Gorge Scenic Chairlift

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Explore the Gorge

Launceston's own piece of wilderness, 15 minutes' walk from the city centre — with a lot more to do than just ride the chairlift.

Collage of visitors at the Gorge: swimming in the pool, the entrance gate, an aerial view of the reserve, and a group photo

The swinging bridge

This historic suspension footbridge is about 60 metres long and crosses the First Basin — one of only three ways over the gorge, alongside the chairlift and Kings Bridge. When the South Esk River is running high, the water below can be quite a sight.

Swimming pool & basin

Aerial view through trees of the fenced swimming pool and the natural First Basin, with the swinging bridge beyond

Over the warmer months, visitors flock to the Gorge to swim in both the pool and the natural basin.

The pool

Fenced for safety, with lifeguards on duty at peak times. Drained over winter, when it's prone to flooding.

The basin

The natural, freshwater First Basin. Swimming here is at your own discretion.

Playground & picnics

Set up a picnic, relax on the lawns, and let the kids run free — the playground sits right at the centre of it all.

Flora

Fan palm fronds framing a view of the South Esk River gorge and cliffs

Tasmania is home to some of the most ancient plant species on earth, and the Gorge has nearly 300 recorded native plant species across six distinct communities: she-oak forest, grassy woodland and forest, native grassland, dry sclerophyll forest, riparian vegetation and wet gully scrub.

  • She-oak forest
  • Grassy woodland
  • Native grassland
  • Dry sclerophyll forest
  • Riparian vegetation
  • Wet gully scrub

Fauna

A peacock with tail feathers fully fanned out near the Cliff Grounds

At least sixteen mammal species and nine reptiles call the Gorge home, alongside frogs, skinks, eels and fish in its waters — and even a rare Cataract Gorge snail. Wallabies graze the Cliff Grounds lawns; wombats, echidnas and pademelons forage the upper slopes. Keep an eye out too for the peacocks that roam freely around the Cliff Grounds — a favourite with visitors since the early 1900s.

Birdlife is just as rich: honeyeaters, finches, wattlebirds, pardalotes, robins and wrens by day, with bats, owls and tawny frogmouths calling after dark.

A different gorge every season

Every season brings its own experience — this is what makes the Gorge such a special place to ride above, again and again.

A chairlift passing through blooming pink and white rhododendrons in spring

Spring

The gardens burst with colour — ride in through rhododendrons as tall as trees as the days lengthen.

A chairlift rider passing over sunbathers and swimmers in the pool on a bright summer day

Summer

Long, sunny days when the Gorge sparkles and draws a crowd (by Tasmanian standards) — watch swimmers and walkers from above as you ride.

Autumn foliage in red and gold beside the South Esk River, with the swinging bridge in the background

Autumn

Spectacular colour and a brisk change in the air. Still generally mild and crisp — extra layers are optional.

Chairlift chairs emerging from morning fog over the Gorge in winter

Winter

Crisp air, ground frost, and foggy mornings where you float through the mist with the cliffs peeking through. After heavy rain, the South Esk can put on an epic show.

Amenities

Toilets are located on both sides of the Gorge, with change rooms on the West Launceston side, and free public BBQ facilities dotted around the reserve — please clean up after use.