Tasmania - Cradle Mountain

16 - 18 January 2017

Every tree trunk is a miniature garden.

Cradle Mountain has been a favourite destination since our first visit 11 years ago. We always try to spend a few days there and this trip was no exception. Because we only booked a few weeks in advance we could only get two nights at our chosen accommodation. We drove from Devonport through Forth and on to Cradle Mountain (actually Cradle Valley but everyone knows it as Cradle Mountain). We checked into our cabin and spent a relaxing afternoon soaking up the atmosphere with a bush view.

Black Currawong (endemic). The following shots were all taken from the balcony of our cabin.

Scrubtit (endemic).

Echidnas are fairly common.

Tasmanian Scrubwren (endemic).

Tasmanian Scrubwren (endemic).

We decided this visit to go to Devils@Cradle, a Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary. This conservation facility houses devils, as well as their nearest living relatives, the Spotted and Eastern-tail Quolls. This is a research, breeding, education and tourist facility that I can highly recommend. For $18 per adult we could wander the grounds on our own or join a tour - we did both. Advertised as taking about 45 minutes, ours took much longer as our experienced and highly knowledgeable guide provided essential information about the plight and future of the Tasmanian Devil. All aspects of devil life and behaviour were covered, including the fascinating but worrying Devil Facial Tumor Disease. Please visit if you get the chance.

Spotted-tailed or Tiger Quoll.

Eastern Quoll

Tasmanian Devil, a close relative of the quoll.

One of the residents.

This Flame Robin was gathering food for nestlings as we walked around the enclosures.

Besides the devils and quolls, this is also a great birding destination. I saw Flame Robin, Yellow-throated Honeyeater, Scrubtit, Tasmanian Scrubwren and Crescent Honeyeater. Mick

In the afternoon we set off for the visitor centre where we obtained our bus tickets. Visitors require a National Parks Pass, which entitles you to free transport to and from Dove Lake by bus. The bus makes a number of stops along the way - at the Ranger Station, Snake Hill, Ronny Creek and Dove Lake. The walk around Dove Lake is well worth the effort but we chose to disembark at Ronny Creek and walk a short way towards Lake Lilla and then backtrack to the bus stop, then down to Snake Hill, all along the boardwalk. This is a beautiful walk which is on boardwalk with some steps up and down hills. The views are fantastic and there is the opportunity to see wombats and echindas.

The boardwalk winds through Button Grass and alpine ferns.

We returned to Devonport via Sheffield with its magnificent views of Mount Roland, which had the photographer stopping to take a few snaps.

Tasmania - Lower Beulah (Near Sheffield)

8 - 10 January 2017

We planned a short stay not too far from our temporary home in Devonport and found a cabin in the bush near Sheffield at Lower Beulah. It only took about 3/4 hour to get there so we arrived early in the afternoon on a very hot summer's day - over 30 degrees which is exceptionally hot for Tassie. The cabin is on a hill overlooking the property and near the Minnow River. It's a very nice spot and perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Eastern Spinebill.

 Apart from the Eastern Spinebill, I didn't do much bird photography at this location. Mick

On Monday morning we set off into Sheffield, the nearest town. Sheffield is well known as the "Town of Murals" and these works of art adorn many buildings in and around the town. The town also has magnificent views of Mount Roland. Although only a small town, there are a number of cafes, a pub, various shops and a good visitor information centre. Oh, and there is also a fudge shop! Yes, we did come away with a box of six different, delicious flavours.

Mount Roland

We decided to return the long way to Devonport on Tuesday morning  - going out to Mole Creek to visit the caves there. We took the back roads towards Paradise then the Mole Creek Road before turning towards Mole Creek Caves. There are two caves at different locations - Marakoopa and King Solomons. We chose the closest one, with the easiest access, Marakoopa. Tour tickets are purchased at the main office, then it is a short drive up to the cave entrance. Tours are scheduled throughout the day and there are a couple of options. Because it was so busy, extra tours had been scheduled so we didn't have to wait too long. 

Our tour, Underground River and Glow-worms involved a few stairs as well as some low and narrow passages. The cave had been closed since about May 2016 due to flood damage and had only recently been re-opened with all new electrical and lighting. Although not as spectacular as some of the better know caves (eg Jenolan Caves in NSW) this was still a beautiful and worthwhile tour.

We stopped for lunch in Mole Creek and then drove on to Chudleigh where we stopped at the Honey Farm. There are so many different flavours of honey which you can sample before purchasing your favoutrite(s) which of course we did.