After recuperating from colds and dawdling along the east coast, we realized that we running short on remaining time in Tas so we got up nice and early in Launceston and made our way west to the highly recommended Cradle Mountain area. Cradle Mountain National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is so popular that vehicle access is limited and bus service is strongly encouraged. We took a picnic lunch and caught the bus up to Lake Dove and marveled at all the tourists wearing heavy winter coats because it was only 10 degrees with some light rain. We took a short walk up to glacier rock and drank in the scenery in the changing light and conditions.
From Cradle Mountain we headed southwest through the mining town of Queenstown, through the mountains and then up over some more ranges to the southeast to circumnavigate the wilderness area. There is a very popular internationally renown trail called the Overland track that winds its way south six days over 65 km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. By road the route around is over 200 km and a few hours drive so we opted for the quicker method given our limited time. We may have to come back and do it the longer way some time.
Making time while the driving was good, we made it all the way to Ouse for a traditional pub meal and then for something different we decided to stay in the oldest continuous operating hotel in Australia: The Bush Inn. What it lacked in quiet modern accommodation it made up for in charm and character. It was also inexpensive and included breakfast. A big day from the north of Tasmania most of the way back down to the south.
No comments:
Post a Comment