The Best (Easy) Walks Around Launceston
If you’re based in Launceston during part (or all) of your Tasmania trip, there are lots of options to stretch your legs without leaving the city. Tassie’s “northern capital” lies at the meeting point of the North and South Esk rivers (where they join to become kanamaluka/River Tamar), with bushland, wetlands and historic reserves all within easy reach.
You’re probably aware that Launceston makes a great base for accessing some of northern Tasmania’s best national parks, including Ben Lomond, Narawntapu and Cradle Mountain. In fact, it’s one of our most popular departure points for transfers, particularly with hikers tackling the Overland Track and Walls of Jerusalem.
But the truth is, you don’t have to venture that far or embark on a multi-day trek if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. In Launceston, opportunities abound, whether that’s wandering through a riverside gorge, exploring wetlands filled with birdlife or combining a city walk with a cafe brunch and a look at some of Tasmania's finest heritage architecture.
In this article, we’ll share some of our favourite easy walks in Launceston to add to your itinerary.
1. Cataract Gorge
Allow: Around 1–3 hours (depending on your route)
Good for: First-time visitors, families and anyone wanting a quintessential Launceston experience.
For a picturesque walk without leaving Launceston, you can’t go past Cataract Gorge - an undisputed local’s favourite.
Five minutes drive from the city centre will see you on the banks of the South Esk River, surrounded by spectacular cliffs and bushland. This beloved reserve has a network of walking trails to explore, whether you’re after a short stroll or a half-day outing.
The northern side of the Gorge is home to the Cliff Grounds, a Victorian-era garden with shady paths, a rotunda and lawns. It's also a good place to look for wildlife, including wallabies, pademelons and the reserve's famous peacocks. We’d highly recommend riding the chairlift from First Basin to get an aerial view of the gorge!
2. Duck Reach Walk
Allow: 1.5-2 hours
Good for: History buffs and river scenery.
For a longer and more adventurous walk within the Cataract Gorge area, follow the South Esk upstream towards Duck Reach Power Station. This 6-kilometre-long return trail is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, with some short uphill sections and around 190 steps along its route.
The historic Duck Reach Power Station is an important part of Launceston's industrial heritage and fascinating in its own right. Completed in 1895, it supplied electricity to the city for four decades (until the Trevallyn Power Station took over in the mid-1950s) and is now an interpretation centre.
The walk itself starts near First Basin and follows the banks of the South Esk River. It eventually arrives at a suspension bridge, which you cross over before arriving at the historic power station. Return the way you came.
3. Tamar Island Wetlands
Allow: 1.5
Good for: Birdwatchers, families and accessible walking.
For something completely different from the rocky landscape of Cataract Gorge, head north-west of Launceston to the Tamar Island Wetlands. This is one of the easiest walks around Launceston and one of our top recommendations for birdwatchers or anyone looking for a gentle nature experience. The boardwalk trail is also wheelchair-friendly, with no steps or steep sections!
If you walk all the way to Tamar Island, it’s approximately 4 kilometres return and takes around 1.5 hours. The route extends through an estuarine landscape of lagoons, mudflats and islands, with extensive native grasses and views towards kanamaluka/River Tamar.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Around 60 bird species have been recorded in the wetlands, including black swans, ducks, egrets, cormorants and swamp harriers. There's also a bird hide approximately 500 metres from the beginning of the boardwalk that’s worth a visit.
Please note:
If you're visiting during the second half of 2026, check conditions before setting out. Parts of the Tamar Island Wetlands walkway are undergoing replacement works, with a partial closure until December 2026. The visitor centre and walkway to the bird hide remain open.
4. Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area
Allow: At least one hour
Good for: Nature lovers and walkers wanting more time outdoors.
Just beyond Cataract Gorge, the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area is a popular spot for locals to get active. It encompasses more than 35 kilometres of trails, including purpose-built mountain biking trails that lead through open grassy forests and woodland.
The South Esk River winds through the reserve before entering Cataract Gorge, so it’s a great spot to explore the waterway. One option is to walk from Aquatic Point (accessed via Lake Trevallyn Road) towards Trevallyn Dam and on to Hoo Hoo Hut.
If you have the time and energy, tracks continue towards Duck Reach and First Basin. This is a great option if you want to combine a visit to more popular parts of the Gorge with quieter bushland trails.
The reserve is also home to a variety of native animals, including eastern bettongs, long-nosed potoroos and wombats. Keep your eyes peeled!
5. Zig Zag Reserve and Lookout
Allow: 30 minutes
Good for: Short stroll and river views.
If you're looking for a shorter walk with a nice viewpoint, head to Zig Zag Reserve, which lies where the South Esk River becomes the Tamar. It’s close to Cataract Gorge and can be incorporated into a longer gorge outing or completed as an easy riverside stroll.
The Zig Zag Track connects Kings Bridge with the First Basin, and offers elevated views across Cataract Gorge Reserve. The changing elevation gives this 2-kilometre return walk lots of character, while the lookouts provide opportunities to pause and take in the river landscape.
Keep in mind that this short trail is popular with runners, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. So stick to one side of the path and allow them to pass.
6. City Park and Launceston's Heritage Streets
Allow: At least an hour
Good for: History buffs, architecture fans and urban energy.
Not every great walk needs to be in nature, and with a city as beautiful as Launceston, we’d argue that a wander through its heritage streets should be at the top of your list. The city is dotted with picturesque parks, historic buildings and attractive cafes, making it a particularly rewarding place to discover on foot.
Start at City Park, one of the city's best-known green spaces, and wander through the surrounding heritage precinct. Keep an eye out for the Italianate-style Town Hall, the Victorian-meets-contemporary Albert Hall and Custom House with its magnificent colonnade and Corinthian pillars.
City Park itself is worth spending some time in with its expansive lawns and seasonal flower beds. If you’re in Launceston on a Saturday, don’t miss a visit to the adjacent Harvest Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, delicious food and live music.
Tips for Walking Around Launceston
Tasmania's weather can change quickly, so even short walks in Launceston deserve a little preparation. Check the forecast before heading out and choose a walk that’s appropriate to your fitness and experience.
A few other things to keep in mind
• Wear proper footwear. Even relatively short walks can include uneven, slippery or steep sections.
• Carry water. There are taps in most parks and reserves where you can fill up.
• Check conditions before leaving. Tracks, bridges and facilities can occasionally close for maintenance or safety reasons.
• Observe wildlife from a distance. The reserves around Launceston provide habitat for numerous native species, which we want to keep wild!
• Stay on established tracks. This helps protect vegetation and reduces erosion.
• Take your rubbish with you. Bins are provided in most of Launceston’s parks and reserves.