Launceston’s popular Cataract Walk reopens to public

The City of Launceston has reopened the popular Cataract Walk and Trevallyn Steps recreational trails to the public. The Cataract Gorge Reserve is a public park set in a dramatic natural amphitheatre to the west of the city centre of Launceston, in Tasmania's north. Intersected by the South Esk River, the Gorge is surrounded by native bush and the residential suburbs of Trevallyn and West Launceston

The Cataract Walk and Trevallyn Steps tracks were closed last year due to safety concerns, following the failure of a privately-owned retaining wall at a property on South Esk Road.

The retaining wall was built on steep terrain above the 1km-long walking track which links Kings Bridge with the Cataract Gorge's Cliff Grounds.

Since that time the Council has worked with the property owner and a range of experts to remove the retaining wall and prioritise the reopening of the Cataract Walk and Trevallyn Steps trails to the public.

Over recent months the Council has removed more than 1500 tonnes of bluestone and wall material from above the Cataract Walk, utilising a custom fabricated trolley system.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the works to reopen the two tracks had been technically complex, given the difficult terrain.

"The City of Launceston has taken a really proactive to such a difficult issue and has prioritised these works given the importance of the Cataract Gorge to locals and visitors alike," Mayor Garwood advised.

"While the substantive repair works have been underway, we've also been undertaking other improvement works at the western end of the Cataract Walk, including new surfaces and handrails in some sections.

"Some of these minor works will continue over coming weeks, but will not require further closures.

"We sincerely thank the residents of Launceston for their patience and support while we've carried out the works to reopen these important accesses to the Cataract Gorge."