Cataract Gorge Reserve
Cataract Gorge Reserve
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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Restaurants
313 within 5 kms
Attractions
83 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Mary TOxford, United Kingdom29 contributionsGreat walks. Good place to spend 1 /2 dayLovely place to visit. Walk up to power station was lovely but steep in places. Interesting and unexpected exhibit about the history of the hydro electric power station. We took Reedly Gully walk back. Lovely through the woods but very steep and rough in placesVisited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2023
- CarolineWhanganui, New Zealand9 contributionsA lovely location and walk close to Launceston.A short walk from Launceston CBD is Cataract Gorge. It starts with an easy flat 1km walk right through the gorge. We had beautiful weather and the views were spectacular. At the end of this walk is a cafe, toilets and further walks. We continued on to the suspension bridge and round in a loop through the adjoining park. There are further toilets and another cafe here. There is also a quaint chair lift to take you across the gorge. We returned the same way, but for those hardier and fitter there is the Zigzag walk back to Launceston on the opposite side of the gorge.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 March 2023
- sandgroper12391Perth, Australia305 contributionsWorth the time to visit!What a little gem of a park, so quick to access from Launceston, on the edge of town. We enjoyed several works and the cable car to get stunning views. From the top you can keep walking to Eagles Lookout for another view over the city.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2023
- Karen M439 contributionsDon’t underestimate this gem.This is a wonderful family place, where you can swim, walk, catch a chair lift, enjoy the cafe or complete a run. We took the duck reach track down the gorge to the old power station and back, with a short loop around the basin. It’s a grade 3, due to some uneven sections and a steep stretch of 190 steps, but having completed it, it should only deter those who cannot manage stairs at all, as it’s not too steep. The scenery is quite beautiful as you travel beside the river and the power station very interesting. When you finish, the cafe is lovely and affords great views out of the wind. We saw people swimming but it was a bit cold, even for Adelaideans. Don’t forget to walk up to the lookout when you cross the second bridge on your return.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 7 April 2023
- Cathie PLismore, Australia63 contributionsDon’t miss this if you love the outdoors. So close to town!So close to Launceston and a great day out for all ages and abilities. You can walk a little or a long way, there are easy paths and you can decide if you want to do the hills. There is a chairlift that goes across and back or you can choose to go one way and walk the other for around $15 per person, concessions available. Was very easy to get on and off the lift as it was moving fairly slow. Lots of wildlife was around and obviously used to people. You can swim in the gorge or there is a pool. A children’s playground is not far from the entrance and there is a cafe for. Food, drinks or snacks. The walk to the bridge was a favourite and great for photosVisited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 April 2023
- happykoabugHonolulu, Hawaii169 contributionsgreat place to spend with family and friendsWe had a early morning walk on one of trails of the Cataract Gorge, a slice of wilderness right in the heart of town & Launceston's star natural attraction. Autumn colors were abound in the reserve and we saw a wallaby near the suspension bridge. Plenty of bathrooms near the pool area and there are bbq grills available to use. The cafe and chairlifts weren't open as we left before 9 am.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2023
- catkid3Victoria, Australia148 contributionsBeautiful views so close to the CBDIf you're a wildlife fan I recommend visiting first thing in the morning - there were plenty of wallabies and birds when I arrived around 9am, as well as hardy any people. Plenty of clean toileting facilities and most of the general paths around the reserve are gentle or moderate slopes. Would definitely visit again and dedicate more than 3 hours to explore as there's so much to see. Parking is plentiful and is roughly $2 an hour.Visited May 2023Written 14 July 2023
- Laurel TSydney, Australia5 contributionsA beautiful natural wonderIt is great to walk around this amazing place. Families love it, couples love it and walkers love it. Entry is free too! so you don't have to spend money. If you want to spend money, you can take the chairlift (only $20) or eat in one of the 2 restaurants (at tourist prices of course)Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 September 2023
- Tvg12345Newcastle, Australia10 contributionsSuper AwesomeSpectacular location very peaceful and pretty.Staff are extremely welcoming and helpful. You can get an idea of the place in 1 hour if you are short on time otherwise you can literally spend all day.Easy walks for littlw kids and joyul park and great amenities. Perfect for walks with teens too. I think it is one if the best locations in Tassie a must do if you are visiting LauncestonVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 October 2023
- Mandy CoombsNorth Petherton, United Kingdom554 contributionsLovely Gorge with great facilitiesLovely gorge, with great facilities. The chairlift looked great, although we chose to do the zig zag walk which is not for the faint hearted. The walk was pretty tough going & we were hoping to do a loop but hadn’t realised one side of the gorge was closed due to a rock fall, so we had to back via the zig zag track! Great place not far out of town with great recreational facilities (picnic area, cafe, plunge pool)Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
5,824 reviews
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3,982
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Average
218
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4
Neil L
Lake Forest, IL26 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great place to hike and spend the morning. We were impressed how well maintained the trails were and how beautiful the scenery was. Fun trip.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle F
Randolph, NJ1,046 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Gorge is located right outside the city Center. We drove there as the Gorge walk from town is closed due to rock slide until perhaps March. There are various trails to walk, a chairlift, restaurant. There is a huge pool next to the gorge also.
