Cradle Mountain
St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park.
Cradle Mountain (1545 meters) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which encompasses Cradle Mountain, is by far the most popular National Park in Tasmania, but at the same time retains its isolated and wild character. The 161,000 ha. park is a United Nations-recognized World Heritage Area, also enveloping Lake St. Clair, a 200m (600 ft) deep glacial lake, and the deepest in the southern hemisphere. Cradle Mountain boasts a variety of fine bush walks, varying in difficulty from simple to rigorous. Walks go through various terrains, from pandanus and wildflowers to Tasmanian myrtle and King William pine forests.
Cradle Mountain forms the northern end of the Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park, itself a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World heritage area. The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomize the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heath lands, button grass and stands of colorful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore.
Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something to captivate you. The area is one of the most popular natural areas in Tasmania. A visit will reveal why.
Of course, if you haven't got your walking shoes it's still possible to just sit down and let the mountains and their wildlife come to you. Mountain views and reflections in the still waters of glacial lakes change with the position of the sun and moods of the weather, creating endless opportunities for photographers, painters and those who appreciate rugged landscapes. If you've seen Cradle Mountain at dawn on a clear day you'll have a memory for life. But this is only one of its many faces. Take the time to enjoy the different facets of this landscape during your visit.
For the nature lover there is always something interesting happening here. The comings and goings of wallabies and wombats in the late afternoon near Waldheim and the changing colors of the flowers and leaves by the side of Lake Dove can all add new dimensions to your visit.
You could also have a chat with a ranger or an information officer at the visitor centre. They may reveal some interesting facts about the park that no book or guide would ever contain and point you in the right direction for you to make your own discoveries.
It is of particular importance that
you register your walk, even the shortest ones. Registration provides rangers
with necessary information in the event of an emergency, however the book is not
checked regularly and a search will only be mounted for walkers it they are
reported as being overdue. Registration also provides statistical information,
which assists with the management of the area. Walker registration facilities
are available at the visitor centre, Waldheim and Lake Dove.
Don't forget to sign out at the end of your walk.
Please stay on the track. Walking off tracks kills the vegetation and badly degrades the environment.
Human waste degrades the environment. As there are no toilets beyond the Dove Lake car park, please use the toilets before going on your walk. Where there are no toilets, dig a 15 cm deep hole, 100 m away from campsites, water and tracks. Bury all faucal waste and toilet paper.
Boots or robust walking shoes should be worn. If you have them, gaiters are recommended for the longer walks.
Dove Lake Loop Track - A great introductory walk to the park, this walk leaves from the Dove Lake car park. Take the track on the eastern (left hand) side of Dove Lake and follow it clockwise around the lake. The newly completed track takes you under the shadow of Cradle Mountain, through the tranquil Ballroom Forest and back along the western shore of the lake to your starting point. Allow 2 hours.
Visitor Centre Rainforest Walk - Leaving from just behind the visitor centre is a short boardwalk that is a must for all visitors to Cradle. Take the time to meander through a patch of cool temperate rainforest and you'll be rewarded with views of the beautiful Pencil Pine Falls. The easy track, suitable for wheelchairs, then circles back to the car park. Allow 8-10 minutes.
The Weindorfers Forest Walk - Leaves from Waldheim chalet and takes an easy grade through a forest of King Billy pines, celery-top pines and myrtles. The walk takes about 20 minutes at a gentle pace. Take a little extra time and view the displays in the chalet to catch a brief look at the life of the Weindorfers.
Enchanted Walk - This leaves from the bridge at the park entrance and passes by scenic waterfalls, pools, moorland and rainforest before returning to the Cradle Mountain Lodge. This walk takes about half an hour and is mostly dry underfoot.
