Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Tasmania

Cataract Gorge circuit

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Tasmania

Cataract Gorge circuit

Easy

4.4

(8)

134

hikers

Cataract Gorge circuit

01:34

5.21km

170m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

241 m

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

Highlight • Structure

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift at Cataract Gorge Reserve offers an easy way to take in the full scale of the gorge from above. Running since 1972, it spans about 457 metres across the South Esk River, including the longest single-span chairlift of its kind. The ride moves slowly, giving clear views of dolerite cliffs, First Basin, and Kings Bridge below. Entry to the gorge is free, with chairlift tickets typically costing around 10 to 20 AUD return. At the lower station, you’ll find a swimming pool, tea rooms, and resident peacocks.

Tip by

1.48 km

Sentinel Lookout

Highlight • Viewpoint

Sentinel Lookout sits high above the South Esk River and offers wide views across the rugged valley of Cataract Gorge Reserve. From the viewing platform, you can look down over the rocky riverbed as the river winds through bush-covered hills and granite outcrops.

Tip by

2.50 km

Duck Reach Power Station and Suspension Bridge

Highlight • Monument

Old hydro power station building (impressive engineering feat of the early 19th century) fed by water tunnel drilled through mountain behind. Rebuilt access suspension bridge with original suport towers over river.
Restored building includes museum historical information boards. Free entry.

Tip by

4.69 km

View of Gorge Scenic Chairlift from First Basin Waterfront

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a great spot that captures the iconic Gorge Scenic Chairlift spanning the dramatic cliffs of Cataract Gorge. From the waterside at First Basin, the chairlift glides above the South Esk River, framed by steep rock faces and the surrounding bushland. This vantage point offers a clear, picturesque perspective of one of Launceston’s most recognisable attractions.

Tip by

4.92 km

First Basin Swimming Pool

Highlight • Rest Area

First Basin Swimming Pool is a public outdoor pool set within Cataract Gorge, nestled along the calm waters of First Basin. Fed by river water and surrounded by lawns and rocky cliffs, it's a unique place to swim in a natural, picturesque setting. Popular in warmer months, the pool sits close to walking paths, picnic areas, and the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, making it an easy and refreshing stop within the reserve.

Tip by

5.21 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.19 km

Surfaces

2.21 km

1.69 km

546 m

337 m

286 m

113 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (140 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Monday 13 July

11°C

3°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Nearby routes

Easy

4.4

134

Cataract Gorge circuit

01:34h

5.21km

170m

Easy

4.8

116

Zig Zag Track and Cataract Walk circuit

01:03h

3.39km

120m

Hard

5.0

Mount Arthur Summit

04:13h

7.76km

600m

Easy

4.0

Lilydale Falls

00:19h

1.07km

30m

Moderate

5.0

Mount Barrow Summit Walk

02:59h

8.55km

470m

Easy

Launceston City Park loop

00:18h

1.12km

10m

Easy

Sentinel Lookout Trail

00:32h

1.51km

80m

Easy

5.0

Tamar Island Wetlands loop from Tamar Conservation Area

01:01h

4.04km

10m

Easy

4.6

First Basin Swimming Pool – Civic Square, Launceston loop from Launceston

01:39h

6.19km

70m

Moderate

5.0

Zig Zag Track – Sentinel Lookout loop from Launceston

02:09h

7.21km

210m

Easy

5.0

Sentinel Lookout loop from Church of the Apostles

01:29h

5.06km

140m

Easy

5.0

First Basin Swimming Pool – Sentinel Lookout loop from Launceston

01:34h

5.67km

100m

Cataract Gorge circuit

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

Sentinel Lookout

Duck Reach Power Station and Suspension Bridge

View of Gorge Scenic Chairlift from First Basin Waterfront

First Basin Swimming Pool

Nearby routes

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️