Last Sunday, we ventured to Launceston to catch up with our friends from Darwin. We spent a glorious spring morning at Cataract Gorge, a unique, natural formation close to the city centre.

Cataract Gorge Reserve covers 192 hectares at the lower section of the South Esk River.

The nesting swans have a spectacular home.

There are many walking tracks and lookouts offering fabulous views.

The Alexandra Suspension Bridge was built in 1940 to connect the two sides of the river.

A short pause midway rewarded us with a great view upstream.

The chairlift is a relaxing way to travel from First Basin to the Cliff Grounds. Built in 1972, it is the longest single-span chairlift in the world

and presents a different perspective from above.

The swimming pool, presumably empty for winter maintenance, is a very popular place in the warmer months.

The Cliff Grounds are serene, with sweeping lawns and variant displays of colour radiating from the many azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and exotic plants

as well as ferns bursting forth with new fronds.

The Gorge Restaurant showcases Tasmania’s finest produce and wines

while the kiosk offers casual dining and the perfect terrace to enjoy a beverage.

The resident peacocks turn up in some surprising places.

Some are happy to quietly display their magnificent plumage

others feel the need to show off

and the girls just get on with it.

The wallabies are a little more bashful, especially with baby on board.

Don’t miss the experience of Cataract Gorge when you next visit Launceston.