What it is
Just before it joins the Tamar River, the South Esk has cut a narrow gorge through dolerite cliffs. The Cataract Walk, laid out in the 19th century, follows the north side from Kings Bridge to the First Basin, a wide pool surrounded by lawns, a café and a public swimming pool.
The Alexandra Suspension Bridge, opened in 1904, crosses the basin, and a chairlift swings over the water to the Cliff Grounds, a Victorian garden with peacocks. Longer tracks continue upstream to the Duck Reach power station ruins.
Getting there by bus
The gorge entrance at Kings Bridge is about 200 metres from the stop Trevallyn Rd at South Esk Rd, served by routes 150, 151 and 152 from the Launceston Interchange; Bridge Rd opp Kings Park on the same routes is also close.
For the First Basin side, routes 151 and 152 continue into Trevallyn and stop at Dandenong Rd after Denman Rd, about 550 metres above the basin. Many visitors simply walk from the city centre to Kings Bridge in around 15 minutes.
