TASMANIA 5. Cradle Mountain National Park -16.jan 2014.

The road from Lake Gairdner, near Moina, to the National Park was winding at first and then flattened out across the Middlesex Plains where the skeletal remains of dead gums ghosted against the blue sky and littered the ground as far as the eye could see. Initially I thought the cause was 'die-back' which effects gums on the mainland but a ranger said it was drought.

The entrance to the park is marked by signs and a two huge root balls at the side of the road. We booked into the Discovery Campground which has campsites tucked into to private little nooks of bushland where you feel as though you are the only people there. We walked to the Visitor's Centre for information and to buy tickets for the shuttle bus which ferries people in and out of the park, dropping them at the beginning of walking tracks.

Our first walk just about ruined our knees, unused to hard climbing of late as they were. We walked for 5.5 hrs yesterday, along the Overland Track from Ronny Creek, past the Crater Falls and Crater Lake to Marions Lookout.

Setting out from Ronny Creek along the boardwalk which protects the land and plants from a multitude of feet.

 

We retraced our steps back to to Wombat Pool track and then walked past Wombat Pool, then Lake Lilla to Dove Lake. The climbing was hard in places, especially a section near the top of Marion's Lookout where there is a chain to assist with hauling yourself up, but the 360 degree views are spectacular. It rained at the top and everyone rushed for wet weather gear to cover packs and bodies, but it was just a short burst and we were soon back to sunny skies.

Crater Lake was magnificent, with not a breath of wind to ripple the surface. The reflections were mirror images and the water so clear the stones were visible.

 

 

The lake from higher up the track.

Glenn at the top of Marions Lookout where it was so windy we had to hang onto our hats.

I

Looking down over Lake Leila and Lake Dove in the distance as we continued to descend to Lake Dove which was the end of the day's walk. From there we caught the shuttle bus back out of the park and walked to the campground.

The following day we did some beautiful, shorter walks.

One was a very interesting loop walk through a pencil pine rainforest where we saw two wombats out in the early evening, grazing very close to us and quite oblivious of our presence. There were a lot of massive fallen trees, covered with lichen and the forest floor was damp and dark. It felt like I imagine Hobbit country to be!

Another beautiful walk called the Enchanted Walk, followed a swiftly flowing creek, heavily shaded, designed to appeal to children.

 

It was interesting to read about an Austrian-born man named Gustav Weindorfer, and his wife Kate. Their vision was instrumental in this area being protected as a national park in 1910. It is a pristine wilderness accessible to people of all abilities. We have really enjoyed walking this northern part of Cradle Mt. NP.