Before you come

Plan your visit

We're open every day of the year, including Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter. Here's everything you need to know before you arrive.

Opening hours

Current hours
Monday9:00am – 4:30pm
Tuesday9:00am – 4:30pm
Wednesday9:00am – 4:30pm
Thursday9:00am – 4:30pm
Friday9:00am – 4:30pm
Saturday9:00am – 4:30pm
Sunday9:00am – 4:30pm

The last chair leaves 15 minutes before closing. Closing time shifts with the seasons: 4:30pm in winter, 5:00pm in spring and autumn, and 6:00pm in summer.

Open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter, and every other public holiday, national or interstate.

Ticket prices

Tickets are sold only from the main ticket office at the West Launceston entry to the Gorge — there's no online or pre-booking. Prices include GST.

Chairlift fares
FareOne way (across or back)Return (across & back)
Adult$15$20
Child (3–15 years)$10$12
Under 3Free (must be nursed)

Parking

There are two car parks within the Cataract reserve. If you're staying in the city, it's also an easy 15–20 minute walk from the Kings Bridge Gorge Reserve entry along the cataract walk.

Basin Road car park

The main car park, at 69 Basin Road, West Launceston — the closest and easiest access into the reserve.

  • ~200 spaces
  • Disabled parking
  • EV charging
  • Motorhome & oversize bays

From $1.00/hour, $6.00 all day. Open 7am–10pm, locked overnight.

Cliff Grounds car park

Also known as the Maple Steps car park, on Gorge Road, Trevallyn. Steep access via steps — a reasonable level of fitness is required.

  • 19 spaces
  • No charge

Open all hours.

Accessibility & special needs

The chairlift is wheelchair friendly. Let our attendants know if you need assistance because of age, disability or a medical condition — they're there to help.

  • Special access gates for wheelchairs
  • Travellers can ride around the terminal in wheelchairs
  • Chairs can be stopped to allow extra time to get on and off
  • Special gates for those unable to negotiate stairs
  • Companion cards accepted on presentation
  • Valid pension or seniors cards accepted, from anywhere in the world

Audio tours are available through the Vacayit app. They were developed for vision-impaired travellers, but anyone can use them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I buy a ticket?

We don't take online or pre-bookings. Come to the ticket office at the Basin Road entrance when you're ready to ride.

Is there a weight limit?

Each chair is load tested to 160kg. What matters most is that you're comfortable and can close the restraining bar.

How long is the ride?

10 minutes one way. With a return ticket you can ride back whenever you like.

Can children ride?

There's no age or height restriction. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult, and under 3s ride free.