Cradle Mountain — Attraction in Tasmania

The summit hike is a rewarding experience. The recommended route starts at Ronny Creek car park where the shuttle bus will drop you off, follow the overland track past crater lack up to Marions lookout, from there hike to the base of the mountain where a 90minute rock scramble awaits you. On the return trip, take the path that returns to Dove lake. A few tips: Check the weather forecast, if there is low cloud you will not have views and the rocks will be very slippery on the final ascent. The rock scramble is not easy, you will need moderate fitness, grippy hiking shoes and gloves will make your life easier. The climb up to Marions peak is also not super easy, it is short but very steep, unstable rock, and chains to help pull you up. Pack for all weather conditions, it can turn very cold very quickly. I was often changing from just a t-shirt, to a puffer and beanie to keep me warm. If you're small you will need a buddy during the last rock scramble to help you scale some of the boulders. Unless you're an athlete, you will need to get the first shuttle bus (8:30am) from the visitors centre in order to make it back for the last shuttle (5:30pm). The advice that it takes on average 8-10 hours to complete the summit hike. There is no bins or toilets on the route (except for Dove lake on the return), so I recommend taking a small rubbish bag to take your trash back with you. Take 2-3 litres of water per person, and pack a lunch. If you're worried about having enough time to complete the hike, you can hike about 1km past Marions lookout and you will have amazing views of cradle mountain and Barn Bluff. This will take you around 4-5 hours in total.

If all of the above is too daunting for you, you can get the shuttle bus straight to Dove Lake where you have great views of Cradle Mountain, and some much shorter and easier...

At a noble altitude up one on the many towering peaks of the range, lay a pond, its once flowing water was now frigid, free of movement. It was undisturbed save a single rock’s throw which upset its pristine surface. Beneath the pure frozen layer lay golden rocks, where they had lay untouched for immeasurable lifetimes. On one of its banks lounged shrubs, encumbered by night’s snowfall. Juxtaposing this snowy shrubbery, on the opposing bank grew trees tall and slim and green. The beaten path down to the water’s edge consisted of coarse gravel coated in an ice sheet. The air was clear and cool, breath was clearly visible. Beyond the glacial pond, sat proudly a mighty, white-tipped mountain. The mountain’s incline was demonstrated by the differing colours of its slope as it rose, beginning with the brown-green meadows of grass before moving into the deep black fields of jagged rock, followed by the comparatively sleepy dusting of sugar-like snow. All of this was plotted against the soothing picturesque sky, with its bands of wispy cloud. The bright sky complimented the frosty cotton that layered the scene. Despite the calming nature of this peaceful realm, the cries of battles fought here echoed between mountaintops, furious throws of packed snow, followed by swift and icy retaliation. This frosty combat need not result in injury instead only the displeasure of the cold. Though this joy is a temporary one, the snow lacked the alpine security given to the mountain behind. As the Sun continued its journey across the azure sky, its rays traced over the frozen terrain, the snowy siege laid upon this domain was gently lifted. Slowly but surely the frost retreated to...

Our one-night stay at the hotel was absolutely fantastic! The staff at the concierge, bar, and restaurant were so attentive and friendly, providing us with seamless and top-notch service.

The vibe all around was fantastic, offering spots to hang out and have a blast with friends and family. Oh, and they even threw in a pool table for some extra fun! 🎱🎉

We had a blast at the dinner and breakfast buffet – it was a real culinary adventure! However, here's a little food for thought: the hotel could spice things up even more by expanding the à la carte menu to make sure all our vegetarian pals feel just as pampered. 🍽️🌱

What really stood out was that the hotel had EV charging available. Since we were cruising in a Tesla, this was a major help and convenience for us. 🔌🚗

Oh, and by the way, in the Cradle Mountain area, only Telstra and Optus seem to have mastered the art of mobile network coverage. So, we became best buddies with the hotel's WiFi, even though it played a bit hard to get in the quality department. 📶😕

Well, our bathroom also had a surprise guest – a spider! I guess that's just our forested hotel's way of saying, "Welcome to our cozy critter club!" 🕷️

Overlooking these minor hiccups, we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay and may consider extending our visit for more days...