South Esk River unstoppable force after flood event

Flooding across Tasmania’s north and northwest has left destruction in its wake, but there was one river which left onlookers in awe. See the video.

Residents of South Esk River towns like Carrick and Hadspen are being urged to remain vigilant and to not enter floodwaters, which are mostly receding.

It comes as thousands of Launceston locals and visitors alike took in extraordinary scenes at Cataract Gorge, as water rocketed into the Tamar so swiftly it splashed the faces of walkers in the gorge’s lower reaches.

View from Kings Bridge looking up the Cataract Gorge in Launceston. Sunday October 16th 2022. Picture: Grant Viney

The Birch family, from the Gold Coast, went to the gorge at about 11.30am.

“I’ve been holidaying here my entire life and I’ve never seen the gorge move so fast,” said matriarch Kirby.

“It’s pretty spectacular.”

Riverside artist Jonathan Bowden, meanwhile, set up an easel to record in chalk the roiling water.

Riverside artist Jonathan Bowden Capturing the flooded South Esk River at Cataract Gorge in Launceston. Sunday October 16th 2022. Picture: Grant Viney

He said he “invariably” found himself drawn to the South Esk when in flood and he recorded his observations, whether in chalk, oil or pastel, in “reverence”.

Mr Bowden said the river was “close to the people”.

“Families take their tiny little children here and they’ll remember this for the rest of their life,” he said.