A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
If you are after a truly unique experience jump on-board the famous Gorge Scenic Chairlift. The relaxing chairlift lets you view the Cataract Gorge from above. No where in the world can you travel across a gorge estimated to be over 140 million years old this close to the centre of a city. The slow speed enables passengers to appreciate fully and photograph the spectacular views, making you feel like you are a million miles away.
With a total span of 457m, our chairlift boasts the longest single span of any chairlift in the world (308m). The main drive station is located at Basin Road, West Launceston, near the main carpark and entrance, with the other station in the middle of the Cliff Grounds reserve.
Your journey takes you over the huge naturally formed basin, filled by the waters of the South Esk River, at times surging through the Cataract Gorge. The gentle, safe, and breathtaking ride provides visitors with stunning views of both the eastern and western side of the reserve all the while taking in the majestic dolerite cliffs of the Cataract Gorge, which was described by William Collins, of the ship Lady Nelson, as “a scene of natural beauty, probably not surpassed in the world".
Each Chair has 2 seats and travels at a slow, leisurely speed. We are very much a family friendly activity that everyone can enjoy and yes, we are wheelchair friendly.
We stand out because it doesn’t matter who you are, there are no boundaries. The Chairlift is an experience that everyone can enjoy, our job is to make it happen and help create memories that people will remember forever.
WELCOME
EXPERIENCE A RARE NATURAL PHENOMENON
Cataract Gorge Reserve, or 'The Gorge' as the locals call it, is a unique natural formation within a two-minute drive or a brief 15 minute walk from the heart of Launceston.
Walk along the banks of the Tamar River into 'The Gorge'.
From here you follow a pathway along the cliff face, originally built in the 1890s, looking down onto the South Esk River.
The Kings Bridge over 'The Gorge' was floated into place in 1867.
The First Basin, on the southern side, features a swimming pool, playground, BBQs, toilets and changerooms, all surrounded by natural bushland.
In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden where wilderness is created with ferns and exotic plants - nature is enhanced by art. There's a Restaurant and kiosk, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a pub with a view, a footbridge and chairlift across the river, peacocks in the trees, wallabies at dusk.
This may be the nation's most alluring urban reserve.
Further upstream is the historic Duck Reach Power Station, now an Interpretation Centre. The Launceston City Council originally commissioned the Power Station in 1893, making it the largest hydro-electric scheme of its day. By 1895 it was lighting the city.
COME EXPERIENCE THE WONDER FOR YOURSELF
