Located just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Launceston, Cataract Gorge Reserve is where pristine wilderness brushes the urban city. The stunning site offers outdoor distractions like walking and hiking paths, lookouts, gardens, a swimming pool, local wildlife, a suspension bridge and chair lift, as well as a restaurant and cafe – complete with resident peacocks.

Located on the riverbanks of the South Esk and set among a wildlife reserve, Cataract Gorge offers stunning vistas with plunging cliffs. Known locally as ‘The Gorge’, it’s a favourite spot for families, rock climbers and visitors. Take the 1km | 0.6mi long path along the cliff face and over the Kings Bridge suspension bridge. On the southern side is the First Basin, which contains a free swimming pool (open from November to March) and bushland. On the northern side of the Gorge is Cliff Grounds Reserve which features a Victorian fern garden, exotic plants and picnic lawns, a pub and other dining spots.