The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is recognized as a
wilderness area of outstanding world value. It is one of the last few remaining
temperate wilderness areas in the world and is best compared to the other two
southern hemisphere sites - South West New Zealand and Los Glaciers in
Argentina. All these are rugged glaciated mountainous regions, unique yet united
in the evolutionary history of the ancient super continent Gondwana, displaying
strong floristic and faunal links and providing evidence of past continental
formations and environments.
At 1.38 million
hectares, the World
Heritage Area is one of
the largest and most
important reserves.
Natural values of
international
significance include
extensively glaciated
landscapes, pristine
catchments, a profusion
of threatened rare and
endemic plants, a
complex mosaic of
vegetation - moorland,
rainforest, alpine,
eucalypt and riparian
communities, undisturbed
stands of millenia old
endemic pines, a
collection of the
world's largest
carnivorous marsupials
(Tasmanian devils and
quolls), and two of the
only three surviving
species of monotremes -
the most primitive group
of mammals in the world
(platypus and echidna).
In the mountainous heart
of this amazing area,
Cradle Huts has built
five comfortable,
well-appointed huts.
Hidden in forest along
the Overland Track, they
are the only private
huts allowed in the
area.
We believe that it is a
special privilege to
operate in this delicate
and immensely important
environment, so we
observe minimal-impact
track and hut practices.
We tread lightly and
leave nothing and our
huts are designed to be
ecologically
sustainable. Services
are non-polluting and
self- contained and we
use careful waste
management practices.
This minimal-impact use
of the wilderness means
that the values of this
fragile environment are
preserved for the
future, while enabling
it to be enjoyed and
understood now by a
small number of people.
Your
Trip
The
relaxed company of other
walkers will be a
memorable feature of
your Cradle Huts
experience - your
companions on the track
will share your
adventurous spirit and
your love of wild,
natural places.
Your guides,
enthusiastic Tasmanians
with a combination of
bush skills and
diplomacy, will enhance
the journey with their
knowledge and
understanding of the
flora, fauna, geology
and history of the
Overland Track and the
wonders of the World
Heritage Area. In the
words of one traveller
"...their love of the
wilderness was obvious
in the gentle way they
encouraged us to care
for it as much as they
did themselves. Their
leadership was superb -
allowing distance where
indicated and closeness
and words of
encouragement where
needed. The trip would
always have been
memorable. With the
extra input by the
guides it became
fantastic."
On the track, you will
not be rushed. There is
always the opportunity
to take a break for
scenery, tea,
explanation or just for
you. But with lots of
energy you might want to
do some of the many
side-trips available
each day (including to
Mt Ossa - the top of
Tasmania). You'll enjoy
and discover good times,
great memories and the
special friendships of
the bush.
Warm
Shelters
At the
end of each day's walk,
your private hut is a
haven of warmth, shelter
and comfort. It's a
place to relax, rest and
be refreshed after the
pleasant exertions of a
day on the track.
First, a steaming hot
shower and fresh-baked
afternoon tea - then
enjoy the simple
pleasures of life in a
bush hut. Mellow
gaslight and candles.
Strong-brewed coffee. A
good book from the small
collection. Sitting by
the potbelly heater.
Warm, dry socks.
Later on, the rustic
dining table is the
focus for convivial
company - a hearty
three-course meal
prepared by your guides,
fine Tasmanian wine and
cheerful conversation.
At the end of the
evening in your private
twin-share room, a soft
bed and sound sleep will
prepare you for the
discoveries of a new
day.
True shelter, something
which gives protection
and refuge, simple and
sustainable, clean and
comfortable.
The
Cradle Mountain Huts
Six-Day Walk is a
fabulous journey within
Tasmania’s World
Heritage Area. Following
the famous Overland
Track, the walk extends
from Cradle Valley to
Lake St Clair through a
variety of spectacular
landscapes.
THE ITINERARY has been
carefully planned and an
additional 5th hut was
added in 1997 for better
spacing between huts and
to allow for fascinating
side trips. In addition,
guests on every trip now
have the opportunity
(weather permitting) to
climb Mt Ossa (1617m) –
the highest peak in
Tasmania.
Rates
from US$ 1700 per person
(Minimum two people) and
include transfers from
Launceston and meals.
The trek operates from
late October to end
April.
Download a brochure with
itinerary here.
