Launceston walking tour & city guide

Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge Reserve is Launceston's star attraction, a dramatic river canyon only about 15 minutes' walk from the city center. Paths lead along the cliffs to the First Basin, which has a free outdoor swimming pool, lawns with peacocks and the longest single-span chairlift in the world. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge crosses the river nearby.

The city center

Launceston's center has some of the finest 19th-century architecture in Australia, including the Albert Hall, the Post Office clock tower and the old Town Hall. City Park is home to a colony of Japanese macaque monkeys, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery has displays on Tasmanian history and nature.

A classic walk to the Gorge

Start in the Brisbane Street Mall and walk past the historic buildings of the city center to the Seaport, a riverside area of restaurants. From Kings Bridge, follow the Cataract Walk along the north side of the gorge, a path cut into the cliffs above the rushing water.

Cross the Alexandra Suspension Bridge to the First Basin, ride the chairlift, and return to town along the Zig Zag Track on the south side. The loop is about 5 kilometers.

Visiting tips

Summer and autumn are the best seasons. The Tamar Valley wine route runs north from the city, and Cradle Mountain is about two hours' drive away. The Harvest Launceston farmers' market is held every Saturday morning.