First Basin Track reopens following repairs

Published on 14 November 2025

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The City of Launceston has reopened the Duck Reach Walking Track to the public following a bushfire earlier this year.

 

Approximately 200m of the track between the Alexandra Suspension Bridge and the Sentinel Lookout was impacted by the fire, which resulted in damage to bridges, elevated walkways, fences and bluestone retaining walls.

 

Fallen trees, landslips and rockfalls also occurred.

 

City of Launceston Acting Mayor Hugh McKenzie thanked the community for its patience while restoration works took place.

 

The Council has overseen a range of repairs following the bushfire, including cliff stabilisation, removal of fallen trees, bridge repairs and debris removal.

 

Additionally, fresh layers of crushed rock have been laid along fire-affected sections of the track.

 

"The repair efforts the City of Launceston has overseen have improved both the safety and accessibility of this much-loved section of the Cataract Gorge Reserve," Cr McKenzie said.

 

"We encourage everyone to take care when walking, stay on the designated paths, pay attention to the environment, and take a moment to appreciate the natural regeneration taking place across the reserve.

 

For those heading out to enjoy the track, this is a beautiful time of year to visit with several wildflowers now in bloom, including:

 

  • Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum) — known for its delicate fringed pink/purple flowers and distinctive chocolate–vanilla scent
  • Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa) — displaying bright yellow flower spikes that attract native pollinators
  • Blue Flax Lily (Dianella revoluta) — violet flowers, with yellow stamens followed by large blue berries
  • Austral Stork’s Bill Geranium (Pelargonium australe) — White or pink flowers with deep red streaks

 

 

"The First Basin Track is a really popular part of the Cataract Gorge Reserve, linking the First Basin with the historic Duck Reach Power Station," Cr McKenzie said.

 

"It's fantastic to see the track open ahead of the busy summer tourist season, and I encourage everyone to get out and make the most of our natural environment over the warmer months."

 

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