Cradle Mountain NP, Tasmania

"Waldheim Chalets" first made 1918 approx means "house in the forest",
Inspired the american writer Thoreau to build a house in the forest.

View of Dove lake from the climb up to Hanson's  Peak

The Tough boulder climb up to Cradle Mountain summit. 

View of barn Bluff and the 80km (5-8 day) Overland track North, from Cradle mtn.

Wombat Pool

Paddymelon marsupials from the tent at Discovery Parks camping area

The Austrian pioneer who pushed for cradle mtn NP and constructed Waldheim chalets before there was a road.

(Click on a photo to get larger version and photo menu).

And a bit of improvisation on my plastic version of a Native American Flute.... I get inspired when I sit in front of mountain creeks and such. 

Spent 5 days here... did most of the day walks in 3 days, then did an overnight hike (on this blog).  Was lucky with the weather - virtually no rain at all. 

There is one campsite - Discovery parks. They do a good job with sites nestled in the bush, and big log-cabin type amenities. 23$ for a tent site, which they usually have a few free. If you are coming with a van or caravan, reserve in advance. A small shop at the reception with the basics: eggs, bread, salami, chocolate, milk, meat etc. 

They will also store gear for you. 

A very gob-smacking park, with that view over Dove lake. And a nice challenging hike up Cradle Mnt, with the last 40 minutes pure bouldering with tall sticks to mark the way. I drank the water in streams and lakes with no issues. There is some water before the boulder hike up Cradle, which you will need to refill, as the sunny days are Intense ! The Tassie sun is especially sharp, with a thin Ozone layer above.  One burns very easily... sun cream and hat, preferably legionnaire-type advised. 

I swam in the lakes - very refreshing.  Some very nice short walks along streams in the shade of mossy trees, reminiscent of New Zealand.