So much view, so little effort.
There’s no need to scale rugged cliffs for views of Launceston's Cataract Gorge and First Basin, thanks to the Gorge Scenic Chairlift.
This single-span chairlift, believed to be the longest in the world, gives every visitor a bird’s eye view of South Esk River. And it’s hard to know where to look, with beaming rhododendrons, fern glades and dolerite cliffs all vying for attention.
It is about 457m from station to station, with a central span between two pylons of 308m.
The chairlift has run without a hitch since its opening in 1972, and its top speed is a mere one metre per second, though it typically runs even slower for a chance to breathe it all in.
After stepping off the chairlift, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, tea rooms and peacocks, ready to be doted upon.
The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is a 15-minute walk from Launceston's central business district.