There is much talk of urban jungles but in Launceston we found an incredible urban wilderness just 10 minutes drive from our hotel. I am sure locals are appreciative of the five kilometre stretch of forested river wrapped around the dramatic Cataract Gorge but I wonder if they take their local for granted. It’s not often that within minutes of a CBD you can visit a 65-million-year-old gorge, wander bush trails and spot wildlife such as wallabies, peacocks and pademons. But, at Cataract Gorge we did all of this and of course rode the famous Gorge Scenic Chairlift too. For us it was both a novelty and a pleasure to have wilderness right on our doorstep.
Cataract Gorge & Gorge Scenic Chairlift Launceston, Tasmania
The most popular and scenic way to take in the views of spectacular Cataract Gorge is from the Gorge Scenic Chairlift. The attraction boasts the title of the worlds longest single chairlift span with a total span of 457m. Eager visitors queue to take a seat on the chairlift for the spectacular views it offers of Cataract Gorge and the reserve surrounding it.
The main drive station is located at Basin Road, near the main car park and entrance, with the other station in the middle of the Cliff Grounds reserve.
The Gorge Chairlift offers an effortless way to enjoy the area with no walking or hills to negotiate, just splendid views all the way.
Visitors sit back and relax as the slow-paced chairlift makes its way to the other side. Able-bodied guests are asked to get off and queue for the return trip but those with a disability are able to do a round-trip.
Staff are able to stop the chairlift for riders who need time to transfer to the seat. Gorge Chairlift staff are patient and kind making sure everyone is comfortable with the process and feel safe to travel.
The chairlift seat has fixed sides so guests need to be able to back up into the seat.
Once seated a bar is placed in front but it should be noted they do not lock into place.
For young children riding the chairlift, or anyone who needs the security of a seat belt, this can be provided for the ride.
The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is located near the main car park and entrance to Cataract Gorge. There is a small incline to get from the car park to the ticket booth for the chairlift.
Gorge Scenic Chairlift has a step-free entrance and the attraction accepts the Australian Companion Card.
Read more about Gorge Scenic Chairlift on the website.
We were hosted for the Gorge Scenic Chairlift but as always our opinions are our own.
Access to Cataract Gorge
Access to Cataract Gorge is via a steep path or the inclinator. A level path leads from the car park to the inclinator which effortlessly delivers visitors to the base.
Once at the base of the inclinator it’s easy to explore Cataract Gorge or relax and stay a while for a picnic. The pool does not appear to offer a hoist or seat to enter the water.
I was thrilled to spy several picnic tables with space for a wheelchair user to wheel on up and sit alongside friends or family. Even the playground offers several accessible elements including supportive swings and a ramp leading to the slide (the ramp is on the steeper side).
When Braeden was younger he loved water play, especially in the summer months, so it’s wonderful to see a water trough which is at a good height for all.
Barbecues and undercover seating (with a spot for wheelchair users) is available too, so BYO picnic and make a day of it.
Always determined to see everything, Hubby engaged muscle power and it wasn’t long before he was pushing up the hill on the opposite side to the car park and inclinator to take in the views. The gorge can be appreciated without doing this but he assured me as he huffed and puffed a bit that the extra effort would be worth it.
I hate to admit it, but he was right (on this occasion) but don’t tell him I said that. For visitors with a power-assisted manual chair or a power wheelchair it would be a breeze to tackle the tracks around Cataract Gorge.
For anyone doing it with manual wheelchair steam, it should be noted it is quite steep in sections.
The Basin Cafe is my kind of spot to take in the views. Located midway between the car park and the picnic area, the cafe is accessible via the inclinator.
The menu is vast including a fabulous range of all day breakfast fare, salad, salmon, fish & chips, burgers and more. The cafe caters well to dietary requirements including gluten free, vegetarian and dairy free. For little tikes under 12 years there is a kids menu.
Cataract Gorge & Gorge Scenic Chairlift tips
If you can drag yourself out of your comfy hotel bed early you’ll be rewarded at Cataract Gorge. We visited several times during our stay in Launceston and while we did spot wildlife on each of our visits, the wallabies were their most active in the early morning. If you arrive for the chairlift opening time you’ll also be rewarded with no queues and if you need time to transfer from a wheelchair you may feel less pressured without a long queue behind you (although you can be accommodated at any time during the day). And if I haven’t yet convinced you to set an alarm, hopefully the fact that parking is easier earlier in the day will be the decider. With only two accessible parking bays in the car park you need to be early to snag a spot.
Like any lift or mechanical device, there are times the inclinator can break down and this means that the path to the scenic areas of the gorge are really steep to navigate. If you are travelling with a manual wheelchair it may be worth calling ahead to ensure the inclinator is operational. You can call Launceston Council to inquire or if outside of council business hours perhaps you could ask the lovely people at Gorge Scenic Chairlift for a heads up on whether it is working. The inclinator is not the responsibility of the Gorge Scenic Chairlift team but they are aware when it is not working so may be kind enough to let you know if you call.
If you are visiting Launceston, Tasmania and looking to embrace the great outdoors then Cataract Gorge is free and fabulously close to the city’s centre.
