Cataract Gorge, Launceston

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!!

Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston

I broke down today at Stillwater Restaurant right on Laucneston's waterfront. The staff could not have been more friendly, helpful and attentive.

The day was bright and sunny, the tide was in, making the Tamar River look sparkling and the view from the resturant was magnificent - all bobbing boats and wheeling seabirds.

This must be one of the best locations in the entire city - making it the perfect place to break down, if that's what you're going to do.

Stillwater is also the perfect venue for any kind of function, large or small and certainly my favourite place to sit and enjoy a coffee or (just occassionally) to sip a glass of champagne if I can think of any reason to celebrate.

And what about the food? I hear you ask. After all Stillwater is a restaurant with a huge reputation for the very finest dining in Tasmania. It also has one of the best cellars - and there's even a wonderful cellar room you can reserve for that special private dinner party.

Sadly, I'll have to leave descriptions of the delights of the menu for another day - I had no time for more that a cup of (very good) coffee.

Then it was - go get that pesky car fixed!


How to find Stillwater Restaurant
Situated at Ritchies Mill at the bottom of Patterson St, Launceston
Email: stillwater@microtech.com.au
Ph: 6337 4153
www.stillwater.net.au