16/05/2023
On This Day – 16th May (1922) – Cradle Mountain declared a scenic reserve ⛰
101 years ago today Cradle Mountain was declared a scenic reserve. 💯
"This must be a National Park for the people for all time. It is magnificent, and people must know about it and enjoy it." ~ Gustav Weindorfer on Cradle Mountain 🌿🌲
Gustav Weindorfer had led a campaign to have the Cradle Mountain area declared a National Park since 1910. The Government finally agreed and declared it a scenic reserve and wildlife sanctuary that included 63,900 hectares which took in both Cradle Mountain and the Lake St Clair area. This was only part of the battle as initially there was little funding available. The Scenic Preservation Board, responsible for the Park's management, only had a total budget of 29 pounds in 1925/26.
In 1947 the area was declared a National Park. During this transition, former trappers began building huts and guiding bushwalkers, including Paddy Hartnett, Gustav Weindorfer and Bob Quaile.
Aboriginal use of the Cradle Mountain dates back to the last ice age (10,000 years ago) and is believed to have been non-permanent, consisting mostly of seasonal hunting excursions during the summer months. Several artifacts and campsites containing various stone types and tools have been discovered around Pelion Plains and Lake St Clair, and early surveyors reported huts in the area.
By 2000 the Overland Track, one of the Park's major attractions, had become so popular that a booking system was introduced and fees charged to use in peak periods. The money raised continues to be used to maintain and improve tracks and facilities.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a place for all seasons! You can discover deep snowdrifts in winter, spectacular displays of yellows, oranges and reds across the mountain slopes in autumn as Tasmania’s deciduous Fagus turns colour, playful young joeys & hungry echidnas emerging in spring, and the fragrance of wildflowers filling the air as you dip your toe into a crystal-clear lake on a summer’s day.
The area is synonymous with nature, wilderness and all things pristine. Wildlife is in abundance in this spectacular National Park, giving opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and the highly inquisitive black currawong as well as dozens of species of birds.
The Park offers a world-class system of walking tracks to explore that ranges from very short easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track. This 5-6 day hike stretches 80 km from Cradle Mountain through to Lake St Clair and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heart.
Even if hiking boots and backpacks aren't your thing, you will find it hard to resist the lure of the well-formed tracks that lead you to surprising discoveries. Whichever way you look at it, the magic of Cradle Mountain is bound to captivate.
