In the early days of Launceston, the easiest way to enjoy a picnic in the Cataract Gorge was to take a boat as far as the falls and alight at Picnic Rock on the edge of the cliffs.
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In January 1890 the recently-formed Launceston City and Suburbs Improvement Association started work on the Gorge Path from the Trevallyn side of the South Esk Bridge to the First Basin.
Almost three years later they reached the area that was to become known as the Cliff Grounds.
This became a popular place for picnickers, and at Christmas time in 1894 Mrs Hudson was kept busy in the new refreshment tent serving people who poured through the turnstiles to listen to St Joseph's Band and admire the illuminations provided by Chinese lanterns.
Alice Henry managed the refreshment tent during the following summer, advertising "Every convenience for picnickers ... everything iced except cigars."
It appears that 1896-97 was the last season for the refreshment tent.
The Improvement Association handed over the Cliff Grounds to the Launceston City Council on March 1, 1898, and in October the council approved a plan by the city surveyor, Charles St John David, to build permanent refreshment rooms.
The council accepted Charles Adams and Son's tender for 109 pounds to build part of the pavilion in five weeks. Wide verandahs supported by rustic pillars and brackets of she oak added during the winter of 1900 completed the project.
More improvements and extensions occurred over the years.
The successful lessee, Charles Crosby from the Jubilee Bakery, supplied picnic parties with "crockery ware, teapots, hot water, etc., at town prices."
Mr Crosby sought a concession against the ban on Sunday trading, as that was a popular time for visitors at the Cataract Gorge.
Electric lighting installed along the main path as far as the tea rooms in July 1907 and a public telephone placed outside the tea rooms in December 1913 answered long-felt wants.
In October 1948 Mayor Denham Henty suggested the council consider demolishing the present building and erect a modern tea house more in keeping with the surroundings. But alterations, repairs and painting were undertaken instead.
It was not until September 1954 that major changes began, including a new kitchen, with the construction done in sections so that service to visitors was not interrupted.
A new concrete building replaced the existing timber structure, while maintaining the same rustic appearance.
The Gorge Restaurant and kiosk continue to serve the ever-popular Cataract Gorge.
