In the middle of winter in the picturesque backdrop of the Cradle Mountain National Park, Shaun and I embarked on our first trip testing out our new hiking gear after one of the biggest snow falls of the year.
For some, hiking in the snow isn’t the most desirable condition however, when Shaun and I heard that Cradle Mountain was receiving an amazing dump of snow we packed up our hiking gear and off we went with adventure in our sights.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"- Neale Donald Walsch
With all our gear in tow we decided as our first try out we would do it in the safe vicinity of the Discovery Park at Cradle Mountain, but we soon discovered how cold the snow is from inside our tent despite all our preparations! We bunkered down for a night of more snow coming and a chilly -6 degrees, and planned for an epic morning walk down to Cradle to take in all its glory.
EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM
We awoke at 3am the next day to a place straight out of a fairytale. Snow covered every single surface and glittered in the moonlight, absolutely untouched and undisturbed. Silence hung in the air and I breath created harsh fog in front of us as we headed down to begin the walk towards Cradle. I was beyond excited to see all the animal prints in the snow like little markings on a map leading to hidden treasure. There were prints from pademelons, possums and so many wombat prints- my absolute favourite!
After a quick check of the weather and the radar we began walking on the Cradle Valley Boardwalk with our destination looming. The absolute calm, silence and aura the snow and cold weather created is something we will never forget as we ventured across the boardwalk underneath the descending moonlight and the growing dawn. The snow glittered like diamonds ahead of us under the moon and we didn’t need to use our head torches as we felt safe watching our steps ahead. However, we didn’t realise how hard it was to walk in shin deep snow and this definitely slowed us down a lot! But if I was going to struggle, huff and puff on a hiking trail, I would pick a snow covered wilderness anyday!
A many snack was had a long the way to fuel our energy and we finally made it to Dove Lake to bask in Cradle Mountains glory! We didn’t make it for sunrise but we definitely did catch some amazing snow clouds cascading across the peak and some amazing sunshine on the snow! We also met a lovely gal called Zoe down at the lake who also is a photographer and lover of the Tasmanian wilderness! We joined up with her for our hike for the rest of the day and could not stop chatting about our love of wildlife and how incredible Tasmania is.
Fun fact for the road also, this was Shauns’ first time seeing Cradle Mountain not covered by clouds after visiting 5 times previously! A win for all this day! But, now came the walk back to our campsite which our legs were not too keen on doing but alas we pushed and experienced the trip back in full sunlight this time and a new friend. We returned to camp, tired bodies in tow and satisfied with our day of exploring we hit the hay real quick ready to throw the day in the done folder and rest our weary muscles.
Blessed by the Weather
We returned to camp, tired bodies in tow and satisfied with our day of exploring we hit the hay real quick ready to throw the day in the done folder and rest our weary muscles.
As it always is with photographers you can never have a sleep in, so the next day we were up again, gear packed and ready to go to see what the weather gods had produced for us, and damn we were not disappointed with a view of Cradle Mountain from the information centre as crisp as a corn chip. So you guessed it correctly, down we went again after a call to Zoe to tell her of the gorgeous weather, but this time instead of walking it was on the shuttle bus we went as it was running and our legs needed a little rest.
As it is with Tasmania, you can have 4 seasons in one day and today was filled with sunshine and was considerably warmer than the day before (in terms of winter of course!). Because the day was so glorious we decided to walk around Dove Lake and enjoy the sun's rays as well as the snow around the landscape.
The walk around Dove Lake is one of the most incredible short walks you can do and that day was magical to be out in the winter sunshine and still surrounded by glimmering snow. Being right beneath Cradle Mountain and stopping to admire it across the track really provides you a chance to appreciate how incredible this landmark is and why it is so loved in Tasmania.
A walk around Dove Lake also is not complete without
stopping by the boat house at the shore of the lake and getting the classic Cradle and boat house shot that is forever timeless and breathtaking. We also met so many amazing people along the track who were enjoying the glorious weather and it was lovely to see so many Tasmanians out and about enjoying the state. On this day we met the beautiful Patti who is now a good friend of ours, so never underestimate those interactions you make with fellow walkers, because they can last a lifetime.
One of my favourite spots on the Dove Lake track is the section that passes through what is called the ‘Ballroom Forest’. The boardwalk descends down into the overhanging trees and you are plunged into another world covered in moss and bending trees. The green moss creates a blanket over the trunks and roots over the
trees and the lack of undergrowth and slithers of penetrating sunlight through the canopy make you feel like you are in a magical room with earthly spotlights. Everytime I pass through here I slow down and take in the beauty of nature and love the area more and more.
Opportunity that cannot be missed
Our return back to camp that night was again filled with exhaustion but definitely satisfaction after another successful day of exploring. But it never ends there. As the day was so clear and still and after some weather predictions from Shaun, we decided tonight was the night for getting some astro photography above Cradle. After a comfort meal at the lodge to fuel our weary bodies we then headed out at midnight back down to Dove Lake. We were not disappointed when we were met with absolute calm and stillness down at the lake with perfect reflections and millions of stars in the sky. There was not a whisper in the air and the only noise was the water freezing over. Sitting at the water's edge and being underneath the shadow of the mountain with the stars lighting the sky was an unforgettable experience and totally changed the atmosphere of the area. Cradle mountain during the day and the night are different experiences in themselves and I am so glad we were able to experience the magic that comes at night in this incredibly special place.
What I can honestly say from travelling to Cradle in different types of weather and seasons, nothing honestly beats going up during or after some snowfall to experience the wildlife waddling through the snow and seeing the eucalypts covered in magical white powder.
One thing I always like to remember is the best things come outside your comfort zone so my cold hands, aching feet and weary muscles after a few days hiking and sleeping in below zero temperatures are all worth it in the end as I got to experience mother nature at her finest and most raw.
I really hope you enjoyed reading about this adventure and I would love to hear your thoughts and own experiences at Cradle Mountain!
As always lots of love and good vibes your way
Adela