The Cataract Gorge is one of Tasmania's most special and memorable travel destinations during your visit to the island. This picturesque natural gorge is located within a 10-15minute walk of Launceston's CBD.
TRAVELLING THERE.
Devonport CBD - Cataract Gorge Carpark 1hr : 10 mins (Car)
Launceston CBD - Cataract Gorge Carpark 12 mins (Car)
Hobart CBD - Cataract Gorge Carpark 2hr : 32 mins (Car)
THINGS TO SEE, DO AND EXPERIENCE DURING YOUR
VISIT
The Cataract Gorge is one of the most unique and beautiful travelling destinations found in Tasmania. Located right next to Launceston's CBD - which is almost unheard of - this gorge has a range of things to see and do. The parkland also includes two cafes either side of the First Basin, play area and lawn/BBQ areas for families, multiple swimming spots (including an outdoor swimming pool) and more!
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For locals, this is also a popular hangout spot, with summer months bringing them outdoors to bask in the sun, swim or socialise.
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For those also looking for a place to exercise or just explore the area, there is a range of sealed and non-seal walking tracks, and biking routes.
FIRST BASIN.
CATARACT GORGE. LAUNCESTON.
Grade: Level 1 - no bushwalking experience required.
Duration (walking):
Views of the tension bridge from here are incredible, and visitors are free to explore the multiple walks from this area. Another great option is to take the chair-lift to the other side of the First Basin.
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FIRST BASIN CIRCUIT.
CATARACT GORGE. LAUNCESTON.
Grade: LEVEL 1 - no bushwalking experience required.
Duration (walking): 10-15 minute circuit (900m)
Short and sweet, but incredibly beautiful and relaxing, this is a great walk starting from the First Basin lawns. The circuit takes visitors over the suspension bridge, past the gardens and cafe on the opposite side, before returning back over the South Esk River.
WALK TO KINGS BRIDGE.
CATARACT GORGE
Grade: Level 1 - no bushwalking experience required.
Duration (walking): 20 mins (1km)
Picturesque with fantastic views, this walk is worth the time. The walk starts either at Kings Bridge or from the First Basin recreation area. Regularly used by visitors, locals and a popular exercise route for runners, this is a great way to explore the Cataract Gorge further and the Kings Bridge area.
WALK TO DUCK REACH.
CATARACT GORGE
Grade: LEVEL 1 - no bushwalking experience required.
Duration (walking): 34 minutes one-way (2.1km)
Duck Reach Power Station was the first hydro power station in the Southern Hemisphere and is a fantastic little architecturally-designed building worth a visit. The site can be accessed both by car and walking.
For those most adventurous, a circuit track links the power station to the First Basin and Kings Bridge, both sides of the river. Alternatively, a car park sits above the site at the end of Corin Street, which can be followed from the First Basin carpark at Basin Road.