Trail Fast Facts

Duck Reach and Kings Bridge is a 6.7km, grade 3 hike in Cataract Gorge Reserve, Tasmania. This hike typically takes 2.5 hours to complete.

Length: 6.7km

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Basin Carpark

End: Basin Carpark

Location: Cataract Gorge Reserve

State: Tasmania

Nearby town: West Launceston

From state capital: 199km

Latitude: -41.446185

Longitude: 147.122614

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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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.

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

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 features

Map and GPX file

Duck Reach & Kings Bridge Hike (6.7km)

Total distance: 6712 m
Max elevation: 99 m
Min elevation: 17 m
Total climbing: 424 m
Total descent: -425 m

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

Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Duck Reach & Kings Bridge Hike (6.7km)

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.

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Access conditions

2WD Access
Public Transport
Speed Bumps
Accessible Toilet
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table

Photo gallery

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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.

About the region

Launceston Tamar and the North

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Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

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Reviews

Duck Reach & Kings Bridge Hike (6.7km)

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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.

Trail Fast Facts