City of Launceston Council has announced the reopening of the historic Alexandra Suspension Bridge in the Cataract Gorge Reserve, following the completion of a major refurbishment that has restored the beloved landmark to its full glory.
Originally opened on 29 November 1904 by Lady Edeline Strickland and named the ‘Alexandra Bridge’, the 60-metre suspension bridge was designed by St John David and built by Salisbury Foundry Co.
Funded by government and public subscriptions, it has stood as a cherished feature of Launceston’s Cataract Gorge, despite being destroyed in the 1929 floods and later rebuilt.
The latest refurbishment, undertaken in two phases (2020 and 2025), has seen every component of the bridge either replaced or revitalised, effectively making it entirely new while preserving its heritage charm.
The 2020 works focused on repainting and refurbishing the bridge’s two A-frame towers and anchor bolts. The 2025 phase, completed this month, included:
- Installation of 346 newly fabricated steel components;
- 44 new chain wire mesh side panels;
- Approximately 1,240 new bolts;
- 120 metres of new spotted gum timber handrail;
- Repainting of all rock anchor bolts;
- Reinstallation of nearly all existing celery top pine deck boards, with only about 20 replaced;
- Reuse of 84 existing hanger brackets (stripped and repainted) and all existing wire cables;
(treated and re-greased).
Mayor, Matthew Garwood said the project reflected the Council’s commitment to preserving Launceston’s heritage while ensuring the bridge remains safe and accessible for generations to come.
“The Alexandra Suspension Bridge isn’t just an old bridge — it’s part of the soul of our city,” Mayor Garwood said.
“It’s been connecting people at the Gorge for more than 120 years, and this restoration is about making sure it can keep doing that for the next 120.
“We’re preserving something truly special here, with real care and respect for its heritage – so locals and visitors can keep enjoying it for generations to come.”
The bridge has been closed to pedestrians since January while the works were completed but will be officially reopened today.
Visitors can now once again cross the bridge to explore the beauty of Cataract Gorge, in addition to alternative routes via the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, First Basin causeway, and Kings Bridge.
