Things to do in

Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge: Our most recommended tours and activities

Launceston: 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise

Launceston: 50-Minute Cataract Gorge Cruise

After departing from the terminal, you will cruise past the historical Kings Wharf, Seaport, and Launceston's delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into Launceston's spectacular Cataract Gorge, as you engage the Lady Launceton's unique silent electric drive function. You can view the sheer cliffs from your comfortable seating, appreciate the unobstructed views on the multi-award winning 1890's style vessel. Whilst aboard the Lady Launceston, you can also enjoy the skipper's captivating commentary which surrounds the history and folklore of this fascinating area.

Launceston: 2.5-Hour Morning or Afternoon Discovery Cruise

Launceston: 2.5-Hour Morning or Afternoon Discovery Cruise

Cruise into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston's riverfront precinct. You will head north past Tamar Island, observing historical buildings such as the St. Mathias Church and the Rosevears Pub. Throughout your tour, you will enjoy morning tea, a fresh fruit selection, local wine,  and a beer tasting. You will experience a relaxed variety of life as you cruise past charming riverfront communities, vineyards and farms, and onward to the historical Rosevears and Windemere districts. This fascinating collection of history, fauna, and people at work, rest, and play makes an absorbing narrative which will touch, intrigue and inspire. This tour will provide you with the best vantage point to view the Tamar Valley. At the conclusion of your scenic and relaxing cruise, you will be returned to your point of origin.

Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise

Launceston: 4-Hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise

Cruise into the magical Cataract Gorge and through Launceston's riverfront precinct, heading north past Tamar Island, historical buildings, churches, pubs, and significant homesteads. You can sample the rich diversity of life as you cruise past quaint riverfront communities, vineyards and farms, to the notable Batman Bridge. Tamer Valley is steeped with romance and studded with tales of bushrangers, explorers, and gold diggers. Australia's longest navigable estuarine river, it has many natural coves and protected inlets that provide a sanctuary for thousands of native water birds that can only be seen on the river. All cruises depart from and return to Home Point Cruise Terminal, which is a taxi ride only 5 minutes from most CBD accommodations. Home Point is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the city center, and guests are kindly asked to be at the cruise terminal 30 minutes prior to departure

Tasmania West to East and more in 7 Super Days

Tasmania West to East and more in 7 Super Days

Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Departing Hobart, your tour of Tasmania/lutruwita begins in Mount Field National Park. Walk among the world’s tallest eucalyptus trees and discover the cascading Russell Falls. The incredible scenery continues at Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest freshwater lake), and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You’ll learn about Tasmania’s mining history in Queenstown before arriving in the village of Strahan where we’ll spend the next two nights. Day 2: Wild West Coast Discover the West Coast’s wild and rugged coastlines and rainforests. Walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, within the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine/takayna. At the coast we’ll explore Henty Sand Dunes and Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand at Ocean Beach. Or today you can choose an outstanding nature cruise on the beautiful Gordon River (own cost). Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston Discover Cradle’s alpine and glacial-carved wilderness as you look for wombats, echidna, and other Tasmanian wildlife. Choose from a variety of world-class walks, such as the track to the summit of Marion’s Lookout, or the Dove Lake circuit. Later today we'll drive to the city of Launceston via the colourful town of Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno Explore Launceston's lovely Cataract Gorge which is a great place for seeing wallaby. Travel to the Bay of Fires/larapuna and learn about the spiritual connection of the land to Tasmanian aboriginal people/palawa. Walk along pristine white sands with its turquoise waters with striking orange boulders. We will spend the night in Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Day 5: Freycinet National Park Walk to Wineglass Bay or climb to the summit of Mt Amos. We'll visit the Cape Tourville lighthouse before returning to Hobart/nipaluna. Day 6: Tasmanian Devils, Richmond and Wellington Park Today we'll meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong wildlife sanctuary, before exploring the heritage village of Richmond. Back in Hobart we'll show you some of our favourite spots on Mount Wellington/kunanyi. Tonight, unwind in one of Hobart's historic pubs or restaurants. Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula Discover the rugged coastal scenery and epic convict history of the Tasman Peninsula/turrakana. Visit Port Arthur, Australia’s best preserved convict settlement. Later today we'll walk to the stunning Crescent Bay, before returning to Hobart.

