THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY TO TASMANIA
Located 240km south of the Australian Mainland, Tasmania is an offbeat destination for all types of adventure lovers. Nearly half of the island is some form of a nature reserve, home to glacial lakes, snow-covered mountains, and temperate rainforest.
If you only have a weekend, we recommend choosing one area to explore, like Cradle Mountain. That way, you can have time to sightsee and relax (which is exactly what a weekend getaway is for!).
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Where to Stay
This is Australia's largest island, so there are various types of accommodation for every style and budget. If you're here to visit Cradle Mountain, you'll want to look for a place to stay close to the national park.
We spend a few nights at the Cradle Mountain Lodge. It's centrally located next to many of the park's sights and hiking trails. You can also find other hotels, Airbnbs, or vacation rentals in the area.
WIld wombats on property
What to Do
See Tasmanian Devils
With a dwindling population of only 16,900 individuals, The Tasmanian devil is an endangered species only found in Australia. Although sightings are extremely rare, you can actually visit these critters up close and personal at the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary. You can take a tour of the facilities and even see them during feeding time!
Get cultured at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery
The Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery is perfect for a rainy day. This art gallery features artwork, photography, and films created by local Tasmanian artists. If you see anything you like, you can buy your own print from the gift shop (it makes a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take back home!).
Hike Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
There are numerous hiking and walking trails in the park, so make sure to pack your hiking boots and water bottle. If you're looking for wildlife, we can recommend the Enchanted Walk. This 1.1km trail takes you through the moss-covered forest where you can see wild wombats!
For the best views in the park, head up to Marion's Lookout. The trek is steep, but it boasts picturesque views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. The Dove Lake circuit is another scenic hike where you can enjoy lake and mountain views. It's relatively flat, so it's a good option if you're looking for something less strenuous.
Admire Waterfalls
The national park is home to two beautiful cascading waterfalls. Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls are located along a short boardwalk trail that meanders through a dense forest of Huon Pines. It's an easy hike (even with kids), so it's worth a quick visit if you're in the area.
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Go Canyoning
Looking for a thrilling adventure to get your heart racing? Cradle Mountain is also a prime destination for canyoning. You'll jump off cliffs, slide down waterfalls, and swim through rivers as you explore Mother Nature's playground. It might sound extreme, but canyoning is actually very safe and suitable for beginners. Just make sure to go with a certified tour group (there are several in the national park).
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