This trek note begins at the historic port town of
Devonport which is the port where you would have docked from one of the vehicle carrying ferries aptly named ‘Spirit of Tasmania’. After passing quarantine, you head south towards the historic and artistic town of
Sheffield. This old farming town which is concealed amongst the foothills of
Mount Roland, features a beautiful display of murals that illustrate the history of the Kentish district. There are many galleries and you may even meet the local artists and watch them work.
So far you would have experienced a region filled with gorgeous rolling hills, fertile pastures and farming hamlets. Travelling from
Sheffield, this environment eventually changes to deep wilderness as you head towards Middlesex Plains and then onto Cradle Valley. This valley lies within the
Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park which features
Dove Lake and the savage but spectacular
Cradle Mountain.
The trek itself finishes not far from the
Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre which is located just inside the national park entrance. Please note that camping is not allowed in the day use area around
Dove Lake and
Cradle Mountain itself and you do need a park entry permit to enter. For more information on accommodation or permits, please contact the
Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre on: (03) 6492 1110.
How to Use this Trek Note
- To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.
Environment
Travelling along Sheffield Road, you should experience rolling hills of lush green and fertile pastures passing many little towns including farming hamlets and enclaves. As you leave the town of Sheffield on Claude Road and pass Mount Roland, the farming pastures begin to diminish and make way for wilderness of valleys and thick dark forests. Middlesex Plains offer a reprieve from the undulating terrain and forests until you head towards Cradle Valley which offers spectacular scenery.
TrekID: 142