🇦🇺 Launceston Day Trip | Cradle Mountain, Winterfell Vibes

✈️ 9.28 Shanghai → 9.30 Tasmania Finally landed in Tassie! First stop: Launceston—a place straight out of foreign literature. Leisurely dog walkers by the river, early spring blossoms, quiet yachts bobbing in the harbor... Sitting by the Tamar River, I felt like I was in one of those "too-peaceful" European towns just waiting for a story to unfold. 📍 Cradle Mountain Joined a KLook tour, and despite the howling winds, we lucked out with no rain—just shifting clouds and sun. ⛰️ The tour was rushed though—less than 1 hour to hike Dove Lake! (City folks just wanted more time to wander...) The mountain’s dark, jagged peaks loomed like something out of Game of Thrones—call it "Winterfell Down Under" ❄️. Our guide shared tales of Gustav Weindorfer, the German immigrant who championed the national park, and took us to his tiny forest cabin. The air? Next-level fresh. Inhaled deeply—my lungs got a luxury spa treatment courtesy of Mother Nature. 🌿💨 🔖 Pro Tips: Gale-force winds! Dress like an onion (layers!). Forgot gloves? The visitor center sells jackets (but no pants—classic "Aussie upper-body-only warmth" logic 🧥❌👖). GRAB THE MERCH! Their national park souvenirs (patches, magnets) are reasonably priced—regret not buying the embroidered patches! 😭 🚐 Pit Stops: 📍 Sheffield (Mural Town) Meh. A decent coffee-and-stretch spot, but not a must-see. 📍 Ashgrove Cheese Farm Tried their berry-drizzled cheesecake w/ lime ice cream ($15). Verdict: Cake: Light, not too sweet 👍 Lime ice cream: Toothpaste vibes 🥴 Cheese tasting: Fun if you’re into dairy (I’m not 🧀🚫). Slow service—skip if pressed for time! 🍽️ Cataract on Paterson Hidden gem alert! Pushed open the door to a bustling European bistro—clinking glasses, chatter, the works! 🎬 Must-orders: Seafood platter (oysters + calamari = 🤤) Beef cheek (melts like butter) Chicken skewers (juicy perfection) Bonus: Bill came with a handwritten "Have an amazing evening :)" Ate until I waddled. 🏃‍♀️💨 🏨 Mercure Launceston Solid stay! But ⚠️ Uber prices are wild—taxis cost half as much. #Tasmania #Launceston #CradleMountain #CarFreeTravel