Topiary Haven

Located in the heart of the iconic Cataract Gorge First Basin, with spectacular views. A spacious, glass-fronted space with water and bushland views, serving modern Australian breakfast, lunch, desserts, and cafe treats. A fully licensed venue serving local beer and wine, as well as expertly barista-made coffee. Come in, take a seat, and allow the abundant glazing of our café to captivate you as you enjoy an endless view of the Cataract Gorge over breakfast, morning tea, or lunch. If adventure calls and time is of the essence you can pop past our kiosk for a quick bite instead. This is the perfect pit stop to fill you up in-between gorge swims in the summertime, after a long walk on the zig-zag track, or to warm up with a delicious hot drink. Our team looks forward to welcoming you to relish in a generous casual dining experience in one of the most picturesque locations in Tasmania.

Launceston's Gorge Scenic Chairlift lets you view the magnificent Cataract Gorge from above, located in Northern Tasmania. Take in the spectacular features of Cataract Gorge from this single-span chairlift. View the South Esk River in a serene or turbulent mood after a flood as well as tree rhododendrons and fern glades. It takes about ten minutes to take the ride across Cataract Gorge and First Basin. Top speed is a sedate one metre per second, but usually, the chairlift runs slower than that to afford passengers a longer ride. It is about 457 metres (1462 feet) from station to station, with a central span between two pylons of 308 metres (985 feet), believed to be the longest single span of any chairlift in the world. Since its opening in 1972, the chairlift has established a 100 per cent safety record. Be sure to also wander the grounds below the chairlift, where you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, tearooms and the delightful peacocks who inhabit the area. Launceston's Gorge Scenic Chairlift is around a 15-minute walk from Launceston's central business district.

The Cataract Gorge Reserve on the South Esk River is a unique natural formation just minutes from central Launceston. The Gorge has walking tracks, a swimming pool, the world's longest single-span chairlift, a restaurant, cafe, a suspension bridge and panoramic lookouts with spectacular views. Peacocks and native wildlife add to the experience. On the southern side of the river is First Basin, featuring a swimming pool and an open area surrounded by bushland. This part of the Gorge is popular with locals for picnics and barbecues. On the shady northern side, known as the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants. Relax on the rolling lawns, take shade under the rotunda and enjoy lunch with a view from the restaurant. There's also a kiosk and tearooms where you can enjoy a cup of tea and scones. Wander across the footbridge that links the two areas or take a chairlift ride across the expansive Gorge. Further upstream is the historic Duck Reach Power Station, now an interpretation centre and well worth the short walk. Spend an hour or spend a day: the Gorge has something for everyone.