Cradle Mountain
is the central feature of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair
National Park, part of Tasmania's World Heritage area which
is characterised by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over
25 major peaks and a wide range of glacial formations.
Cradle Mountain
was named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey who decided
it bore a remarkable similarity to a cradle. It was first
climbed by a European in 1831 when the explorer Henry Hellyer
successfully reached the summit.
1905
was a big year for exploring the Cradle Mountain region of
Tasmania and saw the naming of Little Horn (C.F. Spurling),
Hansons Peak (after Bert Hanson who died of exposure on a
hunting trip), and Lake Lilla by S. Spurling after his sister.
The sheer magnificence
of Cradle Mountain inspired Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer
to build a chalet of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work
tirelessly for a decade to have the area declared a national
park "for the people for all time". His dream was
realised in 1922, and today a quarter of all visitors to the
state travel here to share his vision.
Reservation of
land began in 1922 when an area from Cradle Mountain to Lake
St Clair was set aside as a 'scenic reserve and wildlife sanctuary'.
In 1927 63 990 ha, including Cradle Mountain, were set aside
as a reserve. Known as 'The Reserve' to generations of bushwalkers
the area was eventually enlarged to 124 942 ha. It became
a National Park in 1971.
In 1978 the National
Parks and Wildlife Service built a replica of 'Waldheim' and
this, combined with the Cradle Mountain Lodge and the excellent
new NPWS Information building, have made Cradle Mountain one
of the most accessible and interesting attractions in Tasmania.
You can take
one of many short walks in the area to gain a full appreciation
of Cradle’s magic. Stroll from cascading rivers to dense,
old-growth rainforest in just 20 minutes on the Enchanted
Walk, walk the two-hour circuit of Dove Lake, or spend the
day tackling Cradle Mountain’s summit.
It is worth remembering
that this is an area of great danger to the unwary and the
unprepared walker. It is so easy to underestimate the dangers
of mountain weather. It is possible, in the space of a few
minutes, for the weather to turn from a sunny day to rain
and sleet. The dangers of wind chill are such that the mountain
has claimed many victims of hypothermia.
The warmest months
are January and February and the coldest Months are July and
August. Snow can fall at any time of the year but usually
in July, August and September where a good fall is between
200mm and 300mm.
The warmest temperature
is 30 degrees and the coldest overnight is minus 10 degrees.
Pack warm clothes, raingear, a
map and good walking boots for your visit.