Distance: Devonport to Cradle Mountain is just over 100km
Time: we took around a week beginning in Melbourne on Spirit of Tasmania
The wilderness gets me every time; so a road trip that leads right into the depths of a gob-smacking World Heritage Listed area within just a few leisurely hours, is always going to be a winner for me. The drive from Devonport to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania is one that highlights that no matter what the season, Tasmania is shrouded in beauty.
Let mother nature weave its magic.
But like all drives, it’s about the journey. So let’s not get bogged down in the ‘final’ destination. Just yet.
A really fun thing we enjoyed was taking our car (with our caravan in tow) on Spirit of Tasmania and letting the rolling seas put us in the mood for something completely different. For us, this is where our journey started as it really is a relaxing, and quite exciting night at sea heading towards the Apple Isle.
Family-friendly and recently refurbished, it even has a cinema onboard (our daughter loved that!). We found a great lounge bar upstairs with live music where we could relax after we had dinner in the TMK (Tasmanian Market Kitchen). But what I loved the most was simply standing out on the bow of the ship and taking in the fresh air as we left the lights of Melbourne and sailed across Bass Strait (not to mention being rocked to sleep in our cabin that night).
Take in the freshest air in the world
As soon as we docked in Devonport, our entire family took a deep breath, as though leaving the noise of mainland Australia behind, and kicked back into a much slower, “touring” gear. I long for that feeling when I am back in my ordinary life……
It was almost too easy driving off Spirit of Tasmania (after a good nights sleep) in our own car and simply continuing on our journey – and anything to make a holiday easier is a winner in my books.
Explore the treasures of Devonport
The gateway to the North East of Tassie, Devonport sits on the Mersey River and the Bass Strait coast – so you get the best of everything, river, ocean and mountain views! A quick google search and you realise you’re spoilt for choice for things to do, but we’re always looking for something a little different, and made a bee line for The Julie Burgess.
The Julie Burgess
With the backdrop of Bass Strait, exploring the maritime history is fascinating.
Every time we speak of her, a smile comes over the faces of our entire family. Built in 1936, she’s the last of nearly 150 beautiful fishing ketches built or operated by the Burgess family, who have been involved in the local maritime industry since the 1840’s.
She’s been beautifully restored and you can jump on board and relive her classic sailing days on a 2-hour sailing.
To spend the afternoon with such passionate volunteers who were part of the team that restored her was a privilege. I would urge anyone thinking about something a little different, to jump on board and not only think about those pioneering settlers who sailed these old beauties, but the locals who spend their lives preserving them today.
After spending some time in Devonport, it was time to hit the road on our path towards Cradle Mountain, although our first stop was only 15 minutes out of town.
Spreyton Cider Company.
Family owned and run, the Spreyton Cider Company arose from the Spreyton Fresh Juice Company that’s been growing apples on the island for over 100 years. We spent the afternoon with cider maker Damien, and I quickly realised the place is built on passion. And as for the cider? Lucky for me, my partner was driving so I got to enjoy the vast array available at the cellar door – I never knew there were so many varieties!
We picked out some of our favourites and packed them into the car to enjoy at our accommodation later – it only seemed right.
Sheffield – the town of Murals
Quirky, unique, it’s all here!
The touring route to Cradle Mountain is filled with places to drop into… and one of them is the unique town of Sheffield, also known as the town of murals! And I am not just talking of a few, I am talking the entire town. The famous street art all over the towns buildings, paint the pictures of Cradle Mountain pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, Tasmanian tigers, and other historic stories and characters.
Whether you like art or not, this is a worthy stop on your way. It’s impossible to not be inspired by the walls as you walk the streets; so grab an ice-cream and settle in for the stroll!
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
World-class viewing out your window
With a backdrop of the rolling farmland, Tasmania has a way of reminding me world-class wilderness can be just around the corner.
And as we made the hour-long journey from Sheffield to Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, a silence seems to come over our car as we’re captured by the scenery unfolding outside the window.
