Mountain Bike Damper
Outdoor Adventures in Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain (formerly Cosy Cabins Cradle Mountain) on the boundary of the Cradle Mountain National Park in Tasmania’s Western Wilderness is just over an hour from Burnie, Latrobe and Deloraine. Rising to 1,545 meters above sea level it is one of the principal tourist sites in Tasmania, owing to its natural beauty. Having all its charms, Cradle Mountain Lodge is a warm wilderness. This region is an inspiration that will stay with you long after you leave. Here you see the face of creation all around you in the mirror lakes and rugged mountain peaks.
The Cradle Mountain, the start of the 65-kilometre (40-mile) Overland Track, is the northern end of the 161,000-hectare (397,840-acre) Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Tasmania’s highest mountain, 1,617-metre (5,305-foot) Mt Ossa, is in this park, just off the Overland Track, while another beautiful national park, the Walls of Jerusalem, abuts its eastern boundary.
There are number of adventurous activities in Cradle Mountain such Horse riding and Quad Bikes in the heart of Cradle Country, Tasmania’s most scenic corner and just a short drive to the beautiful Cradle Mountain. Horse riding in the heart of Cradle Country, Tasmania’s most scenic corner and just a short drive to the beautiful Cradle Mountain.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a trainee or an advanced horseperson; horse riding gives you the chance to live it up outdoors in the quintessential Australian experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced horseperson; horse riding gives you the chance to live it up outdoors in the quintessential Australian experience. Rides travel through undulating areas of old-growth eucalypt forest, historic farmland, forest plantations and rivers, all with spectacular forest, rural and mountain views.
There are half-day, full-day and multi-day rides to choose from, with some rides taking in parts of the Tom Quality endurance riding course and the 480km Tasmanian Trail from Devonport to Dover. Gaze at the brilliant landscapes, feel the gentle breeze on your face, taste fine produce, smell the wildflowers and campfire damper and hear the stories behind a great agricultural property. There are creek crossings, log jumps and varying terrain and it’s likely you may spot a playful platypus or a waddling wombat during your ride.
You can experience a range of landscapes from the stunning agricultural hinterland of the Mersey Valley to the renowned Cradle Mountain. Rides also traverse areas the Great Western Tiers region and there are views across to the distant waters of Bass Strait. Half-day rides range from 2.5 hours to 3 hours and these are suitable for everyone from first-time riders through to the experienced.
Full day rides are most popular as these rides are generally faster, longer and more demanding.
In a nutshell, Cradle Mountain is a superb escape with breathtaking scenery, cozy cabins, magnificent meals and days filled with simple pleasures. Perhaps it’s the glow of the open fires that keeps drawing you back or those quiet moments in the Guest’s Lounge, catching up on local lore and history. This is the ideal touring holiday place.
About the Author
Sonaper is an expert in Eco Travel and holistic issues of nature and self realization. Her articles on Cradle Mountain Accommodation are syndicated around the world.
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