Cataract Gorge cruise Launceston: Afternoon tea and wine tasting

Cruise past vineyards and historic riverfront communities on the Tamar River

A 2.5-hour afternoon cruise on the Tamar River from Launceston that enters the Cataract Gorge, passes Tamar Island and historical landmarks, and continues north through vineyards and farmland to Rosevears and Windemere. The tour includes afternoon tea with biscuits, muffins and fresh fruit; wine and beer tasting; and live English-language commentary on the valley's history, wildlife and working communities. Wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon cruise through Cataract Gorge

• Board cruise at 3 pm
• Cruise through Cataract Gorge
• Pass Tamar Island and historical buildings
• View riverfront communities, vineyards, farms
• See Rosevears and Windemere districts
• Enjoy live commentary and afternoon tea
• Taste on-board wine and beer
• Drink unlimited tea and coffee
• Disembark at end of cruise

The experience

The cruise departs at 3 pm and heads straight into the Cataract Gorge, the river's most dramatic stretch. From there it moves through Launceston's riverfront precinct and north past Tamar Island, where you'll see St Mathias Church and the Rosevears Pub among the historical buildings that line the banks. The boat continues past vineyards and farms, ending at the historical districts of Rosevears and Windemere. A live guide provides commentary throughout on the valley's history, the people and communities you pass, and the wildlife and working landscape.

Afternoon tea arrives on board with assorted sweet biscuits, muffins and fruit cake, plus a fresh basket of seasonal fruit. Tea and coffee are unlimited. Wine and beer tasting is included, so you can sample local options as the river unfolds. The whole experience is built around the river itself as your vantage point: the Tamar Valley looks different from the water than it does from land, and the 2.5-hour window captures the best of it without the day becoming a commitment.

What’s included

• Afternoon tea with assorted sweet biscuits, muffins and fruit cake.
• fresh basket of seasonal fruit.
• unlimited tea and coffee.
• wine and beer tasting.
• live English-language guide commentary throughout the cruise.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 15:00

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Senior (120 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tamar river cruises

Is this one for you?Book this shared boat if you're on a fixed schedule: the 3 pm departure works for your day and you want to see the gorge and valley from the water without coordinating your own timing.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★16

4 ★3

3 ★2

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is the Cataract Gorge like on this cruise?

The Cataract Gorge is the river's most dramatic section, and the cruise enters it early in the afternoon. It's the visual centerpiece of the route, and the boat gives you the closest view available without hiking down to the gorge floor.

Does the tour stop anywhere or is it all on the water?

The cruise stays on the water for the full 2.5 hours. It doesn't dock at intermediate stops. Instead, you view the riverfront communities, vineyards, farms and historical sites from the boat as you pass them.

What time does the afternoon cruise depart?

The cruise departs at 3 pm, so it's an afternoon activity that leaves time for a morning elsewhere in Launceston or the surrounding region.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation options are available nearby the departure point, and all transportation to the boat is wheelchair accessible as well.