Undulating roads, lush green pastures – like a magnet, we’re pulled towards one of Tasmania’s most special places. Spanning over 160,000 hectares the national park is filled with ancient rainforest and alpine heaths. On approach to the national park, Cradle Mountain itself kind of lures you down the road; it’s craggy peaks are imposing on the landscape, it’s close enough to see, but far away enough to make you curious.
And once you arrive into the national park, and stand in front of Cradle Mountain, her reflection shimmers in the iconic Dove Lake like a painting. With the changing moods of the weather, I could stand there all day and never get bored of that sight. It’s world-class and simply timeless.
As we explored the park, it added another dimension to see the home of Gustav Weindorfer – the passionate Austrian botanist who, after migrating to Australia in the late 1800’s, laid eyes on Cradle Mountain in 1910 and famously said “this must be a national park for the people of all time. It is magnificent and people must know about it and enjoy it”. Which he then dedicated his life to, and we can thank certainly today.
You’ve got plenty of options of where to stay, from the holiday park which has plenty of cabins, caravan and tent sites, to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Both are completely enveloped by bushland, and the facilities have been thoughtfully built into the landscape.
There are so many options when exploring the park, from a leisurely walking trail around famous Dove Lake which is boardwalked for much of the way, to the longer 6-day hike on the Overland Track that has been well maintained and abuzz with trekkers from all over the world. I’ve done both and couldn’t recommend more highly. When we were there we also met a group who had literally just climbed up Cradle Mountain herself, something I will be sure to take on one day.
You can also give your feet a rest and up the thrill meter with a quad bike adventure. Winding through ancient myrtle and eucalypt forest to button grass plains, with priceless views of Cradle Mountain and other landmarks, be prepared to get a little bit dirty and have a lot of fun out in the wilderness.
But I want to leave you with a short video of the Park Ranger we met, Jeff. He has certainly found his place in life, where it’s his mission to protect our incredible backyard, which he does (with a huge twinkle in his eye) on a daily basis. Got the life hey.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Tassie in the comments – have you been or would you like to go?
My wife Shellie and I have been to Tassie five times since 2013. Just love the place, the beauty, variety, the cool clean air, the light. Love the energy and creativity of the people. We have done a fair bit of overseas travel but now Tasmania has firmed as our favourite place in the world. Not least, because of it`s remoteness from the mess that is much of the rest of the planet and the limited human impact. It has a great mix of comforts and solitude.
I totally agree Robert on the fact that Tassie seems to have escaped the craziness of a lot of the world – I think its cooler climate has been it’s saviour as the scenery is absolutely world-class – thanks to the locals have fought so hard to protect what they can. As you would well know, you can be walking along Coles Bay, or Wine Glass (or anywhere as you know) and there is literally not another soul in sight. It’s hard to believe really. And re the creativity of the people, don’t you just love the way they are also so connected to the land – the producers are just so passionate. I could go on and on…… Thanks for your comment – love chatting! Jen 🙂
My daughter and I went to Tasmania did a bit of a road trip went to cradle mountain had an amazing time would luv to spend more time there ?
Yeah every time we go we always feel so alive – such a magical, unpretentious part of the world isn’t it. I just love it. We’re planning on going back later this year, I wouldn’t actually mind trying to climb Cradle Mountain over summer! (I’d want to get training though:)) – Where are you from June? Jen.
I absolutely love Tassie and have been so many times I’ve lost count. From a year 7 school excursion years ago to a Camping Connection holiday in my late teens and then with hubby and more recently with my kids, it never disappoints. I liken it to a mini Eurooe without the long flight (and big air fare). Fantastic post Jen.
I am finding myself doing the same Miriam – meaning taking my kids and partner to places that I remember running around when I was a child – the thing that I love about Tassie is that I see my daughter (almost 9) play in such an old-school care free way when we are there.. we were once filming at the Bay of Fires when she was about four, and I asked the cameraman if we could do a little interview with her at the top of the Blue Tier Walk (just for me to have personally). I had a look at it the other day – and realised I was re-creating those memories I loved so much when I was a kid, for her. Sounds like you are doing the same. And yes! Don’t you know how short that flight is!!!! Jen:)
We live in TassieI LOVE Cradle Mountain….
Where do you live?? How lucky for you!!
