The story of this place
Cataract Gorge is one of Australia's most unusual urban natural features — a deep river gorge within walking distance of Launceston's CBD. The First Basin (a swimming pool) and the Patersons Bridge span the gorge at its narrowest point, where the South Esk River rushes between vertical basalt cliffs. The Kings Bridge suspension footbridge provides an elevated vantage point looking down into the gorge. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge crossing creates dramatic compositions with the bridge cables and river below. The gorge is illuminated at night, providing long-exposure light painting opportunities. A chairlift crosses the gorge above the tree canopy.