Cradle Mountain by Chopper, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Dec 13th, 2004
You don't have to work up a sweat on Tasmania's famous overland track to enjoy the spectacular scenery of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park. Seair Adventure Charters offer a spectacular helicopter trip round this magnificent world heritage area, flying over Australia's deepest lake and circling Tasmania's highest mountain.
Over half of Tasmania is more than 600 metres above sea level, and there are around 155 mountains in total. Four of the highest are located in this very park, which covers an area of 124, 942 hectares.
The Seair chopper takes you from Cradle Valley past Dove Lake, Little Horn and Cradle Mountain. After passing Waterfall Way you'll round Barn Bluff to pass through Fury Gorge. You'll land here at Australia's deepest gorge on the 950 metre cliff to enjoy local Tasmanian cheese and wine.
Airborne again, the flight continues over the dense rainforest of Devil's Ravine to the secluded Reynolds Falls, followed by the long climb through the Vale Ravine before returning to Cradle Valley.
Cradle Mountain was originally named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey, who thought it bore a remarkable similarity to a cradle. In 1831 it was conquered by a European explorer, Henry Hellyer, who successfully reached the summit. As early as the 1890s, tourists were arriving to explore the magnificent area and guest houses were built to accommodate them.
If you experience more than two days without rain when you visit, you are very lucky indeed. On average, the area has less than 35 days of the year without rain or snow. It's mostly just drizzle, with occassional torrential downpours.
If a chopper tour doesn't appeal to you, you can enjoy the park the traditional way, on foot. Get your hiking boots on and take to the brand new walking paths for a more grounded view of the park.
The paths run all the way from the Visitors Centre to Ronnie Creek, where it joins the overland track. In total there are 80 kilometres of formed walking tracks - all you need to do is pick a path.
The facts:
You can take a Cradle Mountain Helicopter tours from $190 a person, which includes wine and cheese. The tour operates from September - June.
Seair Adventure Charters
Tel: 03 6492 1132
Stay at the Wilderness Village. Cottages cost from $170 a night, chalets from $180 and villas from $190.
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village
Tel: 03 6492 1018
Prices correct at 13/12/04
