The next morning I woke up and headed to the visitor center of Cradle Mountain. I arrived around 8:15 and discovered that the visitor center opens at 9. I wanted to get a map and to catch the shuttle bus to the park. Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most well known national parks. The whole area is a big alpine region and the day I went it was absolutely beautiful out. However, in a few days they were expecting snow. Snow up there can range anywhere between a light dusting to multiple feet of snow. Cradle Mountain
The shuttle took me to stop 3 out of 4 at the park: Ronny Creek. This stop marks the start of the Overland Track. It is also the track to Marion’s Point, which is also on the route of the Overland Track. The hike was very nice. It started through an elevated alpine boardwalk, and then led into a forested area with a waterfall called crater falls. The walk then continues uphill to a picturesque lake (surrounded by a mountain) called Crater lake. The water was a deep, dark, reflective blue. After passing the lake, there is an extremely scenic overlook. The path continues, and it gets really steep. So steep that in some places there are chains to assist you as you climb up the rocks. But once you get to the top, you reach Marion’s Point. From there, you can see Cradle Mountain, a steep and craggy mountain that overlooks a large and pristine alpine lake called Dove Lake. It is truly a spectacular sight. If I continued on, I’d reach the mountain via the Overland Track. But I didn’t have time, so I had to turn around. The track says it takes about 3 hours to hike, but I made it back in 2. But it was one of the best hikes I’ve ever done. After U returned to the visitors center, I had to drive 4 hours to the east coast of Tasmania. Before I left though, I went to the café for lunch and was greeted by 2 wombats at the door trying to get in.
Around 4:30, I arrived at Binalong Bat in northeast Tasmania, also known as the Bay of Fires. Aptly named because of the orange lichen found on the rocks around the bay. At sunset, the sunlight turned the water bright orange. So the bay really did look on fire. After sunset, I drove to a free campground on Jeanneret Beach. From my spot, I could see all of Binalong Bay. Overall, it was a pretty solid day.
