Duck Reach and Kings Bridge is a 6.7km, grade 3 hike located in the Cataract Gorge Reserve, Tasmania. The hike should take around 2.5 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 99 m
Min elevation: 17 m
Total climbing: 424 m
Total descent: -425 m
For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania
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.
Trail location
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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.
Access conditions
- 2WD Access
- Public Transport
- Speed Bumps
- Accessible Toilet
- Drinking Water
- Untreated Water
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Table
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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Gear to consider

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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.