Astounding biodiversity, lofty mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and ancient landscapes are all abundant in Cradle Mountain. If you’re looking for a Heritage Listed Area that will offer you an environment unlike any other in the world, you will find it here. This was the place I was most excited to experience in Tasmania, and in fact, it actually exceeded all of my expectations. From spotting wild wombats to hiking some of the world’s most renowned trails, you can tick many experiences off your bucket list here. Just prepare yourself to be astounded, grab your hiking boots and get yourself to Cradle Mountain.
When To Go
The weather in Cradle Mountain is known to be quite unpredictable due to it being an alpine area, so at all times of the year, you have to prepare for all possibilities. Even in summer it can get quite cold, so don’t skimp on the jackets, beanies and hiking gear! You’ll find the warmest months are January and February, while the coolest are July and August. If you’re not down for the chance to see snowfall, then stay away from visiting in July, August and September. Although, the area is quite magical covered in a bed of snow, it may hinder your hiking plans. During our stay in September, it rained lightly the whole time, but the beauty of Cradle Mountain was still prominent, if not more so, with a mysterious haze covering the mountains.
The Enchanted Walk
Getting There
Cradle Mountain is quite central in Tasmania, therefore driving there shouldn’t take you too long. It’s a mere 2 hour drive from Launceston or a 4-5 hour drive from the heart of Hobart. Just make sure you read up on what roads are closed, otherwise you will add another hour or two onto your driving time like we did and have to back track! I definitely would suggest having a car to get around Cradle Mountain as you can explore the area with greater ease.
Spot the wombat
Where to Stay
You’ll find there are numerous accommodation options up in Cradle Mountain, but I just could not go past the picturesque Peppers Lodge. It really was the grand fire place, cosy cabins, luxurious day spa and abundance of wildlife that lured me in. We stayed in the Pencil Pine Balcony Cabin and couldn’t of enjoyed it more. We had a view over the pond and lodge with wombats grazing just metres away and curious wallabies beneath our feet. The location of Peppers would have to be the best on the mountain. Around the hotel, you’ll find numerous short walks and it’s one of the closest hotels to the National Park entry. If you’re looking for a cosy yet luxurious cabin nestled amongst wildlife (who wouldn’t?), then you cannot go past peppers!
What to do
If you have a limited time in Cradle Mountain like I did, here are some things I would suggest experiencing to just scratch the surface:
Enchanted Walk
Step foot into this moss covered forest and you will immediately understand why it is named the ‘Enchanted Walk’. In just 30 minutes, this easy stroll will showcase to you just a sample of what Cradle Mountain has to offer. You will be lead past gushing waterfalls and wombat burrows, through a wildly magical and dense forest along the edge of the Pencil Pine River before making your way back out to the Peppers Lodge. If you find yourself in the forest at dawn or dusk, you might stand a slight chance at spotting the elusive platypus, too!
You’ll also have the option of hiking further around the area along tracks such as the King Billy track and the Waterfalls Walk that are a bit longer.
The King Billy Track
Waldheim Spa
Known as one of Australia’s best wilderness spas, you cannot miss Waldheim if you find yourself at Peppers Lodge. Probably the most luxurious experience we had in Tasmania was our hour spent in the private sanctuary overlooking the luscious and ancient Tasmanian bushland. The room offers a sauna, steam room and pool, but what really will captivates you is the warm spa bath outside to relax in.
Dove Lake Circuit
Without a doubt, the Dove Lake Circuit is the most common tourist attraction in the Cradle Mountain National Park, but for a good reason. Firstly, you’ll need a Tasmanian National Parks Pass that you can purchase at your hotel or visitor centre that will allow you access to the Park area and all other parks in Tasmania. It cost us just $60 for 2 people and you must display it on your car. The walk itself will take about 2 hours, although considering how scenic the area is, I would allow 3 hours for stopping and photo opportunities. This easy hike will without a doubt enchant you every step of the way, so don’t even think about forgetting your camera!
You’ll find yourself following the track around the whole of Dove Lake and beneath the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain, equipped with waterfalls and capped with snow. If you have time there are a few tables stops along the way that would make for a great picnic area. Highlights also include the Ballroom Forest at the southern end of the lake where ancient myrtle-beech trees lay amongst a neon green moss-covered floor. As well, many would know the commonly photographed boatshed built in the 1940’s by a ranger that stands quite prominently at the northwestern side of the lake.
Cradle Mountain has so much to offer, from some of the world’s best hikes to flora and fauna that you would be unable to spot anywhere else in Australia or the world for that matter. These are just some suggestions for a day or two, but when I find myself back in this captivating part of Australia, I will most certainly be staying for longer than one night!
