Eco-Lite: Devils@Cradle

OVERVIEW

Devils @ Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation facility focusing on Tasmania‘s three carnivorous marsupials, whilst concentrating primarily on the Tasmanian devil but including both the Eastern and Spotted – tail Quoll.  The sanctuary is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

Fly into Hobart or Launceston and drive to Cradle Mountain.  The sanctuary is located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND THERE AND WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE?

If you get there early, have a wander around.  The guide will begin at 5:30 and lead you around the exhibits while feeding the Devils and other animals.  You’ll need a couple hours at least.

VALUE TO CONSERVATION

The sanctuary conducts a number of in-situ conservation programs within the Cradle Mountain area and by combining resources with the State Government, U-TAS, Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmanian Wildlife Parks, local operators and the community we aim to make a significant contribution to the conservation of these species.  Details on their website.

WHERE TO STAY NEARBY ON POINTS

There are no hotels nearby you can use points for.  Chain hotels are available in Hobart or Launceston.  You may be able to earn points for your stay at Cradle Mountain if you book via Pointshound or Rocketmiles.

PHOTOS

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Lodge Review – Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain

Holiday Parks in Australia do a great job of offering something for everyone at a reasonable price and the one at Cradle Mountain is no exception. They have camping, caravan spaces and fully contained cabins and excellent communal facilities for cooking and laundry.  The setting is in the bush and you are likely to encounter wild animals walking to and from the cooking hut!  While they have a small shop if you forget to bring something I recommend buying your groceries in Hobart for better choice and prices.

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Shared cooking facilities are also excellent!IMG_7897 - Copy IMG_7899a - CopyCabins have a variety of bedding available and can accommodate couples or families.

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Cradle Mt – Lake St Clair National Park

I was initially attracted to Cradle Mt – Lake St Clair National Park because of the bird list, but later I came to realize that mammals are the primary attraction here.  Tasmanian Devils are the star attraction at Devils@Cradle.  It’s an easy drive from Hobart or anywhere else in Tasmania for that matter.

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You will need to stop here and buy entry tickets.  If you are visiting other parks in Tasmania it’s best to get a multi-park pass.  If you buy your pass here, it will include bus transportation to the lake and hiking trails.  Driving in with your own car is limited to IIRC the first 50 cars as they want to minimize traffic and damage to the environment.

Bus route

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The most popular thing to do at Cradle Mountain is hiking on the trails around the lake.  There are trails that range form one hour to several days.  You must register your hiking plans at the office for your safety.IMG_7851 - Copy IMG_7849 - Copy IMG_7850 - Copy IMG_7848 - Copy IMG_7852 - Copy IMG_7855 - Copy IMG_7856 - Copy IMG_7907 - Copy IMG_7908 - Copy IMG_7912 - Copy IMG_7913 - Copy IMG_7916 - Copy IMG_7918 - Copy IMG_7919 - Copy IMG_7928 - Copy

This is one of the bus stops and a great place to get more information about Cradle Mountain.IMG_7930 - Copy

Just 5 minutes from the Ranger Station is the beautiful Enchanted Walk.  The scenery is stunning, you may be lucky enough to see animals such as wallabies, pademelons, echidnas, platypus, wombats or even Tasmanian Devils!  There are hides where you can either shelter from rain or sit and observe animals.  There weren’t many birds on this trail.IMG_7931 - Copy IMG_7932 - Copy IMG_7933 - Copy IMG_7935 - Copy IMG_7938 - Copy IMG_7939 - Copy IMG_7941 - Copy IMG_7942 - Copy IMG_7943 - Copy IMG_7944 - Copy IMG_7950 - Copy IMG_7951 - Copy IMG_7952 - Copy IMG_7954 - Copy IMG_7955 - Copy IMG_7956 - Copy

ACCOMMODATION

A wide variety of accommodation is available from the luxurious Peppers (pictured below) to camping at the Discovery Holiday Park.  We were in the middle and took a cabin at the DHP (see separate review).IMG_7957 - CopyHere’s a screenshot of what’s available during low season (not school holidays).

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Please be considerate of your fellow hikers and nature lovers and carry your trash out with you.  Look at all the junk some selfish pigs have left behind on the trails!  Please help Tasmania stay natural and beautiful!

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