Hello, my name is Geoff and welcome to my little world of behind the scenes walking tours and experiences of Launceston. I will be your personal host on most tour experience you choose to enjoy with me, be it a journey through Launceston’s fascinating history or exploring some little known gems of the Cataract Gorge.
As a local historian and tour host I began sharing my passion and knowledge for Launceston with people back in 2005. Since then I have expanded my interests into Tasmanian Aboriginal history and have spent almost 10 years teaching Aboriginal Studies, Cultural Awareness and Teaching History at the University of Tasmania.
I take great pleasure in providing the most personal of experiences possible and do not employ guides who simply follow a script. It is not possible to script personal experiences and as a born and bred Launceston person I have 53 years of personal stories that link into Launceston’s history.
My passion for sharing knowledge is also something that cannot be taught to others.
It is not only Launceston’s history that I have a deep passion for but also our iconic Cataract Gorge. Anyone can take a wander through the Gorge, and you certainly do not need a paid guide to experience the main tracks and basic histories as there are many interpretive panels in place, and the Basin Cottage has some wonderful historical information and photos. However, our Cataract Gorge is a truly amazing and spiritual place that has some hidden gems not known to many.
To truly experience little known gems, such as the ‘Hidden Valley’, and find out about Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural connections then I invite you to come with me. No one else can give you the truly unique personal experiences and adventurous behind the scenes exploration of the Cataract Gorge and Launceston's fascinating history.
Read about more of my story here:
My Launceston History Walks most popular guided walk is the behind the scenes 'Prince's to the Park Tour' that will take you on an easy walk of our great little city. On this behind the scenes journey you will discover:
My unique 'Beyond the Gorge Tour' will take you to places behind the scenes that even locals do not know about. On this behind the scenes exploration you will discover:
*If you are reasonably fit and have no mobility issues we can explore the whole of the ancient river bed and discover the lost waterfall.
If you have the time then why not combine both tours and spend some leisurely hours exploring the history of Launceston and the nature of Cataract Gorge. Launceston is an amazing place and this tour will give you lifelong memories of some wonderful stories and incredible places.
You are invited to bring your students along on the wonderful and engaging learning experiences I provide in Launceston's iconic Cataract Gorge that are relevant to a range of curriculum areas.
The experiences include Aboriginal cultural connections and identifying native foods/resources; geology of the Gorge; Aboriginal history; visit the Hidden Valley; modern developments and a 'treasure hunt'.
I also provide an art session using natural ochres for painting and 'Snotty Vine' for making 'memory wreaths' that are launched from Alexandra Bridge into the waters of the First Basin to thank and pay respect to our ancestors.
In addition to the Cataract Gorge experiences we can also provide history walking tours of Launceston that take in key moments in history and showcase amazing historic sites such as Prince's Square and the City Park.
Contact Geoff to find out what he can provide for you and your classes.
We provide Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training for small, medium and large businesses. There is no better place to do that than the wonderful and iconic Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
We also offer tailored tours to suit you or your group be it walking or on a coach.
Still not convinced that you need to do one of our unique tours? Visit this page to see what others have have said about their experiences of our wonderful walking tours of the Cataract Gorge in Launceston.
