Our time in Tasmania was quickly drawing to an end. A couple of weeks back we booked the boat back to the mainland as we’d noticed places were becoming very limited and the possibility of having to wait until mid March for a spot was becoming a reality. We took the plunge and booked for the 26th Feb.
With time against us were where tossing up leaving out Cradle Mountain. With much encouragement from others we decided to make it a day trip from Burnie. We had one night at Cooee and nearly got blown across the state so in a lull of the wind we packed up and moved inland to Pioneer Park in Riana. This peaceful campground is run by volunteers and had a ground playground for the kids plus all the amenities you needed for $10 night for our family of 6.
After lunch we packed the ingredients for a stir fry dinner, the gas burner, thermos and headed for the mountain. It is roughly 1 1/2 hour drive. Arriving in the later afternoon was great as we could drive right down to Dove Lake rather than use their shuttle buses. We always had planned to do this walk and it was a perfect day to do so. Sun shining, warm, no wind but the reality was the kids just weren’t up for it. One hadn’t been feeling well for a couple of days and the youngest just can’t or won’t do those distances. We walked round to the boulder and I was happy with the views we got from there. Stephen and I are hoping in 10 years time we can do the Overland Track (a 7 day or so walk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair). By then the kids can choose to come or not!
After cooking our dinner and having walked the Waldheim short walk near the original homestead it was around 7pm and the wombats came out in force all over the grassy plains. They are such a delight to watch and two came right down to us and ducked under the board walk where we were standing. All the McPherson males got to have a little pat.
Cradle Mountain is an amazing National Park and I’m well pleased we were encouraged not to leave Tasmania without visiting it. Stephen and I have a long way to go at improving our fitness levels but to trek in this region would be amazing and worth the effort. Now I’ve told you all you can hold us to it in 10 years time!!
Penguins just near our camp at Cooee
Dove Lake & Cradle Mountain
Sitting on the boulder on the Dove Lake walk
Having a full experience of the lake
Cooking our dinner in the National Park
Part of the Waldheim cottage
The Waldheim Walk
Evening meal for the wombats
Sunsetting in the National Park
Having a little scratch
The Spirit of Tasmania – leaving for the night trip on the 26th Feb
Hit the Track 