Cradled on a Mountain

Tasmania, Day 3&4: We spent our last 2 days in Tasmania at Cradle Mountain... and the parallel journey of feeling like we were at home continued. Cradle Mountain Lodge is nestled in the mossy green hilltops of Cradle Mountain’s National Park. The air is cool and crisp, and the surroundings could easily pass for the Canadian Rockies. We almost forgot that it was Easter weekend, and as we put on our hats and gloves, it felt more like we were celebrating Thanksgiving. All that we were missing was the smell of turkey and a sprinkle of snow.

We spent the day hiking and ascended up an 8 km climb to Marion’s Point, which offers breathtaking views of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain and the neighbouring forests below. Our treacherous climb to the top was celebrated with chocolate Easter eggs, while we admired the panoramic view. Our descent took us past Wombat Pool, however, we didn’t encounter any furry visitors, unlike the night prior when we were surprisingly greeted by a bouncing wallaby and a brush tail possum (who refused to move off our porch.) Brave and cheeky little devils!

Despite the beautiful scenery of Tasmania, one of the most delightful discoveries would have to be the dessert we ate on our last night... “sticky-date pudding”. You really should try some!

From Tassie With Love

Tasmania, Day 1&2: To all the ex-pats and homesick Canadians... visit Tasmania! We spent the Easter Weekend hiking through Tasmania and by the end of 4 days, we felt closer to home than we have since arriving in Australia 3 months ago. The Bay of Fires on the northeast coast of Tasmania is known for its spectacular coastline, freckled with fire-red rock formations. We began our journey at Launceston and headed to Eddystone Point Lighthouse in the Bay of Fires. A deserted beach of snow-white sand lies southeast of the lighthouse and as you approach the sand dunes, you would swear they were snow-capped.

Making our way down the coast to Wine Glass Bay in Freycinet National Park, we were amazed to discover the similarities in the terrain between Tasmania and Canada. As we hiked the 11km trail to Wineglass Bay Lookout and Hazzard Beach, we were transported to a place that hovered between Tasmania and home. The trees that lined our trail, the pine needles on the forest floor, and the smell of our surroundings truly felt like northern Ontario (near Lake Superior), which was frequently interrupted by the scent and view of the ocean. The rocky formations that carved through our hiking trail reminded us of the Canadian Shield and the trails near Manitoulin Island. We stayed at the cozy and forever green Freycinet Lodge, which could have easily been perched in a Canadian national park.

It was the Australian accent, the driving on the opposite side of the road, and the schooners of Tasmanian Boag’s beer that reminded us we were 17,000 kms from home. We have now passed the half way mark of our trip Down Under, and I would have to say that I am looking forward to enjoying more of our glorious maple syrup country and the comforts of home.