Hi Jen.
Lovely little video clip. How did you manage that though as Ranger Jeff left for Victoria several years who???
Thanks Annie, as for the video it was from an episode we filmed there a couple of years ago – time is flying! we were obviously back last year, but I just loved that interview – what a passionate Ranger he is. Sums up how everyone we met there felt, so I thought it would be great to include. Thanks for the commment! Jen 🙂
Hi Jen, love your show and these blogs. We were in Tasmania many years ago and would love to return with our caravan but we have heard it is so expensive to take both car and caravan. Did you take your own camper or hire one from there?
Cheers
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, we have done it all sorts of ways actually. We have been on the spirit and taken our van, been on and just taken our car, and been on there and hired a car when we got there. I found it comparable to a flight, and then taking the van over saved on accom costs plus let us pop up the van overlooking Coles Bay which was absolutely beautiful – if you are thinking of going, and do end up taking your van – Illuka on Freycinet really was stunning (and they have a great little coffee shop down by the water) We just loved it. (We have also stayed in the cabins there). As you’ll see from my blog pics, the holiday park as you enter Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park is perfect. We were greeted with Wallabies as soon as we arrived. Set the tone of the trip really! Clearly I could keep going on and on. Are you thinking of going for long? (Guess that balances out the costs of taking the van on the Spirit? Jen:)
Thanks for your quick reply Jen. I guess to weigh up the cost of taking the van on the boat we would like to stay for 3/4 weeks. The only thing is there is so much to see throughout Australia and although we have travelled quite a bit it has become hard to know where to go next. You have wetted my appetite for the Apple Isle so just deciding when to go will be the next thing.
Another destination on my bucket list is to do a cruise on a small ship from Darwin to Broome. (Or visa versa). My father (now 90) at age of 87 went on one of the small boat cruises and claimed that it was the best trip he had done in his life. There are not many places he hasn’t seen throughout the world.
So if you ever want someone to test drive a trip up that way for you – count me in!!!
Cheers Marilyn
Hi Marilyn – after our big trip around Australia a few years ago (as opposed to the hundreds of smaller weeks/ few weeks we have obviously) I always say to people if I had to choose a road trip right now to recapture what I loved so much about being on the road, I always say the drive from Darwin to Broome! How funny that you have just said that. DO IT!!
Your father sounds fantastic. I will never get over the Kimberly. Have you been before? Its truly magnificent. (I will make my blog next month on the road trip in the Kimberely for you:))
Would love to stay in touch and share your journey – I love how this community can all help others, ie advice.
Lately I have felt like just booking an airfare to broome and going up there for a week and hiring a car. Not for any reason. Just so I can smell the outback again, once you get on the road.
Is your dad going to go with you?
Hope you stay in touch – good luck with your decision!
I love Tasmania and get down there as often as I can. I once hired a motorhome and drove my four children around the island. We had a ball and saw the most amazing scenery. Recently I went down and walked the Overland Track. An absolute must for the bucket list. I stayed in the chalet accommodation, met the most amazing people -both locals and other visitors like me, ate the most incredible food, drank fabulous wine, got up the next morning and walked on to our next destination and did it all again! Cannot recommend this enough to absolutely everyone.
Thanks for you comments Amanda, absolutely love it! Four children! How truly awesome for them and you. Tassie is such a great place to do it, just feels “do-able” and the locals are just so friendly aren’t they.
Re the Overland Trek, how good is it! How did you go? I did it about 10 years ago, and absolutely loved it. When you say you did the chalet accom, do you mean each night on the trek? (I camped in a tent, and these days think I am headed for the chalet version as I love how your mentioned food and wine and then walking on!!!!!) – I must look into that.
re trekking – my in-laws are in the middle of doing the 3 Capes Walk right now, (literally) – I can’t wait to hear how it has gone… nothing better than a good walk.
Thanks for sharing your experience, it inspires us all – and gives everyone lots of ideas. How good it is to talk travel! Jen 🙂
I have never been to Tassie but I am planning a trip there (no date set) and Cradle Mountain is a must do. It is wonderful watching your videos and getting ideas, it makes me more excited. Thank you.