Cradle Mountain Lodge

Cradle Mountain Lodge is widely considered one of Australia’s iconic wilderness experiences. Located on the edge of the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s premier wilderness regions.

Just 2 hours scenic drive from Launceston and 1.5 hours from Devonport, this superb escape showcases the best Cradle Mountain has to offer with warm hospitality, sensational local food and wine, indulgent spa treatments, breathtaking scenery and magnificent wilderness surrounds.

Set discreetly within the wilderness setting, the Lodge offers 4 different styles of accommodation, from the contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins to the luxurious King Billy Suites.

THE HISTORY
Gustav Weindorfer, an Austrian, emigrated to Australia in 1899 and married Kate Cowle of Tasmania in 1902. They bought part of Kate’s brother’s farm (Lauriston) near Mt. Roland and spent their honeymoon camping at the top of Mt. Roland.

Both dedicated botanists, for them it seemed the ideal way to spend time together, sheltering in a canvass tent at night and cooking their meals over a camp fire. In 1909, Gustav and a friend – Charlie Sutton, set out to explore Cradle Mountain.

Both men were awed and amazed by the rugged spleandour of the highlands and upon returning to Lauriston Gustav was intent on buying land in Cradle Valley. In March 1902 Gustav commenced building Waldheim (Forest Home).

This single roofed hut was gradually extended to provide accommodation for friends and acquaintances with whom he wanted to share his love of this wildly beautiful land.

The accommodation and facilities were primitive but when one considers everything, including a large cast iron bath, was carried in by Weindorfer over many miles of trackless bushland, it is extraordinary that the home was ever completed.

In the summer of 1913, Gustav opened Waldheim for business, playing host to visitors prepared to forego contemporary conveniences in order to experience the magnificent highland scenery.

Gustav continued to live at Waldheim even after the death of his beloved Kate in 1916 and though he was to accommodate many people at the chalet he earned the reputation for being a hermit. On 16 May 1922, the land extending from Cradle Mountain south to Lake St. Clair (some 161,000 hectares) was proclaimed a National Park.

The park came into being largely as a result of the considerable efforts made by Gustav, Kate and friends – they had campaigned over many years to have the government recognise the unique nature of the region and to preserve it for all to enjoy.

Gustav died on 4th May 1932 aged 58. He was buried in front of his treasured forest home and in 1938 a monument to Gustav was mounted on the site. Years later Waldheim had fallen into disrepair and the buildings were demolished by the National Parks & Wildlife Service.

However, the public outcry over the loss of Waldheim was such that a replica – built from slabs and pailings cut from King Billy Pine – was built on the site.

Today Waldheim is almost as the Weindorfers’ left it, it’s rough hewn walls and tiny rooms with the open verandah where they and their friends looked across the valley to the jutting peaks of Cradle Mountain, now holds records of the early days of Cradle Mountain and the Weindorfer’s efforts to create a National Park to protect it for all time.

Every New Year’s Day a memorial service is held at Waldheim to pay tribute to their vision. Over the years the beauty of Cradle Mountain continued to attract visitors.

In 1970 two brothers, Alec and Ossie Ellis, together with Marcus Dunstan and Richard Ruddle, all from long time Tasmanian families, acquired 800 acres on the border of the Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park. Here they would begin building a Lodge which would provide accommodation and meals for passing travelers – mostly keen bushwalkers and fishermen.

The setting chosen for the Lodge provided sweeping views and easy access to some of the most spectacular sites on the mountain. The two level Lodge featured a dining room with a huge fire place, a kitchen and a bar. Guest accommodation of seven rooms and two bathrooms were upstairs.

The Pencil Pine Lodge, as it was known on opening in 1971, became increasingly successful and later individual cabins were added around the Lodge. Five guest cabins were built, each named after the native flora and fauna of the region – Currawong, Fagus, Hakea, Richea and Bauera. By the end of 1972 a staff cabin “The Greenhouse” had also been completed.

