Destination today was Cradle Mountain. A mere 150k drive from Burnie. Glorious weather for a change and had high hopes of the view of the mountain to be spectacular. We also had high hopes of seeing a wild Wombat. So many people had told us this was one of the best places to see them. Knowing our luck I felt sure we wouldn't catch even a glimpse.
Cradle Mountain is situated in Lake St Clair National Park and to get into the grounds a pass was needed. To get a one day pass for Cradle Mountain would have cost $34 but for $28 more the pass would last for 2 months and would get you into any of the Parks camping grounds as well as any points of interest owned by the National Park. It was a no-brainer really, the extra $28 seemed the best way to go.
The car park was almost full. We managed to squeeze the motorhome in a small space right at the far side of the car park. Then it was a route march to the centre to gain the tickets for the shuttle. The only way into the National Park was by bus, no other vehicles (unless special permission had been granted and outside the running hours of the shuttle buses) was allowed. First stop then was to the furthest point at Dove Lake. Several walks started from here and after walking 500m to Glazier rock viewing point to view Cradle Mountain, we set off to do the Lake Lilla Track.
About 3k to walk to Ronnie Creek, the first bus stop that would take you back to the main centre. The bus driver reckoned it would take no more than about 60 minutes. Part track, part boardwalk, well, that hour became nearly two because on the way what did we see moving in the button grass? Wombats! Not just one but as our eyes adjusted to the slightly darker colour in the grass, seven more showed themselves. Two happened to be eating right by the boardwalk, so close I could have run a comb through their fur. Ian supplied a great video of one on the boardwalk.
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| Boardwalk through the button grass |
Back to the motorhome and Ian found a small camping ground near to Lea Lake. I'll say it was small. Probably room for no more than about 8 vehicles and like all freedom sites if you're not there early then forget it! No end had to turn around and head off to find somewhere else.
Lovely and clear skies and once more I had high hopes of taking photos of the milky way. Keeping fingers crossed that it finally happens.
And wildlife
3 comments:
How wonderful to see wombats in the wild!
Lovely park and animals, similar arrangement to Denali where only one bus allowed at a time. Angela
It was Jenny. Every animal on my list has now been ticked.
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