Sunday 13th March 2011

 Having now settled in Roland just south west of Sheffield (just below Devonport) we headed out for a visit to Cradle Mountain National Park.  This area (161,000 hectares) is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.  We drove along twisting roads that went both up and down on our way there.  Some corners were just 15 kmh so quite sharp.  Too many times oncoming drivers are hugging the centre line or even over it so extreme caution is needed.  The scenery however is awesome, tall forests, rugged bush, green hillsides, this drive had it all.  We had purchased a Parks Pass whilst on the ferry and this allows us to visit all the National Parks in Tasmania without further cost.  There is an entry fee into each of their main parks so it was cost effective to pre-purchase.  

We visited the Interpretive centre and browsed the interesting displays they have on show.  There was a photographic exhibition also on display and some of the captured views were magnificent, especially those taken when snow was on the mountain.  Outside you take a short stroll through rainforest to the Pencil Pine Falls before returning along the circuit walk to the centre.  It is wheelchair friendly with a boardwalk so all can enjoy this delightful area.  The lichen growing on the trees through the rainforest just made my fingers itch to collect for dyeing however being a national park!!!!! I did resist.

We caught the shuttle bus out to Dove Lake from the visitors centre.  There is a restriction on the number of vehicles allowed into this area so there are free shuttle buses running every 15mins or so to keep the vehicles out.  There have sure been a lot of changes in the 18 years since we last visited this area.   All to ensure this area is protected for all our future generations to enjoy just as we do.

We walked to Glacier Rock on the shore of Dove Lake and climbed to enjoy the view.  Being the midst of a long weekend here in Tassie there were plenty of visitors around to share the walks and view with.  There are quite a few walks that can be done in the area ranging from 30 min to 5 days.  Cradle Mountain is the other end of the Overland Track that connects to Lake St Clair where we visited last Monday on our bus tour with Judy.  We were not quite ready for anything too strenuous so just enjoyed the view, fresh air and pleasant sunshine.

The photos show the magic of the area and needless to say we took many. 

We finally said goodbye to Cradle Mtn and headed out to make our way back up the western side of the chain of lakes including Lake Barrington where there is an Olympic standard rowing course.  We found a lookout at Wilmott that looked down the valley across the lake to Mt Roland. 

The surrounding countryside was lush green and the cattle would have no trouble fattening up.  We visited Devil’s Gate Dam on our way home and had a cuppa there beside the lake.  This is another of the many Hydro dams built around Tasmania.