Cataract Gorge

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Cataract Gorge, with the Alexandra Suspension Bridge in the background, seen from the lift

Cataract Gorge (German about river gorge , canyon of rapids ) is a popular destination on the city limits of Launceston in northern Tasmania , Australia .

The ravine

Cataract Gorge at low tide

The gorge, which is located about 1.5 km from the center of the city, is one of the major attractions in the region and is popular with tourists and locals alike. According to the known records, it was discovered and described in 1804, who examined the region on board the reconnaissance ship HMS Lady Nelson and also visited the Tamar River and the South Esk River , which flows into Launceston , where the gorge is located.

The extensive grounds offer numerous paths for walking, there are suspension bridges, lush and sometimes rare planting, a Victorian-style garden, opportunities for climbing and rides in rubber dinghies, a swimming pool and a few restaurants. The previous heavy floods stopped after the Trevallyn Dam was built in the 1950s.

Some distance upstream is the old Duck Reach Power Station , a hydroelectric power plant that went into operation in December 1895. He supplied Launceston with electricity. It is believed that Launceston was the first town south of the equator to be lit with electricity.

The chairlift

Driving machine of the chairlift

There is a chair lift on the premises that can be used to cross the gorge. Built in 1972, it is considered the chairlift in the world with the longest span between two columns of 308 m. The total span of the runway is 457 m. The lift offers views of the canyon with the river, the numerous rocks, especially pool number 1, parks, the Alexandra Suspension bridge, swimming pool, etc.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b c d Cataract Gorge & First Basin History , online at: launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/history
  2. ↑ The Kid Bucket List , online at: kidbucketlist.com.au / ...
  3. ↑ Cataract Gorge Reserve , online at: ausemade.com.au/
  4. ↑ Gorge Scenic Chairlift , online at: launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/basinchairlift
  5. ↑ Cataract Gorge Reserve , online at: archive.org /.../ puretasmania.com.au / ...

Web links

Coordinates: 41 ° 26 ′ 46 ″  S , 147 ° 7 ′ 10 ″  E