The Road from Launceston to Cradle Mountain
The short drive from Launcenton to Cradle Mountain was more eventful (and yummy!) than expected.
Launceston has been home to the James Boag’s Brewery for over 160 years
We set off from Launceston late morning. The drive to Cradle Mountain isn’t very long, only about two hours, and we couldn’t get into our cabin until later in the afternoon. So, we decided to take our time.
Looking at the map, we saw Richmond had an historic bridge and something called…ahem….a ‘Pooseum’…which looked intriguing if nothing else. Plus there was a cafe on a raspberry farm nearby. We figured these would offer some rest stops stops and distractions on our way to see the wombats and mountains we were hanging for.
Arriving in Richmond, we first stopped (with lots of other tourists) to look at the convict built stone arch bridge and quack at the local duck population. Yes, you can drive your car over this bridge. Funny when you think this bridge will turn 200 this year. Here we all are, driving over it without a thought.
Next stop was the aforementioned Pooseum, which does what it says on the tin. It’s a museum about poop. All kinds of poop. Poop, poop, and more poop. Here you’ll find lots of interactive displays (don’t’ worry, you don’t touch any) and puns. Pun, puns and more puns. In the end (jeez, I think it’s catching) we learned more than we expected – and referred back to much the info later when we were hiking at Cradle Mountain.
We then poked around the shops a bit more and found this amazing Christmas store with three floors of trees, ornaments, wreaths, Santas, and every manner of festive decor our little hearts could imagine.
Tasting Trail
The weather cleared up as we were leaving Richmond and we discovered there is a Tasting Trail Tasmania that covers the northern region. This trail highlights many of the smaller, locally owned food and wine producers. As we are both food lovers and a bit peckish, we added a few more stops to the Google map.
We stopped at the much Instagrammed Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe and enjoyed a Devonshire tea under the shade of the huge tree outside. After picking up some Christmas gifts from the gift shop, we headed a few Ks up the road to Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door because, well, cheese.
We knew we were going to like this place when we saw the ‘Grass. Cow. You.’ branding on the trucks outside. The space is a mixture of information, corny puns, and great food. What’s not to love? Again, we picked up a few things from the gift shop, and we were off to our next stop: House of Anvers. They have been making chocolate here since 2002. We did a few tastings, wandered around the Antique Chocolate Display, and picked up a few more Christmas gifts for the family.
Cradle Mountain
Finally we made it to Cradle Mountain. What can you say about this UNESCO World Heritage site that hasn’t already been said?
The walks range from leisurely to challenging, the climate can turn on a dime, there are wombats here there and everywhere, the landscape is other worldly and feels like it inspired Dr Seuss. Yes, it is all of these things and more. It is worth every second of your time and every dime you can spare. If you can go there, do it.
That’s the money shot of Cradle Mountain as seen from Dove Lake. A bit of good advice is to get there early in the morning, before most of the tourists arrive if you want to get a clear shot. This was taken on one of the rare cloudless days (as we were told by everyone who works in the area).
One of the reasons to come to the Cradle Mountain. So. Many. Wombats.
This post really isn’t about visiting Cradle Mountain, that is a post all to itself. But these little furry fellas were my big draw card for coming to this part of the island. I like wombats more than I can express. Being able to get close enough to hear this little fella rip the grass out of the earth will stay with me forever.
A couple of things to know about traveling in this area. The weather can change very quickly. We had a few very chilly days in the middle summer where I was thankful to have thrown wool stocking caps into my luggage at the last minute. Then, on another day, I ended up with a bit of a sunburn on my arm while driving. You really can’t over pack for this trip.
Be sure to bring your rain gear and your most waterproof shoes if you’re getting outside. Many of the easier trails are covered in a boardwalk to protect the local flora and fauna, but they do veer off and can get quite muddy.
Finally, many of the animals (including the adorable wombat ) are crepuscular or 'active primarily during the twilight period’, so dawn and dusk are the best times to engage with them. And please (please, please) avoid driving at these times, wombats don’t really get our human road rules.
