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Wonderful
roads, almost non-existent traffic, clear views, crystal clear mountain
lakes, rugged mountainside. It's all at your fingertips as you journey
to Cradle Mountain. Reputed as one of the finest wilderness
areas
in the world, thousands of visitors reap the benefits of visiting the
World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Be warned though, weather can change in an instant and
life-saving precautions must be taken before a day trek is undertaken.
Cynthia Bay houses the information and walker registration facilities
to ensure you walk safely as you venture onto the world-famous
"Overland Track", one of the world's best multi-day bushwalks.
Excellent picnic, walking and camping facilities abound by Lake St
Claire, all carefully maintained by the State Government of Tasmania and
of course, by the cooperation of the bush walkers, tourists and
sightseers who are privileged to experience this fantastic panorama of
visual delights. As a tourist you are highly recommended to ensure you visit
the
National Park Centre (at Cynthia Bay) before venturing into this
pristine wilderness.
Lake St Claire offers cafe and bistro
facilities along with accommodation of various forms and
standards. Exiting Cynthia Bay, is the busy speed boat ferry service
which transports bushwalkers and day visitors on a truly spectacular 20
km voyage to the northern end of the lake. This
journey in
itself is a photographer's and artist's delight, offering fantastic
views of the towering peaks and dense temperate forest.
World
renowned scenery, rugged
mountains, luxurious 4 – 5 star suites in the middle of
virtually untouched
wilderness. A variety of accommodation from 2 star cabins to 5 star
resorts are available.
Horse-riding, bush walking, 4 wheel driving tours, trout fishing, the
variety of
activities are endless. Or just take in the magnificent surrounds and
enjoy a
red-wine by the fireside after your adventurous day. Walk or drive to
Lake St
Claire in all its glory. View
Snow-capped peaks of unsurpassed beauty. Cradle
Mountain (1545 metres) is one of
the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania, especially amongst
those
looking to get "away from it all".
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, the deepest in the southern hemisphere. Cradle
Mountain boasts a variety of fine
bush walks, varying in difficulty from simple to rigorous. A good
beginner's walk
circles Dove Lake and takes
approximately 1½
hours (on prepared paths & mostly flat). For the more experienced, the
Overland
Track (see above) to Lake St. Clair is one of Australia's best-known bush walks,
and covers
some 80 km.
Walks
go through various terrains, from pandanus and wildflowers to Tasmanian
myrtle
and King William pine forests abound. Visitors planning to take any of the
lengthier
walks
World renowned scenery, rugged
mountains, luxurious 4 – 5 star suites in the middle of virtually untouched
wilderness. A variety of accommodation from 2 star cabins to 5 star resorts.
Horse-riding, bush walking, 4 wheel driving tours, trout fishing, the variety of
activities are endless. Or just take in the magnificent surrounds and enjoy a
red-wine by the fireside after your adventurous day. Walk or drive to Lake St
Claire in all its glory. View
Snow-capped peaks of unsurpassed beauty.
Cradle Mountain (1545 metres) is one of
the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania, especially amongst those
looking to get "away from it all". 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, the deepest in the southern hemisphere.
Cradle Mountain boasts a variety of fine
bush walks, varying in difficulty from simple to rigorous. A good beginners walk
circles Dove Lake (foreground of below pictures) and takes approximately 1½
hours (prepared paths, mostly flat). For the more experienced, the Overland
Track to Lake St. Clair is one of Australia's best-known bush walks, and covers
85 km (53 mi).
Walks
go through various terrains, from pandanus and wildflowers to Tasmanian myrtle
and King William pine forests. Visitors planning to take any of the lengthier
walks are well advised to be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Other than campgrounds, the only
accommodation in the immediate vicinity of Cradle Mountain is the Cradle
Mountain Lodge, on the edge of the park. The Lodge offers 4-star chalet-style
accommodation, with a nicely decorated central lounge building. Chalets have
wood fires, and bold but friendly native animals will occasionally come to the
door looking for food. There is a scheduled feeding time each evening for the
not-so-bold.
On the whole,
Cradle Mountain is one of the ultimate Tasmanian destinations.
are well advised to be
prepared for changing weather conditions. Other
than campgrounds, the only
accommodation in the immediate vicinity of Cradle Mountain is the
Cradle
Mountain Lodge, on the edge of the park. The Lodge offers 4-star
chalet-style
accommodation, with a nicely decorated central lounge building. Chalets
are warm and cosy. If you love fauna, then no doubt you'll be surprised
by a noctural visit or two from the local wallabies, possums and
bandicoots! Make sure that chocolate cake is well and truly
locked away and your doors and windows are tightly closed - otherwise
you'll be awakened in the deepest hours of the night by not-so-welcome
munching sounds! For a unique experience with Tasmania's native
wildlife, supervised and well organised native animal feeding times
occur each evening
for the keen and able.
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