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Cataract Gorge Reserve

Nature reserves & national parks ·Launceston ·Open now
4.714.5K
#2Nature reserves & national parks in AustraliaMost reviewed in LauncestonTravelers' Choice 2026
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About

Cataract Gorge Reserve is a river gorge on the lower South Esk River at the edge of Launceston in northern Tasmania.

More photos 9

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Cataract Gorge Reserve — Aerial view of the gorge, river, forest and First Basin Bob T · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
Cataract Gorge Reserve — Aerial view of the gorge, river, forest and First BasinCataract Gorge Reserve — First Basin with the suspension bridge and wooded gorgeCataract Gorge Reserve — Swimming pool, river and suspension bridge beneath wooded hillsCataract Gorge Reserve — First Basin river and bridge framed by green lawns and hillsCataract Gorge Reserve — River basin and suspension bridge between steep forested slopesCataract Gorge Reserve — Gorge cliffs and river illuminated with colourful lights at nightCataract Gorge Reserve — Rocky river channel surrounded by dense reserve vegetationCataract Gorge Reserve — Rock faces and boulders rising through the gorge forestCataract Gorge Reserve — Chairlift structure overlooking the river and forested gorge

Why go

  • The world’s longest single chairlift span, stretching 308 metres.
  • First Basin’s swimming pool and bushland-framed open space.
  • Cliff Grounds’ Victorian garden, with ferns, exotic plants and peacocks.
  • Duck Reach, Australia’s first publicly owned hydroelectric station.

Opening hours

Today08:00 – 20:00Show all
Monday08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday08:00 – 20:00
Wednesday08:00 – 20:00
Thursday08:00 – 20:00
Friday08:00 – 20:00
Saturday08:00 – 20:00
Sunday08:00 – 20:00

Don't miss

  • Gorge chairliftLook out over the river, rocks, parks, Alexandra Suspension Bridge and pool.Crossing the gorge
  • First Basin inclinatorAt the bottom, a cottage displays photographs and paintings of the basin and gorge downstream.First Basin, at the bottom of the inclinator
  • King’s Bridge-Cataract WalkFollow the path along the north bank.North bank of the gorge
  • Old toll houseSee the former toll house where pedestrians paid to enter the path.Near King’s Bridge

With kids

  • Swim at First Basin’s pool.
  • Take an inflatable-boat ride or go climbing at the gorge.

Tips for your visit

  • The Lady Launceston gorge cruise departs from Home Point and lasts 50 minutes.
  • First Basin has two cafés; restaurants are also available in the gorge grounds.

Know before you go

  • Reserve: daily, 08:00–20:00

History

Before Trevallyn Dam, three smaller basins lay upstream of First Basin. The fourth is now flooded by Lake Trevallyn.

  1. 1804William Collins was the earliest known European visitor to find the gorge entrance.
  2. 1890sVolunteers laid out the King’s Bridge-Cataract Walk along the north bank.
  3. 1893–1895Launceston’s council commissioned Duck Reach Power Station; it began lighting the city in December 1895.
  4. 1904A suspension bridge was built near Duck Reach Power Station.
  5. 1929–1955Floods damaged the station in 1929. It was rebuilt in 1932 and decommissioned in 1955 after Trevallyn Dam was completed.
Show all
  1. 1950sSevere floods ceased after Trevallyn Dam was built.
  2. 1972The gorge chairlift was built.
  3. 1973Paterson Bridge officially opened on November 2.

How to get there

  • On footThe reserve is about 1.5 km from Launceston city centre.

Shorts

Interesting facts4

1/4

  1. The reserve is on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

    Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia
  2. 2016

    A 2016 survey measured First Basin’s maximum depth at 20.5 metres.

    Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia

  3. At the gorge’s lower end, the South Esk meets the Tamar beneath King’s Bridge and Paterson Bridge.

    Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia
  4. 100 years

    King’s Bridge was the city’s only bridge leading north for nearly 100 years.

    Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia

Sources: Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia · Home - City of Launceston · About Council - City of Launceston · About our City - City of Launceston · Cataract Gorge - Wikipedia · Gorges de la Cataracte - Wikipedia · Children and Families - City of Launceston · Immunisations - City of Launceston · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
74-90 Basin Rd, Launceston

Plan from here: Evening walk →

Questions and answers

Can you see the old toll house at Cataract Gorge Reserve?

The original pedestrian toll house remains near King’s Bridge at the gorge’s northern edge.

What did Duck Reach Power Station power first?

It supplied street lighting before commercial and domestic use.

Is Cataract Gorge used for kayaking?

Its whitewater section supports kayaking.

How did Trevallyn Dam change Cataract Gorge?

Severe floods in the gorge ceased after the dam was built in the 1950s.

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