Cataract Gorge, Launceston

There are a number of ways into the Cliff Grounds. The easiest, from the city, is the walkway up from Kings Bridge, along the side of the Gorge.

Photos from last time, for comparison.

A little calmer today.


The water level is noticeably lower too (see the markings on the lower rocks).



These are the rapids.


The rocks below the waterline are interesting.



Part of the walkway.



An overview of the site.

The round area of water in the middle is the First Basin, although the names is usually used for the lawn area to left (bright green) where the pool, playground and kiosk are. On the right, are the Cliff Grounds, with the gardens, restaurant and peacocks.

The bridge at the back is the swinging bridge (Alexandra Bridge) which connects the two area. From here, just visible behind and above the bridge span, the walkway goes along the river to Duck Reach. Left, across the middle of the photo although only visible in parts, is the walkway from the bridge to the First Basin area.

In front of the Basin is the most recent (arched) walkway that connects the Cliff Grounds and Basin. This is covered during floods.


Being early spring, the peacocks are showing off, full tail curving and shimmering. No hens to be seen though. From behind, for variety.

My purpose today is walk up to the Eagles Eyrie, where I haven't been before, and check the Daffodil Walk, while the daffodils are out, because I usually miss them.

The walk to the eyrie goes up behind the chairlift, which is the third way to get from the Cliff Grounds to the Basin.


What would you call him, Chairlift Supervisor? I liked the little display on the wall of the hut, although it didn't photograph very well.



Up the path



That's the car park if you come down into the Cliff Grounds from Trevallyn. I think it’s the lower path, because there are steps leading up from it. Upper middle of the photo is the walkway down to the cliff grounds.


This is the Eyrie. There's a rock just behind it, which is perfect to sit on. It would be a good place to write or rid. Pity it takes so long to get there. Not the walk up, but getting to the start of the walk.


Back along the Gorge, with a view of the city. There's Mt Barrow in the background, with no snow.


There's the First Basin (white area behind the trees is the pool, smaller orange patch on the edge is the playground, with the kiosk behind) and West Launceston. The long, flat mountain at the back must be Ben Lomond.


Going back down, this is A step.


From the bottom of the step.


No need to fly when there's a chairlift.



This is Daffodil Walk, and the daffodils are out! Although it's short and there aren't that many flowers.


However, there are more daffodils on the bank below, so if I go down there


That's better.


On the way out, the sun has moved around so now there's the too dark/too bright thing happening again. That's the Tamar River Cruise boat. They cut the noisy engine when they run up the gorge, and you've surrounded by quietness and cliffs. Worth going on.