Monday 4/03/2024 Dove Lake – Dove Lake Circuit – The Boatshed – Chain Track – Overland Track – Marion’s Lookout – Kitchen Hut – Cradle Mountain Summit Track – Cradle Mountain (1545m) – Horse Track – Crater Lake Lookout – Ronny Creek Carpark
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, lutruwita/TASMANIA
Palawa Country
Participants: Stephen Davies (Photos), Sue Davies (Report)
After very ordinary weather, with rain and high winds, yesterday we were pleased to wake to a clear and calm morning. With very limited parking in the National Park, it is necessary to take a shuttle bus between the hours of 8:00am and 5:30pm to access the park. However, you are allowed in before 8:00am until the parking spots fill up. Expecting a long day, we decided to go in early to avoid being dependent on the shuttle bus service.
Max elevation: 1539 m
Total climbing: 876 m
Total descent: -958 m
Average speed: 2.92 km/h
Total time: 08:21:48
We had breakfast at Ronny Creek Car Park. Unfortunately, there are no toilets here so we needed to go via Dove Lake. We started walking up the road (which is not recommended, take the path!) and a shuttle bus driver travelling in the opposite direction told us we shouldn’t be on the road, it was too dangerous. We continued and the next bus transporting a group of tourists stopped and gave us a lift to Dove Lake which was much appreciated.
Of course, the group started their walk at the same time as us so we headed down to the Dove Lake Boat Shed. We then followed the Marion Lookout Link Track which climbed quite steeply up to join the main track. We had some nice views down to Crater Lake. Marion’s Lookout gave us great views all around with the Cradle Mountain peak looking somewhat ominous.
There were some lovely small tarns along the way and the views of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff were crystal clear. The walking up to this point was relatively easy, mainly on boardwalk and steps. That soon changed when we started the Cradle Mountain Summit Track. What’s a bushwalk in Tassie without clambering for hours over large boulders?
Dolerite columns and boulders along the route
I’d been talking to a young woman who was walking by herself on the way up. She was just ahead in the boulder section when she slipped and fell hitting her head and hurting her leg. A German couple stopped to help her as she was crying and upset. I was pleased to see her later at the summit so she did well to push on from that point.
The scree/boulder section seemed to last quite a while, probably because progress was slow. Lots of stretching and reaching, not so easy for someone with short limbs! Just when we thought we were near the top we needed to descend following the pole line and then there was another steep scramble to the summit. The mountain itself is a high narrow ridge with dolerite cliffs on both sides so there was much to explore on the top and many views to admire.
View across Suttons Tarn from Cradle Mountain Summit Track
The descent was no easier than the ascent. We were pleased to complete the boulder climbing, enough boulders for one day!
We decided to take a different route back so we went via Cradle Plateau along which we climbed the short distance up to Crater Peak for good views of Crater Lake. We descended the Horse Track in the afternoon sunshine. We walked through fields of button grass and saw several wombats before reaching the car. It was a wonderful long, tiring day!
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, indigenous history, white history and other walks in the area (Gemini)
The park itself is renowned for its glacial lakes, alpine moorlands, and dramatic mountain ranges.
Landscape Features and Geology
Cradle Mountain massif: The track traverses sections of the Cradle Mountain massif, a dolerite mountain range formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Dolerite is a dark-coloured and fine-grained igneous rock.
Glacial landforms: Evidence of glacial activity is evident in U-shaped valleys and carved rock faces along the track.
Cirque and Crater Lake: The route passes Cradle Cirque, a glacial cirque (amphitheatre-shaped valley) containing Crater Lake, a small tarn.
Ballroom Walls: These impressive dolerite cliffs rise above the upper section of the track.
Scenic Highlights
Cradle Mountain summit: The pinnacle of the track offers panoramic views encompassing surrounding peaks, alpine lakes (including Dove Lake in the distance), and sprawling wilderness.
Ballroom Walls: These towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to the upper track.
Cushion plant fields: Extensive areas of colourful cushion plants (various low-growing shrubs) add a visual contrast to the dolerite landscape.
Crater Lake Lookout: This vantage point offers views into the glacial cirque and Crater Lake.
Local Flora
The vegetation along the Cradle Mountain Summit Track varies with elevation:
Subalpine woodlands: Lower sections support subalpine woodlands dominated by snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) and fagus (Fagus gunnii).
Alpine shrublands: Higher elevations transition to alpine shrublands with a variety of cold- and wind-tolerant shrubs.
Cushion plant fields: Extensive areas above the tree line are dominated by colourful and hardy cushion plants, such as Richea (Richea spp.) and mountain heath (Epacris spp.).
Local Fauna
The fauna of the Cradle Mountain summit area is limited due to the harsh conditions:
Birds: Birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) may be seen soaring overhead.
Smaller birds like striated thornbills (Acanthiza lineata) may be present in sheltered areas.
Invertebrates: Insects and spiders adapted to the cold environment may be encountered.
Indigenous History
The Palawa people are the traditional custodians of this land. Evidence suggests Aboriginal Tasmanians may have ventured into the higher elevations for specific purposes, but the harsh environment likely limited extensive occupation. Oral histories and cultural knowledge may provide insights into their connection to this place. Consultation with Tasmanian Aboriginal people is needed for a deeper understanding of their relationship with Cradle Mountain.
White History
European exploration of the Cradle Mountain region began in the early 19th century. Logging and grazing activities initially impacted the area. The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park was proclaimed in 1922, recognising the park’s natural and scenic values. The development of the Cradle Mountain Summit Track allows access to the peak while aiming to minimise environmental impact.
Other Nearby Walks
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers a range of walking tracks catering to different interests and fitness levels:
Dove Lake Circuit: A well-maintained track offering scenic views around Cradle Mountain’s base.
Waldheim Chalet Walk: A shorter walk to a historic alpine hut nestled amongst stunning scenery.
Overland Track: A multi-day hike renowned for its beauty and wilderness experience.
The Cradle Mountain Summit Track provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for fit and experienced hikers. The track offers stunning views, unique flora adapted to harsh conditions, and a glimpse into the geological history of the region.
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