We hiked up to cataract lookout, walked across the suspension bridge and walked the trail to Sentinel lookout. We then had a picnic and watched the various peacocks. There is a family or more of them with babies (2 weeks old), as well as wallabys.
It was a really lovely day spent here
We hiked up to cataract lookout, walked across the suspension bridge and walked the trail to Sentinel lookout. We then had a picnic and watched the various peacocks. There is a family or more of them with babies (2 weeks old), as well as wallabys.
It was a really lovely day spent here
Written 16 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat M
Isle of Wight, UK25 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We did not know what to expect at this wonderful attraction but were very impressed by it: lots to see and do, well maintained, clean toilets, refreshments, glorious views, thrills and fun. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Launceston
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley M
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Family
The views were amazing we took so many photos. Lovely swimming pools or swim in the river. Walks and a lovely park with many peacocks. A chairlift which takes you over the land and river. Or a swing bridge to get around if the chairlift doesn’t take your fancy. Payment only for the carpark and chairlift,
Written 17 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vaughan S
Clarkson, Australia699 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
What an amazing place. Epic view, top notch facilities throughout and plenty to see and do.
Views to die for, swimming, bbq’s a funicular and cable car. Great place to take a family or just walk around and check the place out.
Views to die for, swimming, bbq’s a funicular and cable car. Great place to take a family or just walk around and check the place out.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Selana
Australia43 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
An absolute must visit when in Launceston. Just a short drive from the city.
The lady at the ticket booth provided exceptional customer service. I suggest walking the gorge first, then catching the chair lift back. Sight seeing was fantastic
The lady at the ticket booth provided exceptional customer service. I suggest walking the gorge first, then catching the chair lift back. Sight seeing was fantastic
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui A
North West England, UK18 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
From arriving the staff were excellent assisting us to go on the chairlift safely as mum has mobility issues. The views are stunning and of course at the top the surprise of wallabies and peacocks
Written 25 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GinnyToh
Singapore, Singapore162 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Located within the residential area. You’ll come to a big carpark just at the entrance. Note: You need to find the parking machine to buy the parking ticket. The ticket needs to be displayed on yr vehicle.
The ticket counter for the chair lift is near the entrance. You can either buy one way or two way ticket. We chose to buy one way up and walked back via the suspension bridge. (Abt 15mins)
In the middle of the reserve, you’ll find a big swimming pool and a kids playground by the side. For those up for adventure, take a dive and swim in the gorge. There are showers/ changing rooms available.
There’s also a cafe located within the reserve.
The ticket counter for the chair lift is near the entrance. You can either buy one way or two way ticket. We chose to buy one way up and walked back via the suspension bridge. (Abt 15mins)
In the middle of the reserve, you’ll find a big swimming pool and a kids playground by the side. For those up for adventure, take a dive and swim in the gorge. There are showers/ changing rooms available.
There’s also a cafe located within the reserve.
Written 17 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liisa and Dave B
Adelaide, Australia2,506 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
WOW! We came here not expecting such an amazing reserve. We hiked seven kilometres along the track which varied in
Scenic views and gradience. Hard to believe that this massive reserve is around 10 minutes out of Launceston city. The chairlift was a must! Toilets are located in two different spots. There is a cafe though we didn’t go there as we were so captivated by all that the reserve has to offer in views. We saw wallabies and peacocks. 🦚 There are many varieties of trees. Extremely well kept premises. Highly recommend this place if in Launceston.
Update: Returned two years later and hiked the Gorge in reverse this time. Afterwards we stopped at the cafe for coffee. Loved spending a good part of the day here- Great hike with beautiful views!
Scenic views and gradience. Hard to believe that this massive reserve is around 10 minutes out of Launceston city. The chairlift was a must! Toilets are located in two different spots. There is a cafe though we didn’t go there as we were so captivated by all that the reserve has to offer in views. We saw wallabies and peacocks. 🦚 There are many varieties of trees. Extremely well kept premises. Highly recommend this place if in Launceston.
Update: Returned two years later and hiked the Gorge in reverse this time. Afterwards we stopped at the cafe for coffee. Loved spending a good part of the day here- Great hike with beautiful views!
