Walk Cradle Mountain National Park

Welcome to Tasmania! A land of dazzling peaks, shady forests and picturesque lakes, there are few better destinations for hiking. Your adventure kicks off in Launceston, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at 9am, then it’s time to hit the road for a scenic drive to Sheffield. This quirky little town is known for its painted murals which you’ll have some time to admire as you stop in and pick up some lunch. Carry on to the spectacular Cradle Mountain National Park. Settle in to your accommodation then head out to discover the beauty of the park on foot. Starting from the beautiful Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain, follow a 6km circuit along the base of the mountain and through rainforest, passing by the King Billy Pine Forest, the Pencil falls and plenty of Tasmania’s unique plant life. After your walk, perhaps get to know your group over dinner at your accommodation. Once the sun has gone down, head out into the night for a guided wildlife spotting tour. Your expert local guide will help to find fascinating nocturnal creatures like wombats, pademelons, wallabies, quolls and of course, Tasmanian devils.

Lace up your boots for another day of hiking through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Cradle Mountain National Park. Depending on conditions, there are two hikes available to you today. The Lake Lilla track begins at Ronny Creek, a popular for spot for wombats to hang out, and detours to the picturesque Wombat Pool and the dramatic Crater Lake. If you’re feeling really active, you’ll also have the chance to climb up to Marion’s Lookout for one of the best views in the park. Your second option is an amazing trek to the Twisted Lakes and Lake Rodway, passing through ever-changing scenery – you’re going to want to have your camera out for this one! Whichever trek you take, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot and enjoy some time to take in your wild surroundings. After your trek, return to your accommodation via shuttle bus and rest up for an exciting day tomorrow. (B/L)

This morning you may like to head to the delightful little town of Rosebery and set out on a walk to the incredible Montezuma Falls, taking around three hours. Follow the path of a former tramway through lush rainforest before arriving at the base of the falls and a suspension bridge strung across the forest below. Named after an Aztec emperor, you’ll soon see that this impressive waterfall lives up to its moniker. For lunch today, perhaps stop in at a local cafe or pub to recharge your batteries. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, then as the sun begins to set, head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal, the Tasmanian devil. Pay a visit to a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish with drinks around a campfire as the sun sets over Cradle Mountain and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils. (B/L)

After breakfast, stretch your legs with a final walk in the area, then say goodbye to Cradle Mountain and pull onto one of the world’s most delicious roads – the famous Cradle to Coast tasting trail. This celebrated stretch of road is home to artisanal producers of Tasmania’s tastiest treats. Make several stops along the way – offering up everything from honey to wine, this journey is sure to be a trip for your tastebuds. Arrive back to Launceston in the mid-afternoon, at which point your adventure will come to an end. (B)