Launceston City Council originally commissioned the Power Station in 1893, making it the largest hydro-electric scheme of its day. By 1895 it was lighting the city. Other activities include boat cruise through the accessible section of river, cable hang gliding experience that soars for 200 metres from a cliff top and rock climbing. Prior to the development of the Trevallyn Dam there were three lesser basins upstream of the "First Basin", with the second and third still visible on a map, while the fourth is flooded by Lake Trevallyn. At the lower end of the gorge, the South Esk spills into the Tamar River going under King's Bridge and Paterson Bridge which was built more recently. King's Bridge was the only bridge leading north out of the city for nearly 100 years. The Paterson Bridge was officially opened on November 2nd, 1973. This section of river is a well recognised section of whitewater. It provides world class kayaking. An inaugural race is usually scheduled in late January, thanks to Hydro Tasmania. Gallery References Further reading External links Original video of the Cataract Gorge in flood, August 2009 Photographs of Cataract Gorge - 1915 Canyons and gorges of Australia Launceston, Tasmania Tourist attractions in Tasmania Tasmanian Heritage Register