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Duck Reach
The walk to Duck Reach starts at the Cataract Gorge Reserve. In this unique and natural gorge, you will find walking and hiking trails, the world's longest single-span chairlift, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and beautiful gardens.
Work on the Duck Reach Power Station commenced in 1855, but the turbines to power the new electric streetlights weren't operational until 1895.
Duck Reach Power Station was destroyed by floods in 1929 and was rebuilt the following year. It operated until 1956 and now is a museum and interpretation centre providing a history of the station.
The Duck Reach Walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks.
The Walk - 6 kilometres Circuit - 1.5 Hours - Grade 3
The track starts at the Cataract Gorge First Basin and follows the undulating walking track along the ridge above First Basin, which has excellent views down the gorge.
There are some short uphill sections and approximately 190 stone steps along the way.
About halfway along the track, you will come to a cantilevered viewing platform; this is an excellent spot to rest and enjoy the beautiful views.
Crossing the suspension bridge just before the power station will give you more sensational views over the South Esk River.
Once you have crossed the suspension bridge, you will be at the Duck Reach Power Station. You can look around the free museum and interpretation centre, then walk back the way you came.
Directions
To reach Cataract Gorge from Launceston, head southeast on National Highway 1 towards York Street (A3), turn right onto Frederick Street, and continue onto Hillside Crescent. Continue onto Brougham Street and turn onto Basin Road until you reach the car park.
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