Combine the beauty and peace of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park with the excitement of the rugged and wild, west coast on this excellent 6 day exploration of one of the largest cool temperate wilderness areas of the world.

Between Cradle and Lake St Clair, we discover a history of mining and railways, visit 100+ metre waterfalls and spend a night at the charming fishing village of Strahan. Carrying only a daypack, your days will be spent exploring - climbing Cradle Mountain and wonder at the 360º panorama of Tasmania’s highest mountains, and walk beside the deepest lake in Tasmania. Each night we will stay in simple but comfortable cabins along the way, four nights within the National Park, and one at Strahan.

Our experienced and friendly guides look forward to sharing with you these wonderful day walks in the Tasmanian World Heritage areas in the highlands and on the West Coast.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1
Launceston to Cradle Mountain National Park
You will meet your guides and group at Paddy Pallin gear shop in Launceston at 8:30am. Your guides will present a general briefing about the trip, conduct a thorough gear check and provide opportunity to hire or purchase any equipment that you need. They aim to depart for Cradle Mountain by about 9:30am. En route you will probably stop in the historical town of Sheffield to see the murals and have a cup of coffee. On arrival at the National Park you will check in to the accommodation and have lunch before setting off on an afternoon walk. There are a number of walks and activity options and your guides will offer one most appropriate to the conditions at the time. A favourite afternoon walk is around the beautiful Dove Lake taking in the amazing prehistoric plant life and impressive views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. There will be time in the evening to sight some of Tassie’s special creatures as they graze in the dusk light. After a delicious dinner grab your torch and go in search of some of the elusive and not so elusive nocturnal animals that call this place home. Distance approx 5km Time approx 3hrs

Day 2
Cradle Mountain National Park
Today we will set off early for a full day in the mountains. Your guides can make it as challenging or as leisurely as you wish. Conditions permitting they will offer you the opportunity to trek to the base of Cradle Mountain and climb to its summit. En route encounter the beautiful Crater Falls and Crater Lake before tackling the steep trail up to Marion’s Lookout. Our ultimate objective is to climb the sheer abrupt slopes of Cradle Mountain and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding overland mountains. If weather or other conditions prevent our summit attempt there are numerous alternatives, a popular one is the challenging Face Track, which skirts beneath the world renowned outline of Cradle Mountain. Your guides are passionate about this wonderland and will provide a day full of highlights – blue skies or rough weather this place provides a very special experience. Your guides will provide a packed lunch and plenty of snacks to keep your energy up whilst wandering and at night retire back to your comfortable cabins and relax as they prepare a hearty evening meal. Distance up to 12km Time up to 8hrs walking

Day 3
Cradle Mountain to Strahan
Another wonderful day in the hills will begin with a delicious breakfast as the morning light filters through the Myrtle Beech forest around the cabins. This morning we will pack our luggage, load the bus and then don daypacks for a morning walk. There will be an opportunity to check out the visitor centre and do some short walks, including the King Billy Walk which takes in some of the oldest trees in the world including an ancient King Billy Pine that is between 1500 and 2000 years old. Then we leave Cradle Mountain behind as we head west. After lunch we bus through Tullah and Roseberry before walking to Montezuma Falls passing Sassafras and Native Laurel before making our way to Strahan for the evening.

Day 4
Strahan to Lake St Clair
Opportunities for exploration are vast while in Strahan. Walking Ocean Beach to Macquarie Heads, taking a cruise through Macquarie Harbour or perhaps a flight over the dramatic southwest national park. In the afternoon we drive from Strahan to Lake St Clair, stopping midway for a walk to Donaghy’s Hill and spectacular views of the Savage River National Park and Frenchman’s Cap. Our next two evenings are spent at Cynthia Bay on the shores of Australia’s deepest natural lake, Lake St. Clair.

Day 5
Lake St Clair
We spend a full day walking today. Opportunities include the Mt. Rufus circuit where we are met with incredible 360 degree views of the Du Cane Range, Mt. Olympus and deep into the ranges of the southwest national park. The return to Cynthia bay follows groves of Tasmanian Snowgums and Pandanis.

Day 6
Lake St Clair to Launceston
After leaving St. Clair we drive through the Central Plateau conservation area, passing the Great Lake before descending through the dolerite bluffs of the Western Tiers. Lunching beside the Liffey River, we then make an easy walk through Manferns and Myrtle to the cascading Liffey Falls. A short drive returns us to Launceston.

INCLUSIONS

• Two experienced guides
• National Park fees
• Bus transfers and support
• Secure storage space for excess luggage
• Communications for emergency use
• Group first aid kit for emergency use
• 5 nights accommodation in cabins (2-4 share), with separate facilities
• All meals form Lunch Day 1 until Lunch Day 6

TRIP DATES

TRAVEL INSURANCE

SAVE 20% OFF YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE INSTANTLY SIMPLY BY CLICKING ON THE TRAVELLERS ASSISTANCE LOGO ANYWHERE YOU SEE IT AND BOOKING ONLINE

Travelling Fit is an authorised representative of the Licensee, Travellers Assistance Travel Insurance. We can arrange a competitive quote for your travel insurance. Ask us for details. Please refer to the Travellers Assistance Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision on whether to purchase travel insurance. Click on the Travellers Assistance logo for more details.