The Cataract Carnival made for a good day in the sun, despite the pool still being closed

The carnival celebrated Launceston's hosting of the National Tourism Awards held at the venue on Friday night, and to thank people for their patience during the pool's closure.

City of Launceston mayor Albert Van Zetten said it was a fantastic day. 

"Kids love water, and on a day like today why not," he said.

The day included many activities for people to partake in, including a free barbecue and a jumping castle.

A maximum temperature of 32 degrees had many visitors diving into the basin.

The summer atmosphere was made all the better by St Joe's Big Band who played out this year's Music in the Park.

Cr van Zetten said a particularly popular attraction was the new Gorge playground's mouse wheel.

"I had a bit of a go on it the other day," he said.

"Once you get going it's hard to stop."

Despite the pool still being covered by the custom-built marquee for the awards, Cr van Zetten said it was a chance for people to see what it was like.

"It's give people an opportunity to come and see what was done here," he said.

"You can go inside and have a look if people want to experience it as well.

"There's no secret in there, it's open and people can have a look."

The marquee will be taken down in the coming days.

Cr van Zetten said the pool is slated to be open before the end of the week, in time for the March long weekend.