Wild beauty at Cradle Mountain

Tasmania is internationally regarded for its great wilderness areas and nowhere is it easier to understand why than at Cradle Mt - Lake St Clair National Park. The 160,000 hectare park is considered one of the world’s last great temperate wilderness areas.

>> Destination Cradle Mountain, Weekends For Two

Most importantly, thanks to some excellent walking tracks, it’s possible to experience at least part of that wilderness.

Tracks lead to rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colourful deciduous beech trees. Walks also taken in picturesque streams cascading out of rugged mountains and stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes. Fortunately walks cater for all interests and energy levels.

A stroll around the 500 metre boardwalk at the Park’s visitors centre provides a great introduction, as it traverses a patch of cool temperate rainforest. Interpretive signs tell more about the rainforest and its trees.

Longer, but just as enjoyable, is the walk around Dove Lake. The track takes you under the shadow of Cradle Mountain, through the tranquil Ballroom Forest and back along the lake’s western shore. Walk on a sunny day and you’ll be rewarded with picture perfect views of the jagged Cradle Mountain. Allow around two hours for this walk.

The Weindorfers Forest Walk is another great walk. It leaves from Waldheim chalet and takes in a forest of King Billy pines, celery-top pines and myrtles. The walk takes about 20 minutes at a gentle pace. As an added bonus you’re likely to see the fauna the park is renowned for such as Tasmanian pademelons and Bennetts wallabies.

Summer is one of the best times to visit the park, however, as is always the case in wilderness areas, be aware the weather can change. But then wild weather is also part of the appeal of the park, as long as you’re in a comfortable place to appreciate it!