Cradle Mountain is situated a few hours drive from Launceston (next major city) and Devonport (Port city where people from Melbourne normally take a ferry to and from). Cradle Mountain – Lake St Claire National park has quite a few multi day hiking trails through the park and several day hikes around the main entrance of the national park if that is what you prefer. Again you need your parks pass to access the national park

Another tip for day trippers would be to get there as soon as it opens.

• There are a limited amount of cars allowed into the national park. This leaves late comers the alternative to use the free shuttle service that runs every 10 minutes (so really it isn’t the worst thing)

• Due to it being a World Heritage site it’s going to be crammed with people during weekends, so that’s another reason you should consider coming early

• The hike to the summit takes 6-8 hours with a 2 hour scramble to the top, it will probably take up most of your day

With our back packs packed with food, water and picnic rug we made our way to the shuttle bus. It’s about a 15 minute trip and once you arrive at Dove Lake you are instantly greeted with an amazing vista. The Dove Lake circuit should take you 1.5 hours to complete and is a gentle walk around the lake and surrounding mountains.

But who comes all that way to do an 1.5 hour hike? If you’re reading this you’d know by now I’m not into easy going hikes. No pain no…. view?

Due to our tight schedule we only had 1 day at this location and arrived at around 1pm, the summit scramble I had been dreaming of will have to be for next time. Plan B

We took the 4 hour circuit walk that follows the smaller mountains surrounding the lake. This is still a really fun hike! Certain sections require you to use a chain to pull yourself (reminiscing of British Columbia hikes (sigh)) and scramble on your hands and feet up rocks.

One hand on my gopro and one hand on the chain holding on for dear life, a regrettably worn black t shirt and several litres of sweat blinding my eyes, I really love the outdoors!

Gabby and I stopping for a scenic picnic

You’re also spoilt with up-close view of the dolomite pillars that form the mountain into what looks like vertically stacked match sticks (a view you cannot appreciate from the lake altitude).

One foot after another, clawing our way up a steep section an seasoned looking elderly couple were coming down our way. Oddly enough the first thing I noticed were his shoes, he was wearing sandals!? I had to ask how/why was he putting up with sandals “Because my feet like to breath” he replied in a witty tone, cheeky bugger! Anyone else worn hiking sandals before? I’d be interested to what it’s like to breath with my feet.

Breathtaking photo by @urbanesignature

With the beautiful gum trees surronding us, a deep blue lake that reflected the surrounding environments and snow melted waterfalls mesmerising Gabby and I, it was easy to get lost in a nature la la land of bliss.

UNTILL on our descent Gabby almost stood on a Red Belly Black Snake (not super deadly, but not super fun either). As the snake slithered its venomous body into the camouflaged bushes we tried everything to alert the snake of presence. Tip we are not experts, just experts at wining it. So we tried clapping, stomping the ground and yelling (snakes dislike vibration…… or are they attracted to it hmmmm…? Anyone see that waking day Simpsons episode??) .
Long story short, we are still writing blogs with all our toes and fingers, hazah!

Here are some great shots of around the lake

Coming down the mountain

Snow fed lake dip! Why not?

Old Row Boat Shed

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Thank you all again and I will see you for my final Tasmania Blog! If you liked the blog please check out my latest Dtube Video

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