Cataract Gorge Reserve

 74-90 Basin Rd, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia +61 3 6323 3000 Website 8am – 8pm Launceston Campervan Hire

widerscale (contributor)

Take a Ride on the Longest Span Chairlift!

My mom and I quite enjoyed the lovely views of Cataract Gorge that we saw while riding the chairlift over the gorge. It opens every day at 9am (except Christmas) and costs $7.50 per adult for a return trip. The photo on my main Launceston page is a view from the chairlift. It might be a bit scary for any afraid of heights, but was a great trip for us!

A history of the lift from their website:

‘In 1972, a magnificent chairlift was built spanning the huge natural basin filled by the surging waters of the South Esk River. The chairlift is unique as it contains in its length, the longest single chairlift span in the world, some 308 metres and the views gained from the ride across are completely breathtaking. The chairlift covers some 457 metres. The central span of 308 metres is believed to be the longest single chairlift span in the world. Seating is designed for complete safety and includes a safety bar which can be operated by either the passenger or attendant. The slow speed of the chairlift enables passengers to appreciate fully and photograph the spectacular views of this ancient rock gorge…”

cohesionsensible (contributor)

Chairlift

The chairlift connecting the two sides of the Gorge is the longest single span in the world. We were ther in winter so there wasnt much of a view and the chairlift was not in operation.

If chairlifts aren’t your style, you can opt for the suspension bridge, pausing in the middle to watch the rapids and take a picture.

variouspound (contributor)

Kings Bridge

The bridge marks the end of the Tamar River and the start of the South Esk River running through Cataract Gorge.

Kings Bridge was floated into place in 1867. It is a timber structure with typically 1940’s white railing, and a steel girder railway bridge on a higher level.

From here, it is just a simply walk across the bridge to enter Cataract Gorge.

Entry into the reserve is free.
Opened 7 days a week.

gangcoarse (contributor)

Cataract Walk

Starting from Kings Bridge, if you choose to take the Cataract Walk first (one of the 2 main walks in and out of the reserve on either side of the gorge), it will lead you into the First Basin, which is filled with water from the South Esk River. This northern trail is the easier of the 2 trails. (It took local residents 8 years to hack the path through the cliffs) This walk will take you about 30 minutes.

Along the journey, you will enjoy great stunning views of the high-rising cliffs. The very first thing you will come across will be the Caretaker’s Cottage (see attached photo). There are pavilions along the way if you want to take a rest.

The First Basin is the first place you can take a plunge into the water but be-warned: It can be very cold. Most folks will go to the concrete pools instead but that have not stopped kids and adolescents from cannon-balling into the waters below!

tiledictate (contributor)

The First Basin

This is where most folks will end up in – the pool! I was in the Gorge on a Sunday. The city itself was as dead as a catacomb and wham! we ran into the entire populace of Launceston here.

The landscape around the Basin features picnic spots, a restaurant, cafes, souvenir shops and surprise, surprise, peacocks!! I thought I was dreaming to see them here in the Gorge.

There is a carpark here as well for folks who do not wish to enter the reserve via walking. It has been advised that you could enter the carpark from the city by following York Street, Hillside Crescent, Broughham Street and then Basin Road. Parking fees apply.

There is a Chair lift here which crosses the basin in about 6 minutes. Imagine yourself walking on air for A$5 adults (circa 2001) There is also a concrete causeway for crossing the river. It’s closed during flooding.

casseroleevents (contributor)

Zig Zag Track

This is the other track in-and-out of the reserve. This southern trail has some steep climbs as it passes along the top of the cliffs and so is the more difficult of the 2. The journey takes 60-90 minutes to complete but you are handsomely rewarded with great views of the city of Launceston as well as that of the Tamar River

tiresomelist (contributor)

Grab a Lift! Cataract Gorge’s Chairlift

I do have to qualify this tip… I myself did not do this “Things to Do”. I am pretty much afraid of heights (open air ones), so the most I can do is report what Sarah and her mother did!

The Cataract Gorge Chairlift is the longest single span chairlift in the world, spanning 308m, a little over 900 ft. The lift offers a wonderful view of the Gorge, Suspension Bridge, and the Esk River.

I wish I could tell you about how beautiful the span actually is… but for more information, email Sarah!

caelumfemur (contributor)

Suspension Bridge

On our first day of vacation, we were in downtown Launceston and decided to go to the Cataract Gorge for a morning walk. As we entered the park, we walked to the park’s suspension bridge, which offers a great view of the Gorge, the Chairlift, the picnic area, and the small pond created by the flow of the river.

The bridge spans over the Esk River which has created the gorge over these years. At times, the river will flood making the bridge the best way to access the other side of the reserve.

This is definitely one of the best views of nature available within the city limits of Launceston,…. enjoy it!

shaggyartificial (contributor)

Alexandra Suspension Bridge

Upsteam of the First Basin is the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. If you are feeling a little adventurous, cross the Gorge on what is known locally as “the swinging bridge”! This masterful piece of 19th century engineering was opened in 1904. It was washed away by the Great Flood of 1929 but restored a few years later. The bridge was named after Queen Alexandra, consort to King Edward VII. Crossing it will provide you with fine views on both sides of the gorge. From near the bridge, you can make your way up to either the Alexandra Lookout or the Cataract Lookout for a birdeye’s view.

For those still keen to walk on, it is possible to continue on walking tracks to reach the Second Basin further up in the gorge, as well as Duck Reach. 45 minutes each way. (Duck Reach is the site of the first municipal hydroelectric power station in Australia and had provided power from 1895 to 1955)
I did not do this section.

Latest Images of Cataract Gorge Reserve, Launceston