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wombatdavid
Hobart, Australia2,570 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
We walked from the Silo carpark to the gorge and back. Note at present that the easier walk on the right side of the river is shut due rock fall. You can take the left side (Zig Zag track) which is harder. It is a lovely reserve and you can walk on the suspension bridge and see peacocks. Take your swimmers if you want to swim.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm looking for videos or photos of a lady dancing with peacocks at the cataract gorge Launceston tasmania in 2016
Mike M
8 contributions
Sorry, same as the others cannot help with that question
1duntellum
Townsville, Australia3 contributions
Hi ..can you tell me if Cataract Gorge is open on Boxing Day?
Sylvia B
Westbury, Australia57 contributions
open most of the time
Adeline_Lim88
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia328 contributions
We plan to have an early morning hike at Cataract Gorge (say 7-9am) before heading off to Freycinet National Park and thence to Hobart (September 2018).
I am thinking of doing the cataract walk from Kings Bridge (1km), then do the First Basin Loop (900m loop) and take the same path back to Kings Bridge.
Is this doable within 2 hours? If not, should we skip the Loop?
Where can we park our car near Kings Bridge? I can't find parking facilities on the google map though I see the "P" sign on the Cataract Gorge official website map.
Where can I find a more detail map on the hiking trail? Is it easy to track just based on the on-site direction sign board?
Thanks for any advice rendered.
kaijunjiang
Beijing, China73 contributions
Adeline, my honest suggestion would be skipping the gorge and save the two hours for the Freycinet where there are so many to see and experience. The kayak they run in Coles Bay takes 3 hours along the coast, which is far better than the gorge.
Peach
Hong Kong, China43 contributions
Where to find the kangaroo babies?
Paul G
Mansfield, Australia64 contributions
If you are keen to see young kangaroos ask your travel agent to look up zoos or animal reserves. Each state in Australia will have a number of options. The babies live inside a pouch on the mother Roos stomach.
hbyim
Hong Kong13 contributions
Hello, may I know is the weather is suitable to visit Gorge in end Apr? If we go to the peak by gorge, how long does it take to walk back to the entry? We have small kids and infants. Thanks.
tokuta2
Japan71 contributions
even depends on how old your kids are, it took about one hour when i enjoyed. so with small kids and infants, it might be half day...to walk back to the entry.
and I'm not sure the weather there on end of April, my friends who are living near there says, it getting colder even not too much cold.
Taht's all i can share with you.
lcchan231
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How long do we need to tour the whole Cataract Gorge Reserve?
JCW368
Launceston, Australia12 contributions
The primary method of viewing the gorge is on foot. I would allow a minimum of 3 hours. Their is a chair-lift across the gorge at the first basin as well as a pedestrian suspension foot bridge. In summer people sunbath and swim as well as use the cafes in the area so spend more time enjoying this wonderful place. If you are fit you can walk further up the gorge to "Duck Reach" and back which would add another 1.5 to 2.5 hours
mozziemel
Newcastle, Australia10 contributions
Are there any camping, caravan parks or free camping areas shroud here as we will be in a camper van and would love to stay for a couple of days?
annettelouise1959
Christchurch, New Zealand17 contributions
i noticed when we where there a camper van came and parked over where the buses parked we had a car it was very busy so get there early if you want a park check with the council there but i am pretty sure you can not stay the the hours are from 9am-6pm Dec-march 9am -4pm April-Sept 9am-5pm Oct-Nov i am sure the lady at the ticket office will help you regarding parking
dmmsf
San Mateo, CA1 contribution
Hello,
Wondering if the cafe is still there and is the name 1853?
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Claim your listingCATARACT GORGE RESERVE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cataract Gorge Reserve
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Cataract Gorge Reserve:
- 5 Day 4 Night Guided Tasmania Tour, minimum 4 passengers (From S$1,462.86)
- Tasmania 8 Day - Tour in Circle (From S$2,957.14)
- Launceston and Surroundings Day Tour Private Charter Service (From S$888.49)
- 5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour from Hobart (From S$826.61)
- 6-Day Tasmanian Explorer Adventure Tour from Hobart (From S$1,006.14)
- Hotels near Cataract Gorge Reserve:
- (1.01 km) Stillwater Seven
- (1.33 km) Alice's Cottages
- (1.37 km) The Dragonfly Inn
- (1.12 km) Auldington
- (1.23 km) The Old Bakery Inn
- Restaurants near Cataract Gorge Reserve:
- (0.10 km) Basin Cafe
- (0.28 km) The Gorge Restaurant and Kiosk
- (1.01 km) Stillwater Restaurant
- (1.13 km) Cataract On Paterson
- (2.28 km) Luz Restaurant
- Attractions near Cataract Gorge Reserve:
- (0.14 km) Alexandra Suspension Bridge
- (0.15 km) Gorge Scenic Chairlift
- (0.29 km) Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift
- (0.37 km) Cataract Gorge
- (0.42 km) Zig Zag Trail Lookout