Description
Magnificent Cradle Mountain – soaring 1,545 metres above sea level – is located in Tasmania's Lake St Clair National Park, which is listed as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Surrounded by lakes and spectacular views of Barn Bluff, Mount Roland, Mount Ossa, Western and Black Bluffs, this unique landscape is a combination of soaring dolerite columns, precipitous boulders, and icy streams that flow down the mountains into the ancient pines and Alpine heaths. With the fierce weather of the highlands seeing the mountains often shrouded in cloud, and native flora clambering across every surface – this dramatic and untamed vista is simply breathtaking.
Kimberley Horse Riding
Just a short drive from Cradle Mountain is a quiet rural wonderland with a fascinating history. Historic Kimberley used to be home to convicts in a probation station, but is now best known for featuring beautiful creeks, platypus, forests and mountain views. Gaze out over the Mersey Valley and even as far as over the Bass Strait. This 2 hour ride through varying terrain is suitable for all levels of experience. Kimberley trails include something for everyone, with log jumps, stream crossings and animal spotting.
The 'Speeler Plain' Ride
Rigorous walking tracks abound in this beautiful area – that has visitors from all over the world eager to traverse the rocky terrain. A more unique, relaxing and harmonious way to enjoy this amazing area, however, is via horse back.
Collected from the Visitors Centre or your Cradle Mountain accommodation, you will be accompanied to the stables at the base of Speeler Plain, where you will be introduced to your horse and outfitted with helmets and weatherproof Drizabone coats. Following a safety briefing, you will set off on your beautifully trained and reliable horse. Chat with your experienced guide and companions, in a small group of no more than five, on a 4 hour ride of exquisite discovery.
You will be in awe as you ride through Myrtle Forest and among exquisite flora indigenous to the area, with 60 percent of this lush greenery growing nowhere else on Earth. Past stands of Tasmanian eucalypts, native conifers and spectacular groves of Tasmania's unique deciduous beech trees, your ride will continue through the Vale of Belvoir to the button grass plains at the top end of Speeler Plain. Along the way, you are likely to encounter some of Tasmania's unique and protected birds and wildlife, which abound in this conservation savvy environment. Upon arrival, one of the most spectacular views you could ever hope to see will greet you; the panoramic wonder of the Cradle Valley and Dove Lake.
Trips Includes
- Helmets & drizabone waterproof coats
- Safety briefing
- Experienced guide
- Kimberley Horse Riding: 2 hour ride
- The 'Speeler Plain' Ride: 4 hour ride and lunch half-way through + return transfers to your accommodation
Duration
- Kimberley Horse Riding: Allow approx 3 hours
- The 'Speeler Plain' Ride: Allow 4.5 hours (including transfers)
Departures
- Kimberley Horse Riding: 10:00am and 1:30pm all year (self drive)
- The 'Speeler Plain' Ride: 10:30am October - April (return transfers to your accommodation)
- Operates daily
Other Information
- Small groups (maximum of 5 riders with each guide)
- Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
- Helmets & safety briefing provided
- Please wear long pants & covered shoes
- Minimum age is 8 years old
