Duck Reach and Kings Bridge is a 6.7km, grade 3 Return hike located in Cataract Gorge Reserve Tasmania. The hike should take approximately 1.5hrs to complete.

Summary

Follow the South Esk River from Launceston’s famous Cataract Gorge to the historic Duck Reach power station. This walk will generally suit groups with children.

Highlights

Work on the Duck Reach Power Station began in 1855 but it wasn’t until 1895 that the turbines began to power the new electric streetlights.

The station was destroyed by floods in 1929 and rebuilt the following year. It continued to operate until 1956. Today an interpretation centre provides a history of the station.

Region

Launceston Tamar and the North

Getting there

Park in Basin Road, West Launceston. Then follow the path into the Cataract Gorge grounds where you’ll find the Great Short Walks sign. Alternatively, you can walk to the Gorge from the Kings Bridge (near the Penny Royal complex) and join the Duck Reach track at the suspension bridge in the Gorge grounds. Allow 20 minutes to walk to the Duck Reach track from Kings Bridge.

Tips

Toilets, picnic facilities, kiosk, drinking water, swimming pool and change rooms in the Cataract Gorge ground.

There are some short uphill sections and approximately 190 steps each way. (The walk can be done one way if you arrange to have a car collect you from the track exit at Corin Street, above Duck Reach.)

Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, flowing waters.

Pets, bicycles and skateboards are not permitted.

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania