Cataract Gorge in Launceston is usually no more than an attrative, peaceful little stream with boulders, but occasionally, when it's in flood, as has been the case this week, it becomes a raging, roaring torrent about a thousand times bigger than normal.
There has been torrential rain, and a huge volume of water is forced between the high dolerite walls of the Gorge, to empty itself into the Tamar River. And the whole of Launceston turns out to stroll along the walkway to view this dramatic spectacle of nature in the raw.
Those early Victorians knew a thing or two (as well as doing all the energetic building to make Launceston what it is today), they constructed a lovely walkway along the side of Cataract Gorge, linking Kings Bridge with the Victorian gardens of the Cliff Grounds.
There's a cute little cottage hanging precariously over that walkway which the city of launceston makes available in a residency scheme for Visiting Artists (and it has resulted in some wonderful artworks being created).
But, about my walk - starting from the Kings Bridge, I walk up through the Cliff Grounds, to the suspension bridge at First Basin. I like to do this walking thing vigorously and step out swiftly, creating a pleasant round trip by returning along the much steeper Zig-Zag Track. This track runs along the other side of the gorge and there are look-out spots encouraging you to take in some spectacular views over the Tamar Valley.
My round trip takes me about an hour. It is possible to venture on much longer walks should the fancy take you, as there are plenty of connecting tracks all through this beautiful natural bushland reserve. I face a serious temptation when I get to the end of my walk at Stillwater River Cafe where I finally undo all the good I've just done by indulging in a seriously scrumptious slice of cake with my coffee - and with lashings of cream too! Aargh!!
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