Launceston's own piece of wilderness is just 15 minutes walk from the city centre. Here you'll find a dozen walking and hiking trails, as well as the world's longest single span chairlift, lookouts, a swimming pool, restaurant and cafes, an Interpretation Centre, abseiling and rock climbing. (Click here to view the Rock Climbing Code of Conduct)

The first Europeans were amazed by the Gorge's natural beauty. Explorer William Collins described it as "the most beautiful place in the world", and by the 1880s, it was developed as a resort for the citizens of Launceston, in true Victorian style.

Today, the reserve has evolved with an ongoing community vision. It is dramatic, romantic (by day and night when its walks are lit up like Fairyland), and breath taking (especially when flood rains cascade through the dolerite cliffs like a mini Niagara Falls). Local power walkers start their day with this spectacular circuit walk: up the Zig Zag Track, across the First Basin, and back along Main Walk to King's Bridge. Beautiful Victorian gardens (home to peacocks) will tempt the visitor to spend longer than a jogger. The Duck Reach trail leads through a natural landscape close to the remains of Duck River Power Station, the first municipal hydro-electric power station in Australia. And, at walk's end, the Basin Café and Gorge Restaurant are highly recommended.

Gorgeous Guided Walks