Tasmania: Wilderness and Wildlife Guided 6-Day Tour

Tasmania: Wilderness and Wildlife Guided 6-Day Tour

Day 1: HOBART > STRAHAN Today we will drive through the Western Wilds. We’ll walk among some of the world’s tallest trees and see the beautiful Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park. We’ll visit the expansive Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The drive through the Franklin-Gordon National Park offers pristine rainforest and mountain scenery. You’ll enjoy the rugged scenery around the old mining town of Queenstown before arriving in the charming harbourside village of Strahan. Overnight: Strahan Day 2: WILD WEST COAST The untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast is today’s playground. In the Tarkine rainforest we’ll walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, then explore the gigantic Henty Sand Dunes. Alternatively, today you have the option of cruising the scenic Gordon River (own cost). Later at Ocean Beach we’ll breathe the world’s freshest air. Back in Strahan, with luck our guide can help you find the unique platypus. Overnight: Strahan Day 3: Day 4: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO Discover Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge and look for local wallabies, then we’ll hit the road for some breathtaking East Coast scenery. Enjoy lunch in St Helens before walking along the white sands of the magical Bay of Fires. We’ll take our time to savour the coastal views as we travel south to the picturesque fishing village of Bicheno where little penguins can be seen emerging from the sea. Overnight: Bicheno Day 5: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART Freycinet is Tasmania’s most famous coastal National Park, and today you’ll explore its beaches, forests, coves, and lookouts. See the pink granite Hazards mountain range from tranquil Honeymoon Bay. Then, you may be keen for a challenging climb to the summit of Mt Amos. Alternatively, you may prefer to walk to the lookout to view the curved white sands of Wineglass Bay and continue to the beach below. Finally, we’ll take in the stunning ocean and mountain views from Cape Tourville before returning to Hobart via the Great Eastern Drive. Overnight: Hobart Day 6: TASMANIAN DEVILS, RICHMOND & WELLINGTON PARK Bonorong is Tasmania’s best-known conservation and wildlife sanctuary. Here we’ll meet a variety of Tasmanian wildlife such as quolls, birds, wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. Then, we’ll enjoy walking around the colonial village of Richmond. We return to Hobart via the scenic Coal River Valley, and make our way to Wellington Park, known locally as “The Mountain” or by its palawa name, kunanyi. Here our guide will provide an experience which explores its diverse features such as fern glades, eucalyptus forests, dramatic rock columns and boulder fields. There are superb walking tracks to spectacular lookouts. This is our final experience together as our tour comes to an end.

Hobart: 4 Day Wild Tasmania Tour

Hobart: 4 Day Wild Tasmania Tour

Discover Cradle Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, marvel at the iconic Russell Falls, and continue your journey to the mesmerising Bay of Fires where fiery orange lichen-covered rocks meet the turquoise Tasman Sea. You’ll also get to take in the breathtaking views at Wineglass Bay and explore Freycinet National Park, where pristine white sands and granite peaks showcase nature’s beauty. This tour is suited to those with an adventurous spirit who are keen to explore Tasmania’s icons and national parks. There are walking options to suit all fitness levels – from a leisurely stroll to more challenging walks. Whether you’re on a budget or would like a more comfortable option, there is accommodation to suit your style.

Tasmania: 5-Day Highlights Tour with Cradle Mountain

Tasmania: 5-Day Highlights Tour with Cradle Mountain

Experience the highlights of Tasmania over five days. Discover premium national parks, enjoy Port Arthur Historic Site, and visit a wildlife sanctuary to see Tasmanian Devils. Starting on the Tasman Peninsula, explore Port Arthur and the geological wonders within the Tasman National Park. As you travel along the East Coast, discover the stunning beaches of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires, and Bicheno. Explore the wildlife and walking tracks of Cradle Mountain. In Launceston, enjoy Cataract Gorge before making your way back to Hobart via historic Ross, Richmond, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you’ll meet Tasmanian devils. This active small group tour is eco-certified and best suited to guests with a moderate fitness level so you can enjoy the superb walks on offer.

Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket

Launceston: Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise Open Ticket

After departing from the terminal, you will cruise past the historical Kings Wharf, Seaport, and Launceston's delightful riverfront precinct. The highlight of the experience is then cruising into Launceston's spectacular Cataract Gorge, as you engage the Lady Launceton's unique silent electric drive function. You can view the sheer cliffs from your comfortable seating, appreciate the unobstructed views on the multi-award winning 1890's style vessel. Whilst aboard the Lady Launceston, you can also enjoy the skipper's captivating commentary which surrounds the history and folklore of this fascinating area

Tasmania - The Ultimate 10-Day Tour

Tasmania - The Ultimate 10-Day Tour

Treat yourself to the ultimate Tasmanian adventure with our 10-day tour of Tasmania. Starting and finishing in Hobart, discover Tasmania’s nature, history, wildlife, and main attractions, as well as some of our favourite local destinations. Our personalised small group tour journeys to the West, North West and East Coasts, Bruny Island and Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, while allowing plenty of time to enjoy Hobart over a few evenings. We explore Tasmania’s famous National Parks, take a river cruise along the Gordon River into the rainforests of the World Heritage Area, and get to see Tasmanian devils at a wildlife sanctuary. Our small group tour has a maximum of 18 guests. This tour is designed for mature travelers seeking a more relaxed pace of travel. We'll guide you on several easy-grade short walks each day as we explore Tasmania. Many of these walks are among Tasmania's very best short walk experiences enabling you to connect to nature in Tasmania's wild places. There is also the option of more moderate graded walks in Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park for guests who want to challenge themselves a little bit more. Our guides are Tasmanian experts and will provide authentic experiences with plenty of hidden gems throughout the journey. They ensure that you’ll gain an understanding of Tasmania’s fascinating history and culture. We promise to leave guests in awe of Tasmania.

Top Attractions in Launceston

Experiences in Cataract Gorge

Tours in Australia

Things to do in Australia

Other Sightseeing Options in Cataract Gorge

Want to discover all there is to do in Cataract Gorge? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Cataract Gorge

Overall rating

4.6
(369 reviews)

The tour included everything of interest in the area and the well -informed commentary from our tour guide enhanced the experience. The gorge area is both beautiful and rugged and well worth the trip.

Visiting my Mum for her 80th and we decided to do the Cataract Gorge cruise. Josh, the cruise pilot was wonderful, providing an informative and interesting commentary. I’d definitely recommend

We had a great time, Huon our guide was friendly and funny as well as giving us plenty of info along the way. It was a lovely cruise to the Gorge.

Great way to explore Tasmania’s highlights. Keygan & Anthony were fantastic tour guides and have a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommend!

It was fun and gave us an overview of the waterways and the gorge. We enjoyed our time