With my time in Tasmania running out, I was heading to what I expected to be an area of incredible natural beauty, and I wasn’t disappointed. The Cradle Moutain National Park is awe-inspiring, it really is.
I kicked off the day with what, in hindsight, was probably not the best decision, but a rewarding one nonetheless. A two hour hike around Dove Canyon offered frustratingly restricted views, a trail of slippery rocks, a track that occasionally disappeared altogether and an impressive array of cuts to my ankles that I only discovered hours later when I realised my socks were stuck to me.
Despite all that though, the peace, the serenity, the feeling of being something of an explorer was enchanting. More waterfalls were abound, but since we’ve probably had quite enough of them on this blog already, here is the incredible Dove Lake instead.
You could spend days exploring this area, and indeed, many people do just that. The Overland track, a 5 day hike through the national park, is hugely popular.
My attention however was captured by Devils@Cradle, the local conservation park for Tasmanian Devils, and a place well worth visiting.
The plight of the Tasmanian Devil is a sad one – initiallly labelled a Devil because of their fearsome range of howls and growls, they first served a purpose of terrifying convicts into not wishing to run into the forst to possible safety. When it was discovered that they were nothing more than a cat-sized Marsupial, they joined Tasmanian Tigers on the bounty list; a reward offered for every pelt collected. Thankfully, they didn’t go the way of the Tiger, and their numbers were gradually built back up to a ‘safe’ level. The most recent troubles they face are of a more natural cause. Being solitary animals on an island, they lack the genetic diversity needed to survive as a species. Recent research is hoped to help them by artificially introducing more diversity, although it is still too early to start celebrating.
As part of our nighttime tour, we were allowed to pet a Devil, (with their surprisingly velvety fur,) before seeing some night time feeding. On the menu that night was wallaby.
Before leaving Cradle Mountain the next morning, the place had just one more treat for me. With the wind still, the rain having cleared, and the sun beating down, everything was covered by a mystical haze hovering several feet above the ground in every direction. It’s difficult to capture in a photograph just what effect it had, but believe me when I say it looked beautiful.
The same could also be said of Sheffield, my final port of call before returning to Launceston before flying out. While the Sheffield we know is famous for it’s silver, steel and snooker, Sheffield Tasmania is famous for it’s murals. Evolving from one mural painted on the side of a building, before becoming a town effort, until finally becoming the home of mural competitions, Sheffield is truly a bizarre place. From the odd collection of place names surrounding it (including my favourite: Nowhere Else), to the man who was walking his pet Alpaca down the high street, the most interesting area was undoubtedly the entries for this years competition.
This is based on The Wall in the Wilderness, as mentioned in the last blog. Check my photobucket for some of the other entries, they really are incredible pieces of art. And I mean real art, none of this giant coloured squares representing contrast and diversity rubbish.
From there, it was back to Launceston ready for my flight out. I really enjoyed Tasmania – my best description would be to imagine all the National Parks in England rolled into one, then doubled in size. That’s Tasmania.
And finally, I leave you not with a snapshot of comedy, but a snapshot of wisdom. It may be a partially hidden mural on the streets of Sheffield, but it’s message is no less meaningful.
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4 comments
dad says:
May 10, 2011 at 9:27 pm (UTC 10 )
”And I mean real art, none of this giant coloured squares representing contrast and diversity rubbish.” This is your quote not mine, I suspect that some of the arty people might disagree with you (Tracy Emin) but your blog is very arty & the descriptions add to the story very well.
If you had written that last bit of wisdom how would you have signed it?
The photos are all superb, it is difficult to pick a favourite but I think Dove Lake seems like a good place to visit.
Why not cross breed the devils with a kangaroo. A Devilroo sounds quite good.
boromadloon says:
May 11, 2011 at 12:26 am (UTC 10 )
From the Master of Maths.
It wouldn’t have needed a name, because I am THE Master of Maths.
mam says:
May 10, 2011 at 10:19 pm (UTC 10 )
Tasmania has been well worth a visit and you have recalled your experiences there beautifully. I always feel very calm and relaxed after each of your Tassie blogs. Enchanting. Dove Lake is beautiful and I like your shot of the mystical haze.
Nice to hear about Sheffield too. Maybe you could start a mural competition in Yorkshire Sheffield when you get back. Not sure if you will be able to keep an alpaca though. Your new landlord is unlikely to allow it. Or a Tasmanian Devil, although it would add to the diversity if you introduced them to Yorkshire. Sheffield has lots of trees for them to live amongst so it may be a home from home, if not a bit on the cold side.
aunty sheila says:
May 16, 2011 at 11:42 pm (UTC 10 )
Hi Tom loved reading our last blog on your Tasmania travels. Not convinced you get the comments i send, as you may remember my computer technical skills leave a lot to be desired, hey ho i will keep plodding on. Great that you are making the most of all your travelling oppotunites. Looking forward to hearing more when you get back Take care love aunty Sheila x