In 1984, Pencil Pine Lodge was acquired by a young and enthusiastic mainland couple. Without compromising the rustic charm of the original Pencil Pine Lodge, Simon and Anne Currant added thirty cabins to the property and upgraded lounge, bar and dining facilities.

The property was renamed Cradle Mountain Lodge, but the name Pencil Pine was retained to designate the cabins. In April 1988, Cradle Mountain Lodge was purchased by P&O Australian Resorts and the property underwent extensive expansion and refurbishment.

The new Cradle Mountain Lodge was to become a wilderness retreat that worked in harmony with the unique World Heritage listed environment and provide guests with the comfort and modern conveniences they were searching for.

In 2004, Voyages Hotels and Resorts became custodians and under their ownership the Lodge continued a program of careful management of the Lodge and the magnificent surroundings, working with National Parks to upgrade various tracks and ensure the unique flora and fauna of the area is preserved.

The Lodge joined the Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels portfolio in 2012 as part of their exclusive retreats collection. Today, locals and visitors alike are able to enjoy the beauty of the mountain wilderness area that first attracted Gustav Weindorfer and has since become recognised as ‘one of the world’s most precious places’.

Cradle Mountain Lodge is proudly owned by Elanor Investors Group. We look forward to welcoming you to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge to experience our hospitality while enjoying the wildlife and beauty of the pristine Tasmanian wilderness.

WEATHER
The weather in this alpine region is changeable and unpredictable, but if you are well prepared you will enjoy the many moods of the mountains and rainforests.

The area has an average maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) in Summer and 6 degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit) in Winter. It is important to note that temperatures can go into the minus degrees Celsius during winter – especially over night.

STAY
At Cradle Mountain Lodge, guest cabins are dotted amongst the surrounding wilderness amongst tree-lined ranges and overlook grassy folds.

Wallabies and wombats pause between mouthfuls of buttongrass and possums watch with mischiefous interest as they cris-cross the timber boardwalks… these are some of the magical sights that await as you make your way along the well-lit trails and boardwalks that surround the Lodge.

PENCIL PINE CABINS
Relax in comfort and admire the peaceful lake or bushland views from our Pencil Pine Cabins. With warm tones and contemporary furnishings our cabins feature a queen bed, separate day bed and gas heater reminiscent of a traditional fireplace.

We also have our Pencil Pine Balcony Cabins with stunning views over the crisp, alpine Cradle Mountain wilderness which you can enjoy from your private balcony and our Family Pencil Pine Cabins featuring two rooms for the whole family to enjoy.

SPA CABINS
Our private and peaceful Spa Cabins are located in the natural bushland setting. Enjoy the views through the treetops or directly into the surrounding Myrtle Forest from your verandah. Given the proximity to the National Park, Cradle Mountain’s wildlife are regular visitors.

Two types of Spa Cabins are available. Contemporary Spa Cabins feature modern interiors and furnishings with a gas fire heater and Family Spa Cabins feature a queen size bed and two single beds.

Each cabin has a spacious bathroom which includes a spa bath and shower and offers additional amenities including an in-room Bluetooth speaker and coffee and tea making facilities with a range of quality teas and hot chocolate.

SPA SUITES
For those looking to enjoy some extra indulgence Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Spa Suites are the ideal choice. Spa Cabins are styled with hand-made Tasmanian wood furnishings and feature king-sized beds piled with soft goose-down duvets. Of course, a log fire and a deep spa are also a big part of the attraction.

Spa Suites also offer a range of additional in-room comforts and services such as a mini-bar, complimentary gourmet coffee and tea station, these are some of the extra treats included in this style of cabin.

Enjoy music from your in-room Bluetooth speaker or the silence of the surrounding wilderness. Each Spa Suite has a private verandah with outdoor furniture and with views into or over the surrounding wilderness, wildlife spotting in comfort is all a part of Cradle’s natural charm.

The Spa Suites are perfect for romantic occasions and for really soaking up the surrounding wilderness from the privacy of your own warm and cosy haven.

