New operator tipped for Launceston’s Gorge restaurant lease
Launceston City Council is set to vote this week on whether to lease the historic Cataract Gorge restaurant to a new operator.
Gunn and Parkinson Pty Ltd has been recommended as the preferred tenant for the venue after an expression-of-interest process run late last year. The business was one of two applicants and was rated well ahead of the other submission across assessment measures including capability, community appeal and sustainability.
Council papers say the proposal “demonstrated a strong understanding of community needs” and that it aligns with Launceston’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy principles.
The restaurant operates from an 1896 building that has hosted a dining venue since 1976. Refurbishment works are due to start in the coming weeks, with the new operator expected to take over once the upgrades are finished — currently forecast for late May.
Under the proposed terms, Gunn and Parkinson would receive a six-month rent-free period to support the business through winter. The lease would be for four years, with an option to extend for another five years.
Council staff also flagged the downside of a prolonged vacancy at the site, warning it carries “a significant strategic and reputational risk” given the restaurant’s position in one of Tasmania’s most visited tourism precincts.
“Food and beverage offerings are a core expectation in tourism precincts. Their absence diminishes the overall visitor experience,” the council agenda states.
If councillors approve the recommendation on Thursday, the proposal will enter a 21-day public notification period, allowing community members to lodge objections before the lease is finalised.
Jonathan Jackson, 10th February 2026
