago when the South Esk River cut through faults in the hard dolerite and joined up with the Tamar River.Â
Cataract Gorge stretches over 5 kilometres from Kings Bridge at the mouth of the South Esk River to the Trevallyn Dam.
Cataract Gorge is a beautiful natural attraction with modern conveniences. It has walking and hiking trails, the world's longest single-span chairlift, a swimming pool, a restaurant, a kiosk, a cafe, peacocks and wildlife, beautiful gardens, and a historic suspension bridge. Entry to Cataract Gorge is Free.
First Basin
First Basin is located on the southern side of Cataract Gorge and has a cafe, public toilets, playground and a public swimming pool surrounded by native bushland where locals enjoy a swim (November to March) and relax on the grassy banks.
Cliff Grounds
Walk or take the chairlift to Cliff Grounds on the shady northern side, and you will discover a Victorian garden created with ferns and exotic plants. There is a Restaurant and kiosk, toilets, outdoor seating, lush lawns, a lovely rotunda, and peacocks and wallabies can be seen here.
Chairlift
This is a great way to truly experience the natural wonder of Cataract Gorge as you gently glide across the chairlift from one side to the other. The chairlift is the longest single-span chairlift in the world, with the longest span being 308 metres. The chairlift was built in 1972 and has a total span of 457 metres.
Chairlift Prices: $13.00 per Adult & $8.00 per Child (15 years and under) one way or $16.00 per Adult & $10.00 per child (15 years and under) return. There are also senior and concession discounts.
Cataract Gorge Walks
There are numerous walks around Cataract Gorge; we walked from the first basin, past the swimming pool along the path and across the river, up to the lookout, then continued across the historic suspension bridge, which has lovely views up the gorge, back to the first basin area.
Cataract Walk
This walk links Kings Bridge to the beautiful Victorian gardens of the environmentally and historically significant Cataract Gorge Cliff Grounds. It runs along the cliff face, providing superb views of the dolerite columns and the South Esk River.
Zig Zag Track
This historic trail links the King's Bridge to the First Basin. Its series of zig-zags climb high above the Cataract Gorge Reserve.
Duck Reach
Duck Reach and Kings Bridge is a 6.7-kilometre return hike (grade 3) that should take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Follow the South Esk River from Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge to the historic Duck Reach power station.
Other activities include a boat cruise through the accessible section of the river, a cable hang gliding experience that soars for 200 metres from a cliff top, and rock climbing.
Includes short cruises of Cataract Gorge, Discovery Cruises, Lunch Cruises and more...