Shortly after selling my car on Saturday afternoon, I booked a plane ticket to Tasmania leaving Sydney on Sunday afternoon and arriving in Launceston just 2 hrs later.
Sydney Airport, Domestic Terminal. Photo says it all
Not as "flat" as I remember from my first trip in 2015
At Launceston airport, I quickly sorted out my rental with AVIS and headed out to the city center to pick up some necessities - mainly groceries. Thank goodness to daylight savings, I still had enough light to check out Cataract Gorge Reserve. But only enough to do a short walk across the Alexandra Suspension Bridge and onto a lookout. There were all sorts of wildlife in the reserve - possums scavenging for food in the bin, peacocks (they are very loud btw), pademelons, and all kinds of birds.
My new travel buddy. I got a free upgrade from AVIS.
Alexandra Suspension Bridge
South Esk River, views from Alexandra Suspension Bridge
As it was getting dark very quickly, I only managed to photograph this beautiful peacock
I really wanted to do the longer walks so I decided I'd explore Cataract Gorge Reserve properly today. I woke up quite early this morning but it was 9 degrees celsius (brrrr) so I didn't really get to start the walk until 11am :)
Coming down from the car park ($2.50 for 4 hrs, street parking also available), you'll come across the chairlift station and just below is a magnificent view of the First Basin alongside a swimming pool.
Swimming Pool for everyone to enjoy
I had all day to explore The Cataract Gorge, which is the jewel in the crown of Launceston's rich history. An ancient formation surrounded by native bushland, the Gorge has been a source of nature and recreation for as long as most can remember.
First walk is to the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge and Power Station via the Duck Reach Trail and returning to First Basin via the Snake Gully Track. About 4.5 km loop track.
Views of The First Basin and Alexandra Suspension Bridge as seen from the Duck Reach Trail
Views from the Duck Reach Trail
I had a bit of fun taking photos of the swirls formed in the river. Here are few of my favorites.
River Flow
River Flow
River Flow
River Flow
About halfway through the Duck Reach Trail, you'll reach Sentinel Lookout. There's no shortage of amazing views on this track. Here are a few of my favorites.
Views from Sentinel Lookout
Views from Sentinel Lookout
Views from Sentinel Lookout
Further down the track you'll soon have your first sights of the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge.
Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
As you get closer to the bridge you'll also then have a view of the power station, which is no longer in operation. There's a wonderful display of its history inside.
Duck Reach Suspension Bridge and Power Station
Views from the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
Me just playing around on the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
Views from the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
Inside the Power Station
After checking out the power station I began the steep ascent to the Snake Gully Track. At the top of the steps, I took a quick break to catch my breath and admire the views down below one last time. Apart from a quick view of the city this track doesn't really offer much (in terms of views). I made it back to the First Basin Loop Track in no time but instead of returning to the car park I checked out the Band Rotunda picnic area. There were peacocks and all kinds of birds around. I had a bit of fun taking photos of them before continuing on to the Cataract Walk.
Spring in full swing
Spring in full swing
A sign of new life, new beginning
The views from the Cataract Walk didn't disappoint either. Here are a few of my favorites.
South Esk River as seen from Cataract Walk
South Esk River as seen from Cataract Walk
A boat cruising the South Esk River, and Kings Bridge in the background
South Esk River as seen from Cataract Walk
There is a track linking Kings Bridge and First Basin called Zig Zag Track but by this point, I have had my fill of walking for the day. I opted to return the same way and made my way to the car park via the First Basin Loop.
I hope you all enjoyed reading my photo diary of my first 2 days here in Tasmania. Tomorrow I head out to Cradle Mountain, I think. But that could change :)
Stay tuned
xx
jh3n