Kings Bridge to Duck Reach

Starting next to Penny Royal on Bridge Road, Launceston, this walk leads to Duck Reach via the Zig-Zag Track and Duck Reach Trail. This fantastic walk is all about the power of water. It begins by following the South Esk River on a series of zig-zags that cross the bluffs on the south side of the Cataract Gorge Reserve. The stone steps help you ascend through a forest where you might spot wallabies. The track continues along the ridge above First Basin, where you have an overview of this wide area between narrow stretches of the gorge. At First Basin you can find a café, toilets and a swimming pool. Following the signs, you'll reach a track that finally leads you to the Duck Reach Power Station. Completed in 1895, it was one of the earliest hydro-electric power stations in the world, and provided electricity to Launceston for 60 years. In 1995, it was re-opened as a museum and interpretation centre and has since become a popular tourist attraction. From the suspension bridge at the power station there are magnificent views over the South Esk River. This track is mostly on stone steps, with some dirt path sections. The numerous steps and steep sections require a reasonable level of fitness, but the amazing views make the effort worthwhile. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	(-41.4408128,147.1278928)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Bass Highway, 1 Turn on to then drive for 3.7 km Turn left onto York Street, A7 and drive for another 160 m Turn right onto Margaret Street and drive for another 280 m Turn left onto Paterson Street and drive for another 360 m Turn left and drive for another 20 m

Track Notes

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 15 m to find the car park.
	After another 15 m turn left, to head along Bridge Road. After another 35 m pass the "The Mill Providore & Gallery" (105 m on your right).
	At the intersection of Bridge Road & Seaport Board Walk continue straight, to head along Bridge Road.
	After another 9 m (at the intersection of Bridge Road & Zig Zag Track) turn left, to head along Zig Zag Track (a footpath). After another 255 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your left).
	After another 70 m turn sharp right, to head along Zig Zag Track. After another 125 m continue straight, to head along Zig Zag Track.
	After another 115 m veer left, to head along Zig Zag Track.
	After another 345 m turn left.
	After another 65 m turn right. Then head down the steps (about 50 m long)
	Continue straight. Then head up the steps (about 25 m long)
	Veer right. After another 10 m continue straight. Then head up the steps (about 9 m long)
	Turn left, to head along Basin Walk. After another 25 m pass the shelter (25 m on your right).
	Continue straight, to head along Basin Walk. Then to find the toilet. After another 6 m pass the "Basin cafe" (10 m on your left).
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Basin Walk & Duck Reach Walk) continue straight, to head along Duck Reach Walk. After another 30 m pass the water tap (on your left). After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Bridge Walk.
	After another 195 m (at the intersection of Alexandra Suspension Bridge & Bridge Walk) continue straight, to head along Duck Reach Trail. After another 1000 m come to the "Sentinel Lookout" (15 m on your right). After another 360 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
	After another 360 m continue straight, to head along Duck Reach Trail. After another 25 m pass the car park (35 m on your left). After another 45 m cross the bridge
	Continue another 60 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 3.3 km to get back to the start.

Terrain

Kings Bridge to Duck Reach

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	6.5 km
Time	2 h 45 min to 3 h 45 min

Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (2/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 1.1 km from the start.

Toilet: There is one 1.1 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	1.1 km	[shelter]
Toilet	1.1 km	[toilet]

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