Abseiling and Rockclimbing in the Cataract Gorge, Half Day - Tasmania

Early settler William Collins said of Cataract Gorge that its beauty “is probably not surpassed in the world”. Well, we’re inclined to agree. The Cataract Gorge is located right in the middle of the city where the South Esk River cuts a spectacular gorge to join the North Esk River forming the Tamar River in central Launceston.

And it’s a climbers paradise, too – there are as many as 300 climbs in the lower gorge as far as the first basin, and a further 550 climbs in the 6km to the Trevallyn Dam, making it Tasmania’s most concentrated climbing area. The routes provide crack and face climbing on good quality dolerite, mostly naturally protected but also with an ever increasing selection of bolted routes. Though the climbs are short (5-25m), their accessibility make them a must visit for any climbing trip. Uniquely, the climbs are all a short walk from the centre of town – a welcome change from long drives to more remote climbing sites.

Which climb you do will be judged according on the ability of your group. Your instructors are pioneers of climbing in the area, each with between 25 and 35 years’ experience scaling the Cataract Gorge. Clients meet their guides at the Penny Royal World Gunpowder Mill Car Park on Paterson St, Launceston and make their way by foot into Cataract Gorge. Your guide will go over a range of safety procedures with you and teach you some basic knot tying skills and if the climb calls for it some abseiling skills. The first section of the tour is usually spent abseiling before moving onto climbing. Your guides will provide feedback to you to improve your technique throughout the day, and give you a solid foundation in the basics. There’s time to relax and enjoy the scenery too, so definitely bring a compact camera to take some pictures while you’re up there.

After the climb, it’s a short walk back to Launceston where you hand back your equipment and receive a de-brief on the day – your arms will be pumped and you’ll want to know where you can next go climbing! Launceston is packed with things to do after your adventure, including factory tours of the Boags Brewery: a perfect end to your climbing day.