Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is in Tasmania, a state of Australia.
Culture and History
This park is really two - the Cradle Mountain section making up the north of the park, with Lake St Clair in the south.
History
Gustav Weindorfer first visited Cradle Mountain in 1910 and really liked it. He purchased some land and built by 1912 a chalet for guests. In 1935 the Overland 80km track was created and rangers guided tours along it. The track was improved by 1937
Landscape
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park has many mountains and spectacular lakes. Mountains which are have made this national park famous include Cradle Mountain. Dove Lake and Lake St Clair are truly breathtaking.
There are many short walks to take and some long walks. Each of this walks are a fascinating experience.
Flora and fauna
Padmelons, Bennett's wallabies, wombats and possums are some of the animals you will meet in this park. Watch out for the ravens and currawongs, who have learnt to unzip packs. Even if they can't get to your food, they can peck holes in things through your pack.
Respect all species of animals and do not abuse them. This includes the plants in the park. Do not pick, and keep to the tracks provided.
WARNING: FEEDING ANIMALS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN CRADLE MOUNTAIN-LAKE ST CLAIR NATIONAL PARK. FINES WILL BE IMPOSED IF YOU ARE CAUGHT FEEDING ANIMALS. PARK RANGERS ARE PATROLLING THE PARK. DO NOT RISK GETTING FINED. FINES WILL BE IN LARGE AMOUNTS.
Climate
The climate here in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is extremely unpredictable and can change extremely rapidly. In this part of Tasmania, it rains 9 out of 10 days a year, so fully equip yourself with gear for wet weather.
The temperature is always colder than other parts of Tasmania, although it is not far south. Precipitation here is high because of the large number of trees. It could be raining for 5 minutes, and then it is suddenly sunny. Rain here is very light, like little "flakes" of water. Bring a raincoat instead of an umbrella, because it is extremely windy and you do not want to risk spoiling your brolly.
Get ready for freak weather - including snow in summer.
Travel to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park & Visa Requirements
You can drive, ride or catch a bus. On occasions you can canoe up the river to get to your destination.
Fees/Permits
There are entrance fees to the park, and permits and fees required for overnight/multi-day hikes.
Tours & Getting around Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
There is a ferry which operates on Lake St Clair.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park attractions and sightseeing
Spectacular mountains lakes including the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain and the vast expanse of Lake St Clair.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park city tours
Walks - from short easy strolls to strenuous multi-day hikes.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park souvenirs & shopping
There are only two to three shops in the park and prices are expensive. Buy your own supplies in the nearby towns before getting in.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive
There are a few up scale cafes and restaurants in the park. If you are self-catering, make sure you buy your food in the towns nearby before driving in. The tourist park sell limited food and prices are extremely expensive.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs
same as Eat.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging
- Cradle Mountain Wilderness Lodge - Cosy, affordable yet luxurious cabins. Expect to see plenty of wombats and wallabies at night. Do not disturb them, and they will not disturb you.
- Cradle Mountain Chateau - One of the more expensive places to stay in the region, but extremely luxurious.
Lodging
Camping
Backcountry
Stay safe
Make sure you let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Carry a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and weather-proof jacket in all seasons. Take plenty of water, and more food than you think you will need in case you get caught out longer than you expected. Wear sturdy walking shoes/boots.
Get out
Ask for advice at the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park travel forum
This page was last edited at 20:13, on 27 August 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Patrick McDonald and Wen Shien, Wikitravel user(s) Jonboy and Tensaibuta and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.
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