KING BILLY SUITES
King Billy Suites represent the ultimate in luxurious wilderness accommodation. King Billy Suites are expansive; featuring separate sleeping and living areas including a double sided wood fire, king size bed and oversized bathroom with freestanding bath.

The interior highlights a contemporary design scheme with premium appointments and furnishings. These suites have beautiful outlooks over the surrounding wilderness, including a large picture window from the bedroom.

HIGHLAND RESTAURANT
Recognised as one of Tasmania’s premier dining experiences, featuring the very best of Tasmanian food and wine. The Highland Restaurant is where you will enjoy the mountain buffet-breakfast and dinner (bookings are necessary for dinner). Picnic hamper services are available by arrangement. Guests with special diets should advise reception before arrival.

TAVERN BAR & BISTRO
Open 7 days a week the Tavern Bar & Bistro provides a warm, casual, rustic tavern atmosphere complete with a roaring log fire, pool table, and television. Bistro style meals are served for lunch and dinner daily.

The Bar provides a wide selection of beverages and is the perfect place to enjoy a social drink at the end of an exciting day of exploring Cradle Mountain. The Tavern Bar & Bistro welcomes day visitors as well as our in-house guests. Opening hours: Midday-10pm

WINE & CHEESE TASTING
Taste six lovingly handcrafted wines accompanied by three boutique cheeses which showcase Tasmania’s reputation for gourmet produce. Our host will guide you through the history and individuality of Tasmania’s wine and cheese industry.

TASMANIAN HIGH TEA
The taste of Tasmania in a decadent high tea, featuring the best Tasmanian produce with locally handcrafted bread. Our talented pastry chef hand makes all of our delectable morsels using locally supplied ingredients with a twist of native bush ingredients.

Local producers such as Roland Range Meats from the foothills of Mount Roland, Cape Grim Beef from the north-west tip of Tasmania (the cleanest air in the world), famous Cheeses from King Island, organic locally grown vegetables, fresh salmon from the ice-cold waters of the west coast.

WALDHEIM ALPINE SPA
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness. Combining nature’s intelligence and power of touch, our spa and massage therapies mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain.

Your spa experience will be enhanced by the towering presence of the King Billy pines as you watch fresh mountain streams run through the Tasmanian wilderness.

The advanced skincare formulations and professional spa therapies provide life-enhancing solutions for every man and woman. Unique massage sequences and power-boosting facials address your specific skin and body conditions, producing visible results, whilst re-awakening the senses.

TREATMENTS
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness. Combining nature’s intelligence and power of touch, our spa and massage therapies mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain.

Your spa experience will be enhanced by the towering presence of the King Billy pines as you watch fresh mountain streams run through the Tasmanian wilderness.

The advanced skincare formulations and professional spa therapies provide life-enhancing solutions for every man and woman. Unique massage sequences and power-boosting facials address your specific skin and body conditions, producing visible results, whilst re-awakening the senses.

The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge. The benefits of combining hot and cold water therapies is an invigorating experience that promotes healthy blood flow and enhances circulation.

THE SANCTUARY
The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge.

The benefits of combining hot and cold water therapies is an invigorating experience that promotes healthy blood flow and enhances circulation. This remedy has ancient origins and is held in high esteem by modern-day health professionals.

WEDDINGS IN TASMANIA
Pristine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and ancient towering forests create a striking backdrop for your wedding. The World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park in the Tasmanian highlands is one of the last wilderness regions on earth. On its doorstep is the rustic retreat of Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Your guests will love the breathtaking scenery, cosy cabins and magnificent meals, not to mention a superb choice of alpine activities and indulgences. Contemplate the majesty of the mountains on an adventure trek, followed by a blissful alpine body treatment in our award winning Waldheim Alpine Spa.

In the evening, you are drawn to the warm glow of the open fire in the Lodge as you reminisce with family and friends. Cradle Mountain Lodge is the perfect setting for a wedding celebration of just two, or up to 90 guests. No matter what the size of your celebration, you will be offered personal service and attention to detail.

