Exploring
Cradle Mountain
Tasmania
Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family is a chance to visit one of Australia’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks. This place is incredible. With multiple walks, hikes, and treks, filled with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, it is a natural wonderland. It also snows here a lot, so be prepared all year round for it to be cold. We went in January and still needed normal winter clothes we would normally wear back home in Coffs Harbour.
Accommodation: Gowrie Park Wilderness Village
We stayed at Gowrie Park Wilderness Village for a few nights. It was about 30 minutes northeast of Cradle Mountain and the closest place to stay with a van outside of the Discovery Park at Cradle Mountain.
Day 1: Exploring Dove Lake
Our first day was spent as a group, with Ella’s mum and her partner Gary joining us. We visited Dove Lake and then walked back to the Ronnie Creek car park. We spent equal parts around Dove Lake, taking our time to enjoy the scenery. The track back to Ronnie Creek car park took about 80 minutes of walking with the kids. We were lucky to see one wombat on the track. When Ella and I did this in 2016 in September, we saw many more wombats. We assume that the hotter temperature kept the wombats out of the sun.
Day 2: Climbing Marion’s Lookout and Family Walks
On the second day, Ella, Mel, and Gary climbed Marion’s Lookout. They had a blast, and it took them around 3 to 4 hours for the return trip. Meanwhile, the kids and I did some short walks around the Enchanted Forest, Pencil Pines Falls, and Knyvet Falls. The walks took less than an hour, with plenty of stops for snacks and wombat spotting.
Visiting Devils @ Cradle
The kids and I then went to Devils @ Cradle. This experience was fantastic for the boys, as the enclosures were well-suited for young kids. It was also reasonably priced for a prime attraction in the area.
Tips for Visiting Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain can be done as a day trip from nearly anywhere on the northwest coast, or even Launceston. However, if you plan to stay closer, ensure you have enough food supplies, as shopping is limited.
Driving with a Caravan
Driving the caravan from Devonport to Gowrie Park was an eye-opener. I hadn’t driven on such narrow roads with the van before, but traffic was minimal. This set the tone for most of the driving done with the caravan off the major highways. There’s roadkill everywhere too, so it pays to be very attentive.
Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family was a memorable experience, filled with breathtaking scenery and adventures. Whether you’re hiking, wombat spotting, or exploring the local attractions, Cradle Mountain offers something for everyone.
