It must be more than 30 years since I was a customer on Launceston's Cataract Gorge Scenic Chairlift. In fact, we simply referred to the attraction as the Basin chairlift in the late 1980s.

On that occasion my brother and I witnessed a young reveller, who would perhaps now feature on the Facebook page Chit Chat Launceston, attempting to impress his girlfriend by leaping form the chair into the tree rhododendrons close to the arrival point on the Trevallyn side.

The consequence of this stunt was violently swinging chairs for those who followed with a quick exit required to regain composure once the platform was clear.

So, it was with trepidation that Master 11 and I decided to spend a lunchtime and a carer's day in the winter sun to ride the chairlift and watch the South Esk River showcase its splendour following a moderate release of water over the Trevallyn Dam after heavy rain.

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift began operation in 1972. The cable's distance of over 450 metres makes the chairlift the longest single span of its kind in the world.

Sadly, the iconic Cataract Gorge was extremely quiet with just a few locals utilising the cliff grounds for exercise. Granted, it was the off-season and the middle of the day and middle of the week, but the quietness was not at all calming, rather, it was alarming.

There were three-people working the attraction because the owners receive JobKeeper payments ensuring continued operation. Alas, and for the meantime, the restaurant and cafe are only open on weekends.

The operators told us that spring and summer were busy times on the chairlift with buses rolling in delivering mainland and international guests who "love the Gorge and the chairlift". But not this year nor the next it seems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to have a significant impact on our tourism operators across Tasmania.

It left me feeling sad yet determined.

For the past several years, Tasmania has enjoyed a sweet spot with tourists continually arriving on our shores and mainlanders turning holidays into searches for affordable houses and the chance of a less hectic lifestyle.

It has always been about accessibility, the arts, fine food and wine, festivals, jobs, sport, tourism including unique accommodation offerings, and Instagram worthy vistas, which create a sense of space and privacy and beauty.

And critically, it is because of who we are as people that encourages visitors to enjoy good times and relax.

We are at our best when sharing stories with pride and confidence. Fun-loving raconteurs who can hold a room with tales of heritage, elaborate anecdotes of adventure and exploration, and muckraking and stirring that breaks the shackles.

No longer are we, as regularly, on the receiving end of jibes, jokes, and taunts. We are more likely to be asked for directions to the Cataract Gorge, MONA, your favourite local vineyard, or where to go for dinner.

And then coronavirus struck and those returning from the Ruby Princess cruise ship were left stranded and sick and dead.

The health challenges are obvious and tough economic times are sure to follow.

In response to the downturn, the state government has initiated the Make Yourself At Home travel voucher scheme offering $7.5 million for Tasmanians wanting to enjoy wonderful tourism in their home state.

With up to $550 available to families it is sure to be popular when the "first-in best-dressed" opportunity opens at 9am on Monday 7 September via the website of the same name.

To be honest, I struggle with the all in nature of the initiative with so many families deserving a holiday or a rest or an opportunity to distract themselves from financial hardship.

But I do understand the challenges of implementing means testing for such a scheme.

The THA and Tourism Tasmania have also joined forces for the Welcome Back Campaign to showcase what we have been missing out on when restrictions were in place.

Thankfully, there wasn't a young customer leaping form the chairlift to impress his belle. And if there had been it would have been an act to impress ... bae.

The one true thrill-seeker of the Cataract Gorge was the tight rope walker, Alphonse Bugler of Silver's Magic Circus, who in 1987 entertained a crowd of 6000 people as he walked the chairlift wire, stepping 308 metres between the pylons.

As entrepreneur and owner of Gorge Scenic Chairlift, Barry Larter told The Examiner during 2019: "You walk in here at 6am to do a service, you're welcomed by the peacocks and the wildlife, it [the Gorge] really is a lovely and peaceful place."

If you can, please support the "locals' backyard". Go for a walk. Buy a coffee. Have lunch at the cafe or dinner at the restaurant. Ride the chairlift.

Catch trout in the Basin Pool using a Tassie Devil lure and release them back in to the South Esk.

Just don't forget the joy that this place, Launceston's Cataract Gorge, has brought us all for generations.