CONFERENCES
Escape the distractions of the city and the workplace to a haven that can free the mind and the spirit. If you are looking for natural inspiration and clear thinking then Cradle Mountain Lodge provides the perfect venue.

Nestled discreetly into the natural Tasmanian wilderness on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain Lodge offers a truly unique venue for conferences, meetings, executive retreats or incentives.

Provide your delegates with an experience that will not only be personally rewarding but will also ensure an effective and outcome focused result for your investment – sometimes you can mix business with pleasure!

Our facilities and programs are tailored to your needs with activities and events designed to motivate and energise. Pre and post stay options are also available, so that your delegates can extend their stay to make the most of the wonderful natural setting and surrounding attractions, either by themselves or with their loved ones.

We also offer unique environmental initiatives to participate in such as the Devils @ Cradle program, assisting in the protection of the local Tasmanian Devil population.

We like to tailor our Conference/Meetings and Incentive packages to your requirements and therefore encourage you to contact us to discuss your needs.

EXPLORE
While many guests have heard of Cradle Mountain’s remarkable beauty and dramatic setting, it’s not until they’re standing 1,545 metres above sea level, breathing our pure alpine air, that they truly appreciate they’ve stepped into a destination experience like no other.

Recognised as one of the last true wilderness regions on Earth, Cradle Mountain’s realm forms part of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed area at the northern end of Lake St Clair National Park, where breathtaking vistas change with the season, and no two days are quite the same.

At Cradle Mountain Lodge, we’re perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the abundant natural assets our ‘backyard’ has to offer. But, with so many hidden jewels in Cradle Mountain’s crown, to properly explore the multi-faceted layers of our unique flora and fauna, unforgettable views, glacial lakes, and extraordinary alpine landscapes, it pays to have a little local knowledge.

WALKS
There is a range of self-guided activities on a daily basis which vary depending on the weather and the season. Charges apply to some activities. National park entry fees may also apply. There are over 20 different self-guided walking tracks around Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake, ranging from 20 minutes to 9 hours.

WALKING AMONGST THE WILDERNESS
The best way to appreciate the World Heritage Listed environment at Cradle Mountain is by taking a scenic walk.

For guests of Cradle Mountain Lodge, it is not necessary to venture into the National Park to experience the best of Tasmania’s wilderness, as we have a host of great walks with spectacular scenery that leave directly from the Lodge grounds. These walks are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and weather conditions.

Use our guide below to help determine which of these walks are most suitable for you. Additional information and detailed walking maps are also available from the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre.

When out walking, it is recommended that you do not wander off the tracks and that you wear sensible, comfortable shoes or sneakers. You should also take warm clothes and/or wet weather gear, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses with you, as the weather is unpredictable in this alpine region. For environmental reasons, we ask that you follow the Minimal Impact Guidelines by:

• Staying on formed tracks at all times
• Carry all rubbish with you
• Do not drop cigarette butts or matches
• Do not feed the wallabies, birds or other wildlife
• Please consider others and keep noise to a minimum

GRADES

• Easy: Suitable for all ages, but take care with children.
• Medium: Some steps and inclines; for people who walk occasionally.
• Hard: Steep steps and inclines; for people who walk regularly. Visitors with heart or respiratory problems should not attempt these walks.

THE ENCHANTED STROLL
Meander along the banks of the Pencil Pine River, passing through a diverse array of vegetation, from buttongrass plains to teatree thickets, eucalypt woodlands and mossy myrtle forests. At dawn and dusk, an opportunity (if you’re fortunate) to see the elusive platypus as it frolics in the pools, or glimpse a wombat as it feeds.

• Duration – 20 Minutes (1km)
• Grade – Easy
• Starts – The front of the Lodge (circular track)

KING BILLY TRACK
Ramble along through this age old temperate rainforest to discover the myrtle, sassafras and ancient King Billy pines up to 1500 years of age. These giants are now fully protected, although once greatly sought after for their timber. The collection seen on-route are some of the oldest known in the local area.

