3rd Week - Friday - Cataract Gorge Reserve

Even though it is Good Friday and we knew Launceston would be closed we decided to go to Cataract Gorge Reserve which is walking distance from the CBD of Launceston.  Being a public holiday we didn't have to pay for parking so that was a bonus.  We elected to do the basin walk first which involves going over the Alexandra suspension bridge and then up steps to the Alexandra lookout which looks back over the suspension bridge, gorge, picnic area, swimming pool and chair lift.  We passed the restaurant and headed to the band rotunda and then on to the Cataract walk.    You walk along side the river entering the gorge so have the huge cliff face to distract you as you walk along.  After about 1km you come to Kings Bridge which leads you then into Launceston or to another walk called zig zag track.  This is again about 1 km in length and takes you back to the reserve but you go up, up and still up and over the top of the mountain ending back at the chairlift.  We set off on this one.  I got halfway up and decided that was far enough so Ian continued climbing up.  I meanwhile went back down crossed Kings Bridge again and back along the Cataract walk.  (so technically I walked further than Ian this time). We met back at the start of the chairlift and travelled over the gorge and then back again taking the view in from a different angle of high above the gorge.  Very tiring time but a must see if in the area.  We had thought about doing the Gorge Cruise but am glad we didn't as it only travelled up a third of the way towards the gorge before having to turn around as the water is too shallow and very rocky.   We drove into Launceston and strolled around the main block and down the mall.  Managed to see a few old buildings before grabbing a late lunch and heading back to the van via a different route passing through the towns of Carrick and Hadspen.   While on the zig zag walk we got talking to a couple who were flying to Melbourne that night and was then catching a train to Bendigo to go to the model trains.  Small world isn't it.

Cataract Gorge views

Cataract Gorge views

Cataract Gorge views

Cataract Gorge views

Cataract Gorge views from chairlift

 

Cataract Gorge views from chairlift

 

That's Ian in the circle (top of the photo)