Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is a natural reserve just a short distance from the centre of Launceston. This unique site offers visitors a mix of rugged landscapes, manicured gardens and recreational facilities.

What to see at Cataract Gorge

Visitors to Cataract Gorge can explore a variety of landscapes and attractions. The area is divided into two main sections: the northern First Basin and the southern Cliff Grounds.

The First Basin features a large, natural swimming pool surrounded by grassy areas and picnic spots. This is where the chairlift operates, offering stunning aerial views of the Gorge and surrounding bushland. Spanning 457m, it is the largest single-span chairlift in the world, crossing over the pool and offering a unique vantage point of the park.

The Cliff Grounds are landscaped gardens featuring native and exotic plants, walking trails and wildlife, including resident peacocks. These gardens provide a stark contrast to the rugged cliffs and bushland nearby.

The Alexandra Suspension Bridge connects the two sides of the Gorge, this bridge offers panoramic views of the river below. It is a popular photo spot and it also provides easy access between the First Basin and Cliff Grounds.

The Gorge is home to a variety of animals, including wallabies, echidnas and the iconic peacocks that roam freely in the gardens.

Several trails wind through the area, catering to different fitness levels. The Zig Zag Track is a challenging path that climbs steeply along the cliffs, while the easier Cataract Walk follows the river from Kings Bridge to the First Basin.

Tamar River Cruises operate 50-minute cruises that let you see Cataract Gorge from a different perspective. They also run longer 2½-hour morning and afternoon Discovery Cruises that include Cataract Gorge as part of a longer cruise that goes up the Tamar River.

Visiting Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is located just 1.5km from Launceston’s city centre, and it is only a 15-minute walk from the heart of the city. It is open every day, with no entry fee to explore the grounds and trails. However, certain activities and facilities, such as the chairlift, involve additional costs.

The chairlift operates year-round (even on Christmas Day).

Allow anywhere from an hour to half a day for your visit to Cataract Gorge.

Basin Road, West Launceston TAS 7250
Website www.launceston.tas.gov.au

Chairlift
One way $15, children (3–15) $10 Return $20, children (3–15) $12
Open summer 9am–5.30pm daily; autumn 9am–5pm daily; winter 9am–4.30pm daily; spring 9am–5pm daily

Cruises
Cruises cost $40, children (2–11) $20
Cruise departures Jan–Mar 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm daily; Apr–May 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm daily; Jun–Aug 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm daily; Sep–Dec 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm daily