• Duration – 40 Minutes (2km)
• Grade – Easy
• Starts – To the right of the Lodge (circular track)

THE WATERFALLS WALK 
If you enjoy cascading waterfalls and tranquil rivers then this is the walk for you. Follow the Dove Canyon Track to the Pencil Pine Falls, only 5 minutes walk. This popular swimming spot is likely to provide one of the more invigorating swims of a lifetime!

The whole track is boardwalk. From the Pencil Pine falls, continue downstream towards Knyvet Falls. Return via the same route. The waterfalls are particularly spectacular after periods of rain.

• Duration 30-40 minutes (1.5km)
• Grade – Easy
• Starts – Opposite the Lodge Shop

SPEELER TRACK
The Speeler track, beginning on the same route as the King Billy track, offers scenic vistas ranging from cool temperate rainforests, to the seemingly endless fields of buttongrass known as the ‘Fury Plains’.

You may even be able to catch glimpses of Cradle Valley and Cradle Mountain, weather permitting. The walk also offers the perfect opportunity to spot wombats, wallabies and echidnas. Please be aware that this track becomes very muddy after rain.

• Duration – 1.5 Hours
• Grade – Medium
• Starts – To the right of the Lodge (circular track)

DOVE CANYON TRACK
After discovering the beauty of the Knyvet Falls this track continues to follow the path of the Pencil Pine River, before taking you through impressive temperate rainforests.

A five minute detour, approximately 500m after crossing the river, will take you to the striking junction of the Pencil Pine River and the Dove River. As you continue, the track climbs to the top of Dove Canyon where you are faced with 60-70m cliffs that form the boundaries of Dove River.

You are also treated to spectacular views down Cradle Valley and of Cradle Mountain on a clear day. Please be aware this is a more challenging track with one small part involving scaling up rocks; not recommended after periods of rain.

• Duration – 3 Hours
• Grade – Hard
• Starts – Opposite the Lodge Shop (circular track).

DOVE LAKE CIRCUIT WALK
A fairly easy grade makes this walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, focusing on Cradle Mountain, temperate rainforests and sub alpine plant communities. See Cradle Mountain in all its glory and learn about the action of past glaciers on the landscape.

• Duration – 3 Hours
• Grade – Easy

WALDHEIM DRIVE TOUR
The road to Waldheim turns off approximately 2.5km before Dove Lake, from there it is a mere 500 meters to the chalet and car park. The tour will stop to look at the beautiful Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain (weather permitting).

On the way, your guide will tell you all about the local fauna, flora and history of this famous area. Your visit to Waldheim will give an introduction to the life and times of Cradle Valley’s pioneer conservationists, Gustav and Kate Weindorfer. A short stroll through the ancient rainforest completes this tour.

• Duration – 2 Hours
• Grade – Easy

CRATER LAKE
An excellent walk which takes you to the Crater Falls and a magical forest with pandini and sassafras trees. Discover the hidden glacial lake surrounded by 200 meter cliffs covered with fagus. Great views of Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lakes.

• Duration – 3 Hours
• Grade – Medium

MARIONS LOOKOUT
This is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable degree of fitness is desirable. On a clear day, this walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake.

• Duration – 3 Hours
• Grade – Medium to Hard

WILDLIFE SPOTTING DRIVE TOUR
A unique 1.5 hour drive tour exploring part of this World Heritage Listed area searching for the animals that call Cradle Mountain National Park home.

CRADLES HIDDEN GEMS TOUR
Travel into Cradle Mountain National Park on a journey searching for those hidden gems. We search for every one’s favourite the Wombat on part of the Overland Track, visit the famous historic Waldheim Chalet historical museum and walk through the breath taking ancient Weindorfor rain forest.

