Know Aboriginal name for Lake St Claire - Leeawuleena
Cradle Mountain is easily one of Australia's most breathtaking mountains to climb, both physically and visually. Situated on a 3 hour detour off the very well travelled Overland Track. Although I have not done the 6 day Overland hike, it is quite surreal being on the actual track. To get the most out of a day trip up to Cradle Mountain, a good way to start is at the Ronny Creek carpark, from where you walk along a boardwalk which is also one of the starting points of the Overland Track. The beginning is pretty mellow but once the climb starts you will feel the burn in your calves. You might feel a bit of a slack arse when you see the Overlanders with their massive 6 day packs strapped to their backs streaming up the hill.
After the first climb the view changes dramatically and you can see just how impressive the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair area is, plus you get your first glimpse of the Cradle. The track opens up along the ridge as you make your way up to Kitchen Hut at the base of the summit climb. You could be mistaken in thinking that you have been transported to Switzerland with rock faces jutting out that look like those spotted around the european alps. Don’t mind the pile of packs stacked up waiting for their owners to return from the summit and continue along the Overland. Unlike the relative ease of the initial climb, the trek up to the summit is way more interesting and adrenaline raising. You spend a lot of time pulling yourself up and over boulders only to be at the base of another series of rocks and boulders, occasionally getting a view to the lakes, rivers and plateau below. Because we are true mountaineers we took up a light lunch of mountain bread and whisky to chow on as you look out “over“ the “land”.
On our descent, rather than retracing our foot steps we decided to take the Face Track which takes you along the base of the Cradle and down a chain guide rail towards Dove Lake. It’s quite a steep descent but offers a different view over the countryside. You scramble down stoney paths until you get to the foresty edge of the lake where you can hear the shrieks of families splashing each other from canoes with the flipping freezing water. Then you walk along spotting echidnas, dodging tourist groups and selfie sticks by the edge of Dove lake.
At Dove lake you can say see you later to Cradle Mountain and hitch hike or jump on a free shuttle bus back down to Ronny Creek.
by Max Blackmore
noscribbles.com
LFRF acknowledges all the Traditional Owners of the land [or country] and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present of all of Tasmania and urges you to please do the same.
