Rock the Cradle: Mountain National Park
December 2nd, 2011 | 
Author: Cradle Mountain National Park: a Winter Wonderland
by Roger Findlay
Many years ago, Jeanette and I visited the Cradle Mountain National Park. We stayed down in Sheffield to avoid the high-end prices for accommodation closer to this major tourist attraction.
Roger & Jeanette visit Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania in winter
Sheffield is not far away, but the drive (of over an hour) can be slow and tedious. We decided to go into the Cradle Mountain National Park on two separate days. On the first day the weather wasn’t too bad when we left Sheffield, but by the time we reached our destination it had changed to poor visibility and squally snow showers. This didn’t stop us from taking a couple of short walks, mooching round the gallery and generally enjoying the visitor centre.
A magical winter wonderland... Cradle Mountain National Park
Second Attempt at Cradle
Two days later we took the drive again, but this time the conditions were far worse. We were younger then and much more adventurous! The snow was falling when we set off for Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lake. It’s normally an easy walk with plenty of magnificent scenery including a spectacular view of Cradle Mountain. On this occasion you could hardly see the track and after a couple of hours we decided to turn back.
Roger braves the elements at Cradle Mountain National Park
We had intended driving out of the National Park along the C132 so that we could have a look at Waratah. Unfortunately the road was closed and we had to go back down the way we came.
Jeanette rugged up like a snow-bunny at Cradle Mountain National Park!!
Should Roger Return to Cradle Mountain National Park?
We’ve never been back to the Cradle Mountain National Park. I would really like to go on the Overland Trek; but the Visitor Centre and the immediate surrounds have lost some of their appeal since they became so commercialised. Don’t let this comment stop the first time visitor though! There is a lot to see and do. Go there and form your own opinion. It may be totally different to mine!
Snowy conditions at Cradle Mountain, a major tourist attraction in Tasmania
Roger: a champion for the smaller, regional tourism centres… as always.
We know he loves Tasmania and all the attractions (major or otherwise!)
and we’re happy that he expresses his own opinion.
Everyone is entitled to that much at least.
Please keep your thoughts coming, Roger!
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Map: Cradle Mountain National Park…
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Your comments wouldn’t stop me visiting at all, Roger. I like to make up my own mind, and after some time spent in Sweden many moons ago, I remember snow-covered scenes with great fondness. I just know I need to save up a few dollars beforehand, so thanks for the heads up.