Introduction to Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is the northern gateway to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a tract of Tasmanian wilderness traversed by the world-famous multi-day Overland Track. Shorter day walks from Cradle Mountain explore the World Heritage Area, with its glaciated crags and lakes, wildlife and rare alpine flora.
Freycinet's tranquil coastal moods and Strahan's rollicking heritage contrast with Cradle Mountain's pristine wilderness and world heritage landscapes.
Lace up your bushwalking boots and venture out from your luxury accommodation - see Gondwanan vegetation fringing mountain pools, hear the cry of currawongs in the forest, climb high and gaze across an ice-carved world on your Cradle Mountain holiday.
Set in scenic alpine woodland and Tasmanian wilderness, Cradle Mountain Chateau welcomes you home at the end of the day with warm log fires, comfortable holiday accommodation, hearty mountain food and traditional Tasmanian hospitality.
About Cradle Mountain
With it's majestic alpine peaks, and beautiful lakes, it's no wonder why Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's most popular tourist and holiday destinations. The National Park boasts some of the most spectacular bush walking in the state, and the 4 star accommodation allows one to relax in style.
To find out more about the accommodation options available for your Cradle Mountain holiday, try out Pure Tasmania holiday planner.
Food & Wine
From the north, the road to Cradle Mountain passes through the island's most fertile farming areas. The croplands of the North West Coast produce splendid vegetables, including Tasmania's renowned varieties of potatoes, which flourish in the rich, red volcanic soil.
Dairy herds of Friesians and Jerseys graze lush dairy pastures - local tasmanian cheesemakers craft the milk into full-flavoured cheeses. Sinfully-rich double cream - too thick to pour - is a regional Tasmanian specialty.
Not far from Cradle Mountain, in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers, boutique vineyards grow the grapes that make some of the island's best sparkling wines.
Highland lakes teem with fighting brown and rainbow trout, Tasmania's fames sporting fish - their succulent pink flesh is a gourmet treat.
At Cradle Mountain Chateau, all these local delicacies feature on the menu, experience them on your own Cradle Mountain holiday.
Nature & Wildlife
At Cradle Mountain, natural wonders begin at your accommodation doorstep, with the glowing colours of Tasmanian snow gum trunks in subalpine forest.
Further into the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the vegetation changes, with groves of myrtles around Dove Lake overshadowing tall pandanis and tree ferns. As the walking track climbs higher, natural alpine gardens by glacial tarns are bright with wildflowers. In autumn there's a blaze of red and gold as the island's only native deciduous plant - Nothofagus gunnii - changes colour.
Tasmania's remarkable wildlife is as abundant at Cradle Mountain as it is around Freycinet and Strahan - the raucous cry of currawongs and black cockatoos in the forest canopy, wallabies and wombats grazing at dawn and dusk, quolls and Tasmanian devils scavenging in the wilderness at night.
Cradle Mountain offers one of the most unique wilderness holiday experiences in Tasmania.
History
In the early years of the 20th century, an Austrian adventurer, botanist and conservationist stood on the summit of Cradle Mountain and gazed out across the rugged and spectacular glaciated Tasmanian wilderness.
With his words "This must be a national park for the people for all time," Gustav Weindorfer began the movement that eventually led to the Cradle Mountain wilderness's, World Heritage listing because of the global significance of the area's natural and cultural heritage values.
Weindorfer built 'Waldheim' (his 'forest home') in Cradle Valley and lived there with his wife Kate until his death in 1932. He introduced many people to the wonders of Cradle Mountain and had the satisfaction of seeing the high country between Cradle and Lake St Clair proclaimed a scenic reserve in 1922.
Today, a faithfully reconstructed 'Waldheim' stands on the edge of the forest, close to where the famous Overland Track heads south into Tasmania's alpine wilderness.
How to get here
From the north, Cradle Mountain is a comfortable two-hour drive from Launceston on the Bass Highway (1) via Deloraine, turning off at Elizabeth Town to Sheffield) or 1.5 hours from Devonport via Sheffield, then turning off to Cradle Mountain.
From Strahan, take the A10 north through Zeehan and Rosebery - it's about a 1.5 hour drive.
From Hobart, take the Midlands Highway (1) through Campbell Town, turn left at Perth then take the Bass Highway (1), turning left at Elizabeth Town to Sheffield, then turning off to Cradle Mountain.
Where to dine on your holiday
At Cradle Mountain Chateau you'll enjoy fine Tasmanian wines and fresh local produce, prepared and served with flair. Quolls Casual Dining is perfect for breakfast, lunch, coffee and light meals, 7 days a week. The elegant Brushtails Bar is the ideal place for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap - and you can dine in style at The Grey Gum, the chateau's signature à la carte restaurant.
Where to stay on your Cradle Mountain adventure holiday
All 60 of the beautifully-appointed rooms and suites at the Cradle Mountain Chateau have double-sliding doors opening on to their own small private decks for wildlife viewing and woodland views. All accommodation is ground-floor level. There are standard twin rooms with two double beds; king spa rooms, with king-size beds and bathroom spas; and deluxe split-level suites, with sunken lounge, king-size beds and bathroom spas.
Cradle Mountain Chateau is the ideal accommodation for your Cradle Mountain holiday experience.
Accommodation Service and facilities
Guest facilities at Cradle Mountain Chateau include:
- Complimentary parking,
- Reception and tour desk facilities.
- Internet access is available on an hourly rate in the foyer.
- Lounge areas have open log fires and leather armchairs.
- Full-size billiard table,
- Two libraries,
- Gift shop,
- Masseur,
- Disabled facilities and
- Guest laundry.
If your are unsure about your holiday accommodation requirements for Cradle Mountain you may like to take a look at our Special Offers, with great discounts on available accommodation and holiday experiences.
Cradle Mountain Chateau
Cradle Mountain Chateau is a 4 star eco-resort situated in alpine wilderness at the northern end of Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park - a comfortable two hour drive from Launceston or 1.25 hours from Devonport. The Chateau is located on Cradle Mountain Road, the gateway to the West Coast and Strahan Village, and just a five minute drive to World Heritage listed national park and Tasmanian wilderness.
The Chateau offers 60 hotel style rooms under one roof, split into two wings. All rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities, heating, electric blankets, television and telephone facilities. 24 hour room service and guest laundry is also available.
View Special Offers and Accommodation for Cradle Mountain