Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain, the crowning feature of the vast Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, is probably the most famous feature of the World Heritage listed Tasmanian Wilderness. Yet despite its popularity it offers a real wilderness experience.

The park was formed by glacial forces thousands of years ago and is breath-takingly beautiful, with Jurassic alpine vegetation and some of the world's last remaining cool temperate rainforest. Lying 154 kilometres west of Launceston, it has Tasmania's highest peak and the Overland Track, amid beautiful waterfalls, lakes, rivers and unspoiled greenery. It is cherished for bushwalking, camping, climbing, picnicking, fishing, skiing and swimming for those who like that skin-tingling iciness! The very lucky may spot wildlife on their stay - sleek little Tasmanian devils, or possums.

Bushwalking is the favourite way to absorb the Tasmanian wilderness, and walks vary from easy and short to long and rigorous. The Dove Lake walk is a beautiful 90-minute walk on prepared paths. Popular walks between one hour and five hours long include Mount Campbell, Hanson's Peak, Twisted Lakes, Lake Rodway, Lake Lilla and the Ballroom Forest. A longer walk for the experienced is the six-day 80 kilometre Overland Track to Lake St Clair.

Bushwalking is not the only way to appreciate this unique landscape, you can camp or stay at a mountain lodge.The best time to visit the Park is between October and March.

Wildlife and mountain air

A Tasmanian masterpiece, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park was placed on the World Heritage list in 1982. The 82 kilometre trek from Cradle Mountain in the north to Lake St Clair in the south is Australia's most famous bushwalk.

The mountain's jagged, truncated contours evoke a primeval feel unlike anything on the Australian mainland. Landscapes include ancient rainforest and alpine heath lands, interspersed with button grass and stands of colourful, deciduous beech. Cradle Mountain itself is reflected in the still waters of the lakes that ring it.

Trails winding through forests of King Billy pines around the mountain offer superb day treks and some travellers rate the two hour walk around Dove Lake as the best in the world. If you're lucky, you may come across a wombat. These hefty, shy animals are mainly nocturnal but in cold periods graze during the day.

Cradle Mountain Huts offers private accommodation and a six-day guided trek. Each night, groups arrive at a warm, cosy hut with hot showers, comfortable beds and delicious meals.

At Cradle Mountain Lodge, guests stay in unobtrusive log cabins (without television or telephones to shatter the peace). Travel writers rate this area alongside Italy's Lake Como and Canada's Niagara Falls. Cradle Mountain Lodge surpasses all rivals in quality of surroundings, food and accommodation, and its tranquillity is second to none. The only passers-by are wallabies and inquisitive possums hopping or strolling by your balcony.