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Looking at a bridge across the Cataract Gorge to Duck Reach Power Station.
Duch Reach Power Station (photograph: Ian Hill)
60 Great Short Walks

Duck Reach

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Cafe
  • Parking
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
  • Toilets

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    ContactExpand/Collapse

    • Tamar Island Wetlands Centre
      West Tamar Highway, Riverside TAS 7250
      Postal: PO Box 46, Kings Meadows Tas 7249TAS
      Phone: 03 6327 3964

      ​Wetland Centre open Wednesday to Sunday
      9.30am to 4.30pm 1 November to 31 March 
      10am to 4pm 1 April to 31 October

    1.5 hours return, 6km, Some short uphill sections and approx. 190 steps (stairs)
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, flowing waters. No bikes, pets or skateboards.

    About

    ​So close to the heart of Launceston, in the beautiful Cataract Gorge, is a great walk that is all about the power of water. Start from Kings Bridge, near the First Basin, and see if anyone can resist crossing the bridge to experience the South Esk River rushing beneath.

    The track continues up the eastern side of the river, then descends to another bridge and crosses it to the historic Duck Reach power station. The station, one of the earliest hydro-electric power stations in the world, operated from 1895 to 1955. Return via the same track.​

    The walk can be one way if you arrange car pickup from the track exit at Corin Street.

    Static map image of the Duck Reach Power Station walk

      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​​Park in Basin Rd. Follow the path into the Cataract Gorge, look for the Great Short Walks sign. You can also walk to the Gorge from Kings Bridge and join the Duck Reach track at the suspension bridge. ​

      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

      ​Toilets, picnic facilities, kiosk, drinking water, swimming pool and change rooms in the Cataract Gorge grounds. 

      This walk is maintained by Launceston City Council.

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.