Cataract Gorge Reserve Tours
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The magnificent Cataract Gorge, a river gorge on the South Esk River right at the edge of Launceston, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation that feels a world away from the city. The reserve is home to the First Basin outdoor swimming pool, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, and a Victorian-era landscaped garden.
The Basics
There’s enough to do in Cataract Gorge to fill a whole day. Go for a (chilly) swim in First Basin, known locally as Launceston’s Beach; stroll with the peacocks in the Cliff Grounds gardens; walk or ride the chairlift across the river; or keep an eye out for wallabies, who tend to congregate in the reserve at dusk. Multi-day trips through Tasmania that include Launceston on the itinerary almost always stop at the gorge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cataract Gorge is a must-visit for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Launceston.
- Facilities at the gorge include restrooms, a cafe, and a full-service restaurant.
- Admission to the reserve is free of charge, but you’ll have to pay a small fee to ride the chairlift.
- Much of the reserve is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Cataract Gorge is a 10-minute stroll west of central Launceston. Walk along Bridge Road from the city center and you’ll come to the Cataract Walk trail, which winds along the South Esk River to the chairlift station and restaurant.
When to Get There
The gorge is open daily from 9am to dusk. The best time to visit is between December and February, when the weather is dry and warm—perfect for exploring this largely outdoor attraction.
Gorge History
Before Launceston’s hydroelectric dam was completed in 1955, the gorge waters were channeled to create electricity via the power station at Duck Reach, located upriver from the suspension bridge. Now decommissioned, the building serves as a museum. A visit reveals the story of Launceston’s early days and the Duck Reach power plant.
Address: 69 Basin Road, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Cataract Gorge Reserve
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Hot Air Balloon Tasmania
Take a morning flight over Tasmania on a thrilling hot-air balloon tour. Float above the riverside town of Launceston and take in striking views of the agriculture rich Meander Valley. Enjoy panoramic views of mountain bluffs knows as the Great Western Tiers on the northern edge of the Central Highlands Plateau. After you land, soak in the morning atmosphere and indulge in breakfast at a country club.
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From
$292.78
From
$292.78
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Private Balloon Flight
An exclusive hot air balloon flight experience for 2 persons.
There are only a handful of experiences in the world that can be described as truly romantic.... Hot air ballooning is one of them!
Floating gently with the breeze above the beautiful Tasmanian landscape in the most graceful of flying machines is the perfect place to propose or celebrate that very special occasion.
It will be special, a perfect experience that will be remembered forever.
Photos taken by our Go Pro mounted outside the balloon will capture your experience from the air, while our ground crew will take photos as you launch into the skies and finally land.
Your experience is completed with a champagne breakfast Stillwater restaurant at one of Tasmania's finest restaurants
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From
$1,882.14
per group
From
$1,882.14
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Launceston Wine & Sightseeing Tours
A Wine Tour or Day Tour can be structured with or without your group's input. Should there be certain wineries or sights they would like to see, these can be included as long as they fit into the time frame allowed. Below is some information that may assist.
You will be able to whatever time you like at each (some may interest you a little more than others), so feel free to communicate with the driver to make your afternoon relaxing, enjoyable and stress-free.
You will be able to stop at any or all of the following (within the time frame):
Josef Chromy
Pipers Brook Vineyard
Brook Eden Vineyard
Delamere Vineyard
These are a little further….
Bay of Fires Winery
Leaning Church
There are many experiences that can be had. Being a personalized service, some may prefer certain lcoations more than others. Plan accordingly!
Ideas – Seahorse World, Beaconsfield Mine, Cataract Gorge, Lavender Farm, Hillwood Berry Farm. Entrance fees, activity costs and purchases are at your expense.
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From
$784.22
per group
From
$784.22
per group
Launceston Private Charter Service
Launceston City Tour would begin with Swiss Village established in 1989 by Mr Vos for his wife, who loved Grindelwald Switzerland after their scenic holiday in Switzerland.
And then, we head to Tamar Wetland, the unique urban wetlands reserve near Launceston. A short walk from tourist center takes you to a bird hide that you can observe wetland birds and tamar valley. Brady Lookout, the unique attraction in the Tamar Valley, is set right on the cliff edge.
After lunch, we continue the trip to Cataract Gorge Reserve where has walking tacks, the world’s longest single span chairlift, a suspension bridge and panoramic lookouts with spectacular views.
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From
$823.44
per group
From
$823.44
per group
3.5 Hours Walking Tour to Cataract Gorge with Local Guide
Discover the amazing geological history of the Cataract Gorge
Learn some amazing facts from local guides that know the Gorge inside out
Using visual aids, see how the city has transformed using archival photos
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From
$253.00
From
$253.00