DOVE LAKE GUIDED CANOE TRIP
Glide over Dove Lake on this 5km guided canoe trip and see Cradle Mountain as no one else can. This is an exclusive 4 hour (half day) activity appropriate for people with a moderate level of fitness.

BIO-CALENDAR
Cradle Mountain Lodge is located in one of Australia’s most remote and breath taking locations; and boasts some of the most amazing and unique natural wonders all year round. Below is our biological calendar so that you can be sure to not miss out on your most treasured natural wonder.

JANUARY

• Spreading Guinea Flower, Golden Rosemary & Daisy flowering
• Snow gums flowering
• Rufus Wallabies can be seen feasting on Scorparia flowers
• Echidnas are often out and about in the early hours of the morning or seen fossicking in the late afternoon
• Tasmanian Devils can sometimes be seen

FEBRUARY

• Mountain Rocket and Silver Banksia flowering
• Snow Gums flowering
• Magnificent Leatherwoods flowering
• Myrtles have bright green new foliage
• Mountain Rocket fruiting
• Tasmanian Devils can sometimes be seen

MARCH

• Mountain Rocket & Silver Banksia flowering
• Tasmanian Waratah, Myrtles, Leptospermum, Snow Gums, Mountain Rocket, Richea Scorparia and Button grass can all be viewed easily from the Lodge

APRIL

• Tasmania’s Fagus, Australia’s only winter deciduous tree, ends its cycle of the spectacular range of autumn colours, from rust red through to brilliant gold Tasmanian Waratah, Myrtles, Leptospermum, Snow Gums, Mountain Rocket, Richea Scorparia and Button grass can all be viewed easily from the LodgeTasmania’s Fagus, Australia’s only winter deciduous tree, ends its cycle of the spectacular range of autumn colours, from rust red through to brilliant gold
• Tasmanian Waratah, Myrtles, Leptospermum, Snow Gums, Mountain Rocket, Richea Scorparia and Button grass can all be viewed easily from the Lodge

MAY

• Tasmania’s Fagus, Australia’s only winter deciduous tree, ends its cycle of the spectacular range of autumn colours, from rust red through to brilliant gold
• Tasmanian Waratah, Myrtles, Leptospermum, Snow Gums, Mountain Rocket, Richea Scorparia and Button grass can all be viewed easily from the Lodge

JUNE

• Possible snow falls
• At all times of the year guests would be assured of viewing an abundance of Wallabies and Possums. If you were to stay for a few days, you may also see Wombats, Quolls and Tasmanian Devils

JULY

• Possible snow falls
• Pencil Pine Falls and Kynvet Falls are a close walk from the Lodge, the tracks are surrounded by ancient Myrtle rainforests
• The King Billy track leads to a spectacular huge King Billy Pine which towers high above the forest, on this track also is a platform which on a clear day has a view of Cradle Mountain

AUGUST

• Possible snow falls
• At all times of the year guests would be assured of viewing an abundance of Wallabies and Possums. If you were to stay for a few days, you may also see Wombats, Quolls and Tasmanian Devils

SEPTEMBER

• Native flora such as Boronia, Banksia and Snow Gums flowering
• Young Tasmanian Devils and Spotted-tailed Quolls are becoming playful

OCTOBER

• Platypus are playful and tend to be active for longer periods in the daytime during their mating season
• Native flora such as Tasmanian Waratah, Boronia, Banksia and Snow Gums flowering

NOVEMBER

• Native flora such as Tasmanian Waratah, Boronia, Banksia and Snow Gums flowering
• Platypus are playful and tend to be active for longer periods in the daytime during their mating season
• Echidnas are often out and about in the early hours of the morning or seen in the late afternoon

DECEMBER

• A variety of bird life can be seen within the area such as Honeyeaters, Wrens and Red Breasted Robins
• Tasmanian Christmas Bells flowering
• Echidnas are often out and about in the early hours of the morning or seen fossicking in the late afternoon

Rooms: 86

Price: from 234 EUR per night

Source: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au