Hike #1 was a bit of a bummer (our trek here is blue); the best parts of the trail were closed. 😕

Hike #2 (all green) was great. It combined all the short gorge-hikes into one.

Panoramic video of the start of the Cataract Gorge area

Still pic of the Cataract Walk trail start

Kings Bridge at the end of the Cataract Walk trail

ZigZag Track Walk trail for the return: this side of the Gorge was much higher in elevation.

Finally reaching the 'peak' of ZigZag, we can enjoy the rest of the trail

Overview of the First Basin from the Alexandra Bridge side.

Looking down on the First Basin and Alexandra Suspension Bridge.

if it doesn't start automatically, click on the picture to start the video

Yep a Wallaby is smaller than a Kangaroo. This one is carrying a baby!

Launceston - Hike Cataract Gorge

October 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

We left the hotel early at 7:30 am for a 2 hour 40 minute drive to Launceston, which has an attraction called Cataract Gorge. From prior experience, our thought was to determine the best trails to hike after talking with the folks at the information center. Great plan until we found the information booth to be unmanned. :( So, we chose what looked like a great option from the application AllTrails that was highly recommended. After a few miles, we found 2 trails from our chosen path were closed for trail maintenance, so we modified our path to walk shorter trails including walking around the Gorge. This was a much better option, and the trails were excellent. Since it's early spring here, we mostly had the trail to ourselves.
One of our goals today was to see a Wallaby, which is similar to a kangaroo, but 60% of the kangaroo's height. Janine saw a Wallaby in the distance on our first hike, then found another near the end of our second hike. (pics included)
Afterward, we got some groceries, gave our filthy car a wash, checked into our hotel room, and walked to a local tavern for dinner. Another nice day.Read more