Tasmania Holiday – 2019 Day 9

Cradle Mountain to Stanley

We woke to a break in the weather and saw a glimmer of hope in being able to make it out to Dove Lake to photograph Cradle Mountain itself and the boathouse.

Dove Lake

So we quickly ate breakfast, packed the car, checked out and made our way to the information centre where we showed our parks pass and queued for the courtesy bus.  Only buses are allowed out to Dove Lake between the hours of 8 am to 5 pm as the roads are narrow and the parking is limited.
Once on the bus, it makes four stops in all, the rangers station, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek, and finally Dove Lake. 

Once off the bus, we made haste along the tracks.  Those doing the overland track or the longer hikes, one must register and sign in and out for safety reasons.  We however only did the short path to and from the lake which was about 25 minutes return. 

We hurried along making some stops along the way and taking time to admire the scenery.  There were bursts of sunshine and some light mist.  Finally reaching the boathouse, we lingered a little to take some photos before starting our return.   Our pace quickened as rain descended over the mountains. We managed to jump straight into a bus just as the heavens opened.

Back at the information centre, we warmed ourselves with a hot mug of coffee each and a blueberry muffin.

Next stop Stanley

We winded our way across the state in a westerly direction taking in some magic scenery, passing through Camdale and into the small coastal town of Wynyard.  The views on our way up and from Table Cape where glorious. After a Short break, we headed back down for a spot of lunch and a much-needed toilet break. Then back on the highway and onto Stanley which is a delightful little fishing town and the ex-whaling station made famous by the Nut. 

The Nut is Tassie’s very own Ullaru one could say.  You can walk to the top of the nut, but it is steep in parts,  reasonable fitness is required.  Alternatively, on a good day, you can take the chair lift if okay with heights.  The Nut stands out like a beacon, miles before you reach it.  On entering the town, we took the time to do a quick tour taking in the sights and quaint architecture.  All of which spoke of a bygone era, with such charm and appeal.  

We checked into our Bnb before heading to the local pub for dinner.   Tummies full we made our way back to our inn for a nightcap and bed.

• Category: Australia, Blog, Food, On a budget, Tasmania, Travel