Cradle Mountain National Park

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's quality of surroundings, food and accommodation, and its tranquility is second to none. The only passers-by are wallabies and inquisitive possums hopping or strolling by your balcony.

In 1827 Joseph Fossey saw a dramatic mountain peak at the northern end of what is now the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the World Heritage Area. He immediately named the peak Cradle Mountain, and as soon as you see it you will know why he chose the name.

The Mountain is one of the most popular features in the Park and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech (wonderfully colourful in autumn - April and May), rainforest, alpine heathlands and buttongrass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes.

The track to the top of the mountain (1,545 metres/5,068 feet above sea level) is an eight-hour return walk, but there are many other shorter, easier walks lower down, such as the walk around Dove Lake.

For your convenience, and to help protect Cradle's delicate natural environment, an optional shuttle service operates from the information centre to Dove Lake and other popular destinations within the park.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a not-to-be missed part of the Tasmanian wilderness. The mountain's jagged contours send icy streams cascading into glacial lakes. Ancient rainforest and alpine heaths are superb for walking and views.

The Overland Track
The Overland Track, covering 80 kilometres of the Tasmanian wilderness, demands preparation and the physical fitness of those who walk it. December to April are the most popular months. Walkers can take a guided tour or go at their own pace.

Wildlife and mountain air One of Tasmania's top attractions, Cradle Mountain offers bushwalks over grass plains, past lakes filled with trout, and majestic moss forests and stands of native pine. Craggy mountain ridges, pristine wilderness, hoards of scampering marsupials and delightful accommodation make for an essential stop-over.

Tasmania's most recognisable landmark is the craggy profile of Cradle Mountain, at the northern gateway to the Overland Track linking Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair, four to six days walk south. On the park boundary is the visitor centre with its interpretive display, ranger station, park information, walker registration and up-to-date weather reports. Alpine weather changes rapidly always carry waterproof gear, even on summer day walks. There are many superb short walks from the centre and the Dove Lake car park, 14 km further on.

A 5.5 kilometre wooden boardwalk linking the ranger station to Dove Lake provides visitors with a special way to explore the Park. To ensure the park access is managed sustainably, a free shuttle bus takes visitors into the park and if you choose to walk part of the way you can be picked up at various points along the road. There is a wide range of accommodation in the Cradle Valley area, from an excellent campground to a luxury wilderness lodge. For those independent walkers heading for the Overland Track (1 November to 30 April), make sure you check out the advance registration requirements on: www.overlandtrack.com.au