The Auswine Forum

Hi all,

In Tassie for a few days early next month and with only a few days to spare I have decided not to tear around and try and see everything.

I have one day planned seeing a select few Tamar Valley wineries, leaving us with two days and nights spare. We enjoy hiking so Cradle Mountain was high on the agenda, but Freycinet National Park looks tempting as well.

If you could choose only one, where would you go?

Thanks in advance,

Lennie

Tough call. Cradle is pretty spectacular - even if you just do the Dove Lake walk (clockwise) and the steep climb to Marion's lookout, then back down to the car park via Crater Lake. BUT, it depends on the weather. Lots of rain, lots of cloud - could make the whole thing a damp squib.

On the other hand Freycinet / Coles Bay is just heart-breakingly beautiful, and would probably get my vote. (Doesn't rain much on the east coast!) I've not done the longer walks around Freycinet, of which there are many and excellent, but I would unhesitatingly recommend packing a hearty lunch (with a bottle of something decent) and do the hour-long, 500-metre climb up Mt Amos. On the climb are staggering views of Coles Bay, and then when you reach the very top, and climb up onto the viewing rocks, you get (within the 360deg) a view of Wineglass Bay and Mt Freycinet behind that you could stare at forever - or at least long enough for lunch!
cheers,
Graeme

Given that Tamar is close to Launceston which is in turn closer to Cradle than Freycinet (I think), I'd vote Cradle. Both are great but whereas Freycinet is a fantastic park, Cradle is breathtaking.

You could do our trick, start with the intentions of a walk around Dove Lake then clamber up a beaten trail, haul up a rocky face and hike to the base of Cradle itself, then circumnavigate back to the car park via Marion's lookout etc. We were blessed with a perfect day but the place is so amazing and atmospheric you could enjoy it for what it is if it was cold and misty too... or maybe that's a bit optimistic?

... and getting wine related, Tamar is an impressive wine region, loads to taste and enjoy (and very scenic to boot).

one vote Cradle.
From Lonnie, take a leisurely drive through Exeter visiting various small wineries and then up to Cradle making sure not to miss Barringwood Park just outside of Devonport. This time of year at Cradle is pretty spectacular with either clear blue skies and hot, or bucketing down with rain and the waterfalls flowing beautifully.
That being said, the east coast is just as beautiful with the added bonus of Freycinet Vineyards........

Both are wonderful - agree with Graeme the walk to the top of Mt Amos at freycinet is mind boggling good.

neverthless i would wait until i got down to Tassie and see what the weather is like. if it going to be raining heavily at cradle - which will mean you won't see much of Cradle Mountain or the other views than I would head to freycinet which at rthis time of the year should be full of bright blue sunny days - as you are fairly well out of main season there shouldn't be any problems with accom if you leave it to the last minute.

Cheers

paul

PaulV wrote:neverthless i would wait until i got down to Tassie and see what the weather is like. if it going to be raining heavily at cradle - which will mean you won't see much of Cradle Mountain or the other views than I would head to freycinet which at rthis time of the year should be full of bright blue sunny days - as you are fairly well out of main season there shouldn't be any problems with accom if you leave it to the last minute.

this is sound advice. no point going to Cradle Mt when the weather comes in, even on a real cloudy day I would give it a miss.

So it's settled...were all fence sitters.

I think I am leaning towards Freycinet. Will save Cradle Mountain for next time.

With Tiger now jetting into Launceston you can fly in for about the cost of a Taxi fare home on a Saturday night...so wont leave it too long before we get to Cradle Mountain.

Thanks for the advice.

LL

I'm down in the launceston end of town probably around friday the 11th april till 14th.

are there any locals who fancy an offline? even a mini offline?