Get Outta Strahan!
Strahan was a boring sleepy town on the west coast of Tasmania. It didn't really offer us anything except serving as a stopover on our road trip through the Southwest National Park on our way towards the famous Cradle Mountain.
The drive to Cradle Mountain was about 300 kilometers, but we were climbing to higher altitudes, so it was yet again another long drive. We had the opportunity to stop at Montezuma Falls, the highest falls in Tasmania, but decided that seeing Nelson Falls yesterday was good enough. Falls are falls, water gushing down rocks. However, I would like to see Angel Falls in Venezuela - highest uninterrupted falls in the world.
We finally arrived at Cradle Mountain at 11am. The Cradle Mountain area is very tourist friendly equipped with a visitor's centre and most attractions within a 2km distance.
The one thing we had to do in Tasmania is see the Tasmanian Devil. Sadly, this marsupial is highly endangered with only 15,000 existing. The species has gone through population highs and lows, but recently the reason behind their 50% decline is due to Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The disease is a transmissible cancer caused by devils biting each other in defense. The devil itself has low levels of genetic diversity, so they can't seem to fight off the disease.
One way to improve their condition is to do research through field monitoring and sanctuaries. At Cradle Mountain is Devils@Cradle, a conservation facility dedicated to preserve the species and educate the public.
For $16 AUD each, we could walk around the facility, see Tasmanian Devils and quolls, watch a video and pet one of the more tame devils!
Hey Fella!
The Trainer
Scurrying Around
The Devil Up Close
The devils were so cute and it was heart breaking to know their population is in decline because their bodies can't fight the disease. Inside the centre were images of the cancer around their mouth. I'm so glad we got to visit the centre and learn more about such a unique animal and know that there are preserves like this one all over the state. We left the centre with warm fuzzies.
After the devil sanctuary, we took the shuttle to Ronny Creek, a 2km distance from our Dove Lake, our final hiking destination.
Enjoying A Packed Lunch Overlooking Cradle Mountain
Cutting lunch short because of the wild birds creeping closer to our picnic, we decided to get started on our hike to and around Dove Lake.
On the boardwalk, we noticed a big furry animal roaming around like a hairy hippo. It was a wombat!
What's That?!
Wombat's Look Like Giant Hamsters
A Peek of the Cradle Mountain Peak
After 30 minutes, the nice wooden boardwalk disappeared and we had to walk on wet rocks and sand on rugged irregular ground. I was looking for a leisurely stroll. This was a nightmare.
Thankfully, at the end of the 2k hike, we ended up at the breathtaking Dove Lake with Cradle Mountain in the back drop.
At Dove Lake With Cradle Mountain in the Background
We continued our hike circumnavigating the lake. Thankfully, the wooden boardwalk returned and I got the leisurely stroll I wanted.
Taking It All In
I Kind of Like Hiking.
Dave's Postcard Pic
Panoramic View
The Grand View
Boardwalk Pathways Are Perfect For Hiking
Happy Hikers
It took us another 2 hours to walk around Dove Lake. It was cool day where even a few sweaters kept us warm, but not sweaty. Dave loves hiking and I did this for him, even though I prefer beaches or the city. But after seeing the beautiful views, I can appreciate why he loves hiking so much.
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