Being a couple of thousand kilometres from home for Christmas day had certain advantages — we did not need to spend Christmas with family! Instead, we packed a Christmas lunch of turkey sandwiches, fruitcake and some drinks, and made our way to Cataract Gorge Reserve. This is a lovely location and very popular with the locals.

The water in First Basin is deep and very cold. However, there is always the heated swimming pool and manicured grounds to enjoy, as well as a walk around the basin and across the suspension bridge.

Be aware that parking at Cataract Gorge Reserve can be at a premium during peak holiday times, and the walk from the car park down to First Basin is quite steep.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

The Cataract George Reserve suspension bridge across the South Esk River

Cataract Gorge Reserve manicured grounds, swimming pool and first basin

Cataract Gorge Reserve chairlift — apparently the world’s longest single span!

Suspension bridge over the South Esk River

View up the South Esk River from on the cable stay bridge

This article is part of my road trip from Brisbane to Tasmania and back – further stories about my road trip can be found by following the Tasmania trip tag.