4.7
(3)
179
riders
26
rides
Touring cycling in Cataract Gorge Reserve offers routes through a unique landscape where the South Esk River has carved dramatic cliffs and a deep gorge. The area features a blend of accessible natural beauty, including the First Basin and Cliff Grounds with their Victorian gardens. The surrounding terrain, including the nearby Trevallyn Recreation Area, provides diverse options from paved surfaces to fire trails. The reserve is characterized by its rugged cliffs, river views, and varied bushland, providing a scenic backdrop for cycling.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
28
riders
16.1km
01:37
320m
320m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
8
riders
51.5km
03:33
860m
860m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5
riders
7.78km
00:46
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
riders
25.5km
02:16
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Design Tasmania is a design center and museum featuring wood designs from Tasmanian wood. There is a lot of beautiful furniture here waiting to be appreciated.
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This is a very ornate stone fountain under a stunning gazebo. Fill up a water bottle here and marvel at the incredible sculpture.
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The City Park Japanese Macaque Enclosure began in 1980 as a gift from Ikeda, Japan's sister city. This small group of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, is surrounded by mature trees and Victorian-era features in the park. Anyone can check out the macaques year-round from designated paths around the habitat.
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City Park dates back to the 1820s, when it was established by the Launceston Horticultural Society. Ownership was transferred to the Launceston City Council in 1863. The park was expanded to include several buildings, a conservatory, and botanical gardens. The City Park snow monkeys carry on the long tradition of exotic creatures being showcased in Launceston. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, deer, brown bears, wallabies, even the mysterious thylacine called City Park home, but it was a troupe of Rhesus monkeys that proved to be its most popular residents. After the last of the park’s beloved Rhesus monkeys passed away in 1979, Launceston’s sister city, Ikeda, Japan, gifted the city with 10 macaques. In turn, Launceston gifted Ikeda with 10 wallabies. Known for their ability to adapt and acclimatize to new environments, the macaques were well-suited to Tasmania’s cold, wet climate and quickly became the city’s favorite attraction. The monkey enclosure was designed to reflect the natural habitats of Japanese macaques, with branches to swing from and a pool to swim in. Today, City Park is home to 20 macaques and counting. The snow monkey enclosure is free to visit and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April - September) and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (October - March). It is located at the Cameron Street side of City Park, around the corner from the City Park Radio building.
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The Old Umbrella Shop in Launceston has been operating nearly continuously in its current location for over 100 years. Originally established as R. Schott & Son, the shop was opened by Robert Schott, an umbrella maker from Melbourne in 1907. Although umbrellas were his specialty, Schott began crafting souvenirs after being dismayed by the number of tourists he saw purchasing European-made, mass-produced items that didn’t represent his home. He whittled woodcrafts out of local timber and emblazoned ceramic items with images of Tasmania, selling them alongside his hand-made umbrellas. Business flourished as tourists caught wind of Schott’s beautiful, affordable souvenirs, which included items such as ashtrays, egg cups, walking sticks, and clocks. So popular were Schott’s souvenirs that when Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, visited Tasmania in 1920, Schott presented him with one of his walking sticks. R. Schott & Son was run by three generations of the Schott family until 1978, when the last descendant, John William Robert Schott, passed away. After a brief closure, the shop was taken over by the National Trust of Australia and renamed The Old Umbrella Shop. The shop contains most of its original fixtures and continues to operate as an umbrella and souvenir shop. In the backroom is a museum that displays a collection of Schott’s wares, as well as business memorabilia.
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Fantastic little bike path that is great for a short day ride to the lovely park at the end, or as a nicer way to leave the city heading North.
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Cataract Gorge Reserve offers a diverse selection of over 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, ranging from easy paths to more challenging trails.
The routes in Cataract Gorge Reserve vary in difficulty. You'll find approximately 5 easy routes, 14 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, ensuring options for all experience levels. For an easy option, consider the Deadmans Knob loop from Trevallyn.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options, particularly those with mostly paved surfaces or easier grades. Routes like The Old Umbrella Shop loop from Glen Dhu are generally suitable for a leisurely family ride, offering a gentle introduction to the area's beauty.
You can expect a mix of terrain, from accessible paved surfaces within the reserve to 'cruisey' fire trails and some single track sections, especially in the nearby Trevallyn Recreation Area. The landscape is characterized by dramatic gorge cliffs, river views, and varied bushland.
Many of the touring cycling routes in Cataract Gorge Reserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Deadmans Knob loop from Launceston and the more challenging West Tamar Trail loop from Launceston.
While cycling, you can experience the dramatic gorge and cliffs carved by the South Esk River. Key attractions include the First Basin with its open areas and seasonal swimming pool, the picturesque Victorian gardens of Cliff Grounds, and the historic Alexandra Suspension Bridge. Further upstream, the Duck Reach Power Station offers a glimpse into Australia's hydroelectric history.
Yes, Cataract Gorge Reserve offers accessible parking facilities. Given its proximity to Launceston's city center (a 5-10 minute drive), there are convenient options for parking your vehicle before starting your ride.
Cataract Gorge Reserve is very accessible. It's just a short 15-minute walk from Launceston's city center, making it easily reachable by public transport that serves the city. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop closest to the reserve entrances.
The reserve is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, while winter might bring cooler, wetter weather, though many trails remain rideable.
Yes, the First Basin area within Cataract Gorge Reserve features cafés for refreshments. Being just a short distance from Launceston's city center, you'll find a wide array of pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options, including hotels like the Pod Inn Capsule Hotel, catering to various preferences and budgets.
The touring cycling routes in Cataract Gorge Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the unique blend of accessible natural beauty, the dramatic gorge scenery, and the diverse range of trails available for different skill levels.
While Cataract Gorge Reserve is generally dog-friendly for walkers, specific regulations for dogs on cycling trails can vary. It's advisable to check local signage or the official reserve guidelines regarding pets on cycling paths to ensure compliance and a pleasant experience for everyone.


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