Take a visit to Cataract Gorge in Launceston

Posted On October 2, 2017

Cataract Gorge in Launceston

Located on the South Esk River

Only 1.5 Kms from Launceston is the must-see location the beautiful Cataract Gorge. Cataract Gorge is found at the lower section of the South Esk River. It is readily accessible from the centre of Launceston. It is either a two-minute drive into the Gorge. Or a lovely fifteen-minute walk from the city centre along the banks of the Tamar river. Even though the city centre is so close, Once you are in the base of the gorge, you forget that civilisation is just a stone throw away.

Cataract Gorge in Launceston is free to visit and has so much to do. There are walking trails, playgrounds, restaurant, cafe, a suspension bridge, swimming pool, native flora and fauna and so much more.

Cataract Gorge is the location of the world’s longest single span chairlift. The longest span is just over 1000 feet long (1010 feet) with the total span being 1499 feet long. The chairlift was built back in 1972, to showcase the amazing South Esk River. The seats include a safety bar, and it is quite slow in speed to allow you to take some amazing photographs as you go across.

Enjoy a meal at Cataract Gorge

Whether you are after a leisurely meal in their restaurant, a quick snack in their cafe or kiosk, or a relaxing picnic in their amazing grounds. They have some BBQs to cook your favourite meat or veggie patties. Cataract Gorge really is the place to go in Launceston. Every time we head to Tasmania, we go straight from the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport and drive the hour trip to Launceston to enjoy breakfast at the Basin Cafe. You can check out their fantastic breakfast menu here.