Cataract Gorge Reserve

Cataract Gorge Reserve, known locally as the Gorge, is a unique natural formation within a two-minute drive of central Launceston - a rare natural phenomenon in any city.

In an easy 15 minutes, you can walk from central Launceston along the banks of the Tamar River into the Gorge. From there, follow a pathway originally built in the 1890s along the cliff face looking down onto the South Esk River.

The First Basin on the southern side has a cafe and a swimming pool surrounded by bushland, known to locals as Launceston's beach.

In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants.

The beautiful Kings Bridge over the Gorge was floated into place in 1867.

With a kiosk, restaurant and swimming pool, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a footbridge and a chairlift across the river, as well as peacocks and wallabies at dusk, this may be Australia's most alluring urban reserve. And entrance is free.