G”day all,
Well we all made it up Cradle Mountain this time around. Joey Jess (7) on her second run and Orangatang Amy (5) on her first attempt. We followed the track from Dove Lake to the interection of the Overland Track and Dove Lake Track (about 300m from the carpark). We turned left towards Dove Lake and followed the lake for 500m before turning right onto the Marion’s Lookout track (a steep track ascending the mountain almost directly up). From the beautiful vista of Marions Lookout we joined up with the Overland Track and onto Kitcheners Hut and the intersection of the Overland Track, Face Track and Cradle Mtn summit track. Onwards and upwards to the summit from there, including some great video blogs of the rock scramble showing some of the more difficult and steeper parts.
After leaving the carpark about 11:45am we reached the summit of Cradle Mtn at 4:00pm. The view was amazing with clear skies in every direction. Unfortnately the metal disc at the summit showing all the other mountain peaks in the park was missing. Was it stolen? That would be my bet because it hardly needs maintenance! It looked as though it had been souveniered similar to the Cape York sign at the northern tip of Australia. What is happening to this great country of ours when these simple icons cannot be left alone to be enjoyed by all.
Anyhow, descending Cradle mountain we headed back to Marions Lookout and this time decided to follow the Overland Track back to Dove Lake car park. This track is just as steep (if not steeper) leading down/or up from Marions (depending on which way you are going) so don’t be fooled that it may be the easier if the two tracks to Marion’s. In fact my assessment is that it was the harder of the two tracks.
The Overland Track is at least a couple of klms longer but does have the advantage of passing past a couple of beautiful inland lakes including the very quaint Wombat Pool. We arrived at Wombat pool about 7:00pm and with the setting sun and Cradle Mtn and Marions Lookout in the back drop it was a very dreamy place indeed.
Back at the carpark about 7:40pm made for a long day. The kids would have benefited taking the steep and shorter track back down from Marion’s Lookout, but hey, thats what happens walking in this great land of ours.
Cradle Mountain is an exciting climb and well worth the effort. It is one of the places I relate to as a “place of breath taking beauty,” so get to Tassie and give it a go. Apparently on a clear day the best views are early in the morning…so there is a parting hint.
Video blogs to follow.
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia
Tags: 4WD, Adventure, bush walking, Bushman Bud, bushwalking, climbing, Cradle Mountain, day trip, hiking, mountain, peak, peak bagging, scenic, summit, Tasmania