Cataract Gorge is Launceston’s beach

Cataract Gorge Reserve, or The Gorge as the locals call it, is a unique natural formation within a two-minute drive of central Launceston - a rare natural phenomenon in any city.

Cataract Gorge

In 15 minutes you can walk from the city centre along the banks of the Tamar River into The Gorge. From here you follow a pathway along the cliff face, originally built in the 1890s, looking down onto the South Esk River. The Kings Bridge over The Gorge was floated into place in 1867.

The First Basin, on the southern side, features, the First Basin cafe, a swimming pool and an open area surrounded by bushland. It is Launceston’s beach.

In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden where wilderness is created with ferns and exotic plants - nature is enhanced by art. There’s a kiosk and swimming pool, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a pub with a view, a footbridge and chairlift across the river, peacocks in the trees, wallabies at dusk. This may be the nation’s most alluring urban reserve.

Further upstream is the historic Duck Reach Power Station, now an Interpretation Centre. The Launceston City Council originally commissioned the Power Station in 1893, making it the largest hydro-electric scheme of its day. By 1895 it was lighting the city.

Have a look at our holiday to Tasmania where a visit to the Cataract Gorge is on the first day we are in Tasmania.

Bridge over the Gorge