Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
A historic 1895 suspension bridge and power station offering scenic gorge walks and a glimpse into Tasmania's industrial past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the bridge & power station
Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
Best Time
See the bridge & power station
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1895 suspension bridge and power station offering scenic gorge walks and a glimpse into Tasmania's industrial past.
"A great place with so much to do and most of it free! Highly recommend this walk."
🚶♀️ Walk the Gorge Trails
The trails to the bridge are well-maintained, with some steep sections and cliff-hugging paths. Enjoy the views!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and the gorge. The sway adds a dynamic element to your photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
South Esk River
A historic 1895 suspension bridge offering scenic gorge views and a thrilling sway.
Duck Reach Power Station
Adjacent to the bridge
Explore the remnants of a historic power station with informative displays and a captivating video.
Gorge Walking Trails
Surrounding the power station
Well-maintained trails with cliff-hugging sections and platforms, leading to the bridge and power station.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sway
Plan Your Power Station Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Gorge Trails
The trails to the bridge are well-maintained, with some steep sections and cliff-hugging paths. Enjoy the views!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and the gorge. The sway adds a dynamic element to your photos.
💡 Learn the History
Information panels at the bridge and power station detail its history and the 1929 floods.
🚗 Parking Fee
There's a reasonably priced parking fee for accessing the park and its amenities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Gorge Trails
The trails to the bridge are well-maintained, with some steep sections and cliff-hugging paths. Enjoy the views!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and the gorge. The sway adds a dynamic element to your photos.
💡 Learn the History
Information panels at the bridge and power station detail its history and the 1929 floods.
🚗 Parking Fee
There's a reasonably priced parking fee for accessing the park and its amenities.
⚠️ Bridge Sway
Be aware the bridge does sway, which can be unnerving for some.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge and Power Station as a fantastic, largely free destination offering a blend of history and natural beauty. The well-maintained gorge trails and the unique experience of crossing the swaying bridge are major highlights. While parking has a fee, the overall value and enjoyable atmosphere make it a highly recommended spot for a few hours of exploration.
"This is a 56 metre long suspension bridge over the South Esk River at the Duck Reach Power Station. It was originally built in 1895 to help move equipment and men across the river for the construction of the plant.
Like the power station, the bridge was severely damaged in the historic 1929 floods which you can learn about from information panels at the bridge and inside the Station exhibition area."
Brad
"This is such a great place. You can spend a few hours here as there is so much to do and most of it free! You can go for walks along the tracks, which are first class. You can use the free BBQ areas, kids park, swim in the pool, swim in the gorge, use the park area. There are good toilet facilities located here. It does cost to park your car here, though it is reasonably priced. The walking trails are first class as mentioned earlier. We walked up to Duck Reach Power station. You get to walk over two suspension bridges along the way, the walking trails are in really good condition and you “hug” the cliff walls and at times on platforms hanging off the cliff walls. There are one or two steep sections, one at that switch back and the stairs. The power station is opened up during daylight hours and was a real surprised when we got there. There is a video that plays on a loop via a data projector and is of really good quality. The remnants of the power station are still there, along with lots of information about its history. This walk was a real highlight. My wife and I are in our fifties and were able to complete the walk no problems, I highly recommend this walk and enjoy the park."
Patrick
"Interesting suspension bridge on the trial to the Ducks Reach Power Station! Bridge itself was rebuilt following the floods which destroyed the power station. There is great views up and down the river and of course the power station museum itself. Bridge does have some sway for those who get nervous."
Michael McRoberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bridge is located near Glenville, Tasmania. Access is typically via well-maintained walking trails from the Duck Reach Power Station park area. Parking is available at the park, though there is a fee.
Yes, parking is available at the Duck Reach Power Station park, which is a short walk from the bridge. A reasonable fee applies.
The most common access is via the walking trails from the Duck Reach Power Station. These trails are generally in good condition.
No, you cannot drive directly to the bridge. It's accessed via walking trails from the nearby park and power station.
The park area with parking is accessible by vehicle, but the bridge itself is only reachable on foot via the walking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the bridge and the surrounding park area is generally free, though there is a parking fee.
The power station exhibition is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to check local listings for specific times.
While the park itself is free to enter, there is a reasonably priced parking fee.
The bridge is accessible during daylight hours. The power station exhibition has specific opening times.
No booking requirements are typically needed for visiting the bridge or the park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk across the historic bridge, enjoy scenic gorge views, explore the Duck Reach Power Station exhibition, and walk the surrounding gorge trails.
The bridge is a historic structure and does have a noticeable sway. It's generally considered safe for pedestrian use, but be mindful of its movement.
Yes, there are excellent walking trails that lead to the bridge and the power station, with some sections hugging the cliff walls.
It's a historic power station with remnants still visible, an exhibition area, and informative displays about its history and the 1929 floods.
While the park has swimming opportunities in the gorge, swimming directly from the bridge area might not be advisable due to currents.
📸 📸 Photography
The suspension bridge itself, the views of the South Esk River gorge, and the historic power station ruins offer fantastic photographic subjects.
Absolutely. The dramatic gorge, the river, and the unique bridge provide excellent opportunities for landscape shots.
Yes, the intricate structure of the suspension bridge is a key feature and makes for compelling close-up and wide-angle shots.
Morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights on the bridge and in the gorge.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography, but always be respectful of the historical site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Aim for morning or late afternoon light to capture the best atmosphere and play of shadows. The sway of the bridge can also add a dynamic element to your shots, capturing movement and energy. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Duck Reach Suspension Bridge
Today, the bridge stands as a testament to its past, offering visitors a tangible connection to Tasmania's industrial heritage. It's not just a crossing; it's a piece of history that allows you to walk in the footsteps of those who built and operated the power station. The experience of crossing the bridge, with its characteristic sway, adds an element of adventure to learning about this significant landmark.
Exploring the Duck Reach Power Station
Visitors can watch a high-quality video presentation that loops on a projector, offering a comprehensive overview of the station's story. This visual narrative, combined with the physical remains of the power station, creates an immersive historical experience. It’s a fascinating complement to the bridge, allowing you to understand the context and purpose of this iconic crossing.
The Gorge Walking Trails
Some sections of the trail involve steep climbs and even stairs, adding a moderate challenge to the walk. For those who enjoy a bit of adventure with their sightseeing, these trails are highly recommended. The combination of natural beauty and engineered pathways makes for a memorable exploration of the area.
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