Launceston

Things to do in Launceston

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Launceston

View all Attractions
Cataract Gorge Reserve
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Cataract Gorge Reserve

5.3
4.5/5
37 reviews
Cataract Gorge Reserve is a natural gorge adjacent to the city center of Launceston. The South Esk River flows through the valley, and steep cliffs enclose a pool of emerald water, preserving a rare touch of wilderness on the edge of the city. From Kings Bridge, follow the cliffside trail along the north bank into the gorge, and you will soon reach the open First Basin. Here, you will find an outdoor swimming pool and large lawns by the water, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to swim and picnic. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge, which spans the basin, was built in 1904 and, along with the suspended chairlift, is an iconic feature of the gorge. Taking the chairlift allows you to overlook the entire pool and the surrounding cliffs from above. On the cliff top on the opposite bank lies a Victorian-style garden, where ferns and exotic plants are layered, and free-roaming blue peacocks stroll leisurely across the lawns. Around dusk, you may even encounter wildlife such as wallabies. Continue along the trail deeper into the gorge to reach the Second Basin and the old Duck Reach Power Station. This hydroelectric plant, built in the late 19th century, once lit the streetlights of Launceston and has now been converted into a venue showcasing the history of early hydroelectric power, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in industrial heritage.West Launceston · 904m from downtown

Traveller favourites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Launceston

Featured Day tours in Launceston

View all Day tours
Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket
󱌍
4.6/5
· 24 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 113.13SAR 119.09
Australia Cradle Mountain exploration 1-day tour: (Hobart to Launceston)
󱌍
FromSAR 818.15
Broome Town Tour: Discover Broome, Beaches & History
󱌍
4.9/5
· 479 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
English
Free cancellation
98.5% of travelers recommend
FromSAR 349.14
Tasmania, Australia Cradle Mountain + Sheffield tour [includes city transfers]
󱌍
4.7/5
· 6 reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 10.8 hrs
English
FromSAR 658.01
1-day tour from Launceston to Cradle Mountain National Park [Experience the famous hiking trail]
󱌍
FromSAR 536.03
Wineglass Bay Day Tour in Tasmania, Australia [Optional Departure from Hobart or Launceston]
󱌍
4.7/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 14.5 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromSAR 494.24

Featured Outdoor & sports in Launceston

View all Outdoor & sports
Launceston: Hollybank Forest Treetop Zip Lining with Guide
󱌍
5.0/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 248.85SAR 261.95
Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston with Lunch
󱌍
5.0/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
21 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 615.85SAR 648.27
Launceston: Hollybank Tree Ropes Course
󱌍
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSAR 148.29SAR 156.1

More things to do

Private Tours in Launceston

View More Private Tours in Launceston

Group Tours in Launceston

View More Group Tours in Launceston
Launceston Today's weatherPartly clear 8-24℃
Launceston weather for the next 2 days11/4: 6-18℃, 11/5: 11-21℃

Free things to do in Launceston

What travellers say about Launceston

user-avatar
Ayan Farm4 March 2026
5.0
Cataract Gorge Reserve is a breathtaking natural escape just minutes from the heart of the city. Dramatic cliffs frame the South Esk River, creating stunning views from every angle. The walking trails range from easy riverside paths to scenic climbs that reward you with panoramic lookouts. The historic suspension bridge adds charm and offers incredible photo opportunities. Visitors can relax in the landscaped gardens, spot peacocks roaming freely, or even take a ride on the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Peaceful yet adventurous, this reserve perfectly blends wild beauty with family-friendly attractions—an unforgettable highlight of Launceston.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

user-avatar
TRAVEL DEVIL21 November 2023
5.0
Stunning village to stay when visiting the famous Swiss Alpine Area! Can’t wait to go back!

Grindelwald

user-avatar
juki23524 November 2019
5.0
Launceston City Park is more like a small European village, with beautiful European buildings, large lawns and lakes. Flowers bloom all year round, and many water birds inhabit the lake, creating a classic European aristocratic garden. Launceston is also a beautiful garden city with a very good environment, and it is worth visiting.

City Park

user-avatar
穿白衬衣的薄荷星11 May 2023
5.0
Tasmania, the heart-shaped island on the other side of Antarctica. This place name may be unfamiliar to some friends, don't worry, let me tell you slowly. 📍Tasmania is a small island in the southernmost part of Australia and the largest island state in Australia. Because it looks like a heart when viewed from a satellite, it is also called a heart-shaped island by many people. It is a very romantic travel destination. 📍Not only has a romantic shape, but there are also many equally romantic travel projects on Tasmania, such as large lavender manors, naturally formed wineglass bays, and rare small blue lakes. 📍Here you can see one after another unique landscape of Tasmania, and you can also meet some common products on the main island of Australia, such as a large number of wineries, such as kangaroos and tree slugs everywhere. If you choose this as your first destination in Australia, you don't have to worry about Tasmania not being Australian enough~ 📍Some people may worry whether the recent bushfires in Australia will affect Tasmania. According to the latest developments, Tasmania has not been affected at all, so you can go there with confidence.

Tasmania Zoo

user-avatar
PIRIYA_TONG9 April 2023
5.0
It is a place that creates a very good experience to sit like a gondola that can hang your legs down. If you sit, it is 15 dollars per person per trip, but if you sit back and forth, it will be 20 dollars per person. The view on both sides is very good, beautiful whether it is the lawn, the waterfall, down the mountain. Most importantly, there are many cute walabies on top.

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

user-avatar
118***581 October 2022
5.0
The environment of this place is very good. I will come here next time.

National Automobile Museum of Tasmania

Popular cities near Launceston

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Launceston?

Don't miss these attractions in Launceston: Cataract Gorge Reserve, Grindelwald, and Ben Lomond Snow Sports. If you like Day tours, try Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket. If you enjoy Outdoor & sports, try English - Launceston round-trip Loch Ard Gorge Reserve night tour to view Tasmanian blue penguin homecoming.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket, Australia Cradle Mountain exploration 1-day tour: (Hobart to Launceston), and Broome Town Tour: Discover Broome, Beaches & History. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 3 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Launceston is around SAR 113.13 – SAR 818.15. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.