Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain

Location

Cradle Mountain and its cragged peaks has become something of an emblem for Tasmania’s impressive range of nature. The lodge itself is perched on its northern rim, bordering the World Heritage-listed national park and enjoying enviable lake views. Wallabies and wombats can be seen grazing on the lodge’s lawns or on interconnecting boardwalks. Its surrounds can be explored on guided treks that range from 20 minutes to nine hours and take in sites such sights as the picturesque Dove Lake. It’s a two hour’s scenic drive from Launceston.

Accommodation

Set up by keen botanist and mountaineer Gustav Weindorf in 1913, the lodge’s site has played host to visitors hoping to experience its unique highland scenery ever since. Accommodation comes in the form of private timber cabins; generously spaced to make the most of their wilderness setting, they overlook grassy folds and tree-lined ranges. Gas fires, refrigerators and cosy armchairs make your stay as comfortable as possible and you can upgrade for a private verandah, spa bath and a more traditional log fire. Larger suites are also available with complimentary canapés and port while the luxurious King Billy Suite features an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Dining

The lodge has two dining options – the premier Highland Restaurant and the more relaxed Tavern Bar & Bistro; both of which will introduce you to Tasmania’s finest local ingredients paired with wines from local vineyards. At the restaurant, enjoy dishes such as pan-fried halloumi and asparagus or slow cooked sticky Tasmanian pork belly. To fuel your hiking endeavours, head to the Bistro where gourmet burgers and the pie of the day are sure to warm you up. For something special, request a picnic hamper to tuck into in the quiet of this picturesque wilderness. There are also wine and cheese tastings to indulge in.

Facilities

If you venture out of the lodge’s cosy confines, you’ll be treated to a full range of activities that make the most of Pepper’s setting. Other than the aforementioned guided walks, there’s seasonal fly fishing, tobogganing, canoeing, horse riding, canyoning and mountain biking to be had. For a slower pace, book into the Waldheim Alpine Spa. Here, you can enjoy a full range of treatments or simply have a soak in the steam room, sauna, hot-tub or, if you’re brave enough, the cool plunge pool.