OVER CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Melbourne is a colourful, buzzing city: it’s full of character and has its own unique vibe, from the artisan cafes that spill out into the laneways to its kitsch beachside suburbs, as well as plenty of good spots for a drink or two overlooking the Yarra River, and attractions such as sports arenas, casinos and aquariums. The Lyall is a stylish bolthole that’s an ideal base for exploring this eclectic city.

After making the most of Melbourne, you’ll fly to Launceston in Tasmania and be taken to the Meander Valley and Quamby Estate, a beautiful country manor surrounded by 150 acres of green fields and forests. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind, and indulge in Tassie’s delicious food and delicious wines, before starting your walking adventure – which couldn’t be easier, as the walkers’ centre is right on the estate.

The Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is a perfect way to discover the beautiful, diverse landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park, from rugged mountains to glassy lakes. Accompanied by experienced guides, find out for yourself why this is one of Australia’s most iconic walks. There’s no stinting on creature comforts either: along the way, you and your group will have exclusive use of comfortable huts, ensuring a good night’s rest before you continue the walk the next day, and you can refuel with delicious afternoon teas, evening meals and wines.

Day 1
Waldheim to Barn Bluff Hut (12km; 7 hours)
After meeting at the Quamby Estate, you’ll have introductions and a gear check before setting off for your start point, Waldheim in Cradle Valley. You’ll begin by walking through ancient temperate rainforests and around the glacier-carved Crater Lake. This is the steepest section of the whole track, so you’ll get the most difficult bit out of the way early on! From Marion’s Lookout, you’ll be rewarded with views of Cradle Mountain, dropping down to Dove Lake. Throughout the day, there will be more fantastic views over exposed alpine plateaus, especially in clear weather. After lunch by Plateau Creek, you’ll continue for about 4 hours around the base of Cradle Mountain, circumnavigating glacial crevasses and crossing Waterfall Valley before reaching your hut for the night, at the base of Barn Bluff.

Day 2
Barn Bluff Hut to Pine Forest Moor Hut (12km; 6 hours)
After breakfast, you’ll continue the trail over exposed moorland, including a raised walkway through Pine Forest Moor and a side trip to the beautiful Lake Will. Travel across ancient plains that were once covered by glaciers, where you’ll now see shallow tarns, with pine trees poking up from the water. The peaks of Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff will be behind you, with the majestic Mt Pelion West ahead.

Day 3
Pine Forest Moor Hut to Pelion Plains Hut (10km; 5 hours)
Today you’ll descend around the base of Mt Pelion West, down to the Forth River. After a break at the riverside Frog Flats, you’ll have a gentle ascent out of the valley onto the spectacular Pelion Plains, with beautiful views of Mt Oakleigh. Options for side trips in this area include visiting swimming holes and abandoned copper mines, or simply finding a spot around the mountains for a peaceful time out.

Day 4
Pelion Plains Hut to Arm River Valley (14km; 6 hours)
The final day of your trek begins by crossing Pelion Plains and following the south shore of Lake Ayr, traversing landscapes of eucalypt forests and button grass plains, onto the Innes Track. After lunch near Wurragarra Creek, admire the mountain views as you make your way past the calm waters of Lake Price. The walk will conclude with a descent into the Arm River Valley.  

Today, you’ll be able to rest your legs with a boat trip to Pumphouse Point, in a spectacular setting by Lake St Clair, surrounded by mountains and acres of pristine wilderness. Part of this stylish Art Deco-inspired hotel is on a jetty out on the lake, guaranteeing beautiful views. Take a dinghy out on the lake and explore hidden coves, and, if you can’t quite shake the walking bug, take a gentle stroll around the lake, or head out on a bike, and keep an eye out for wallabies, wombats, possums, quolls and the famous Tasmanian devil, as well as a wide variety of birdlife. Treat yourself after your trek with a relaxing massage in the spa, and cosy up by the fire in the wood-panelled lounge with some gourmet snacks such as local cheeses and cured meats from the larder in your room, washed down with some refreshing Tasmanian cider.

It’s time for the beach: today you will make your way to the Freycinet Peninsula and the beautiful Saffire Freycinet hotel, which overlooks the Hazards Mountains, the peninsula and Great Oyster Bay, and is right near a pretty beach (a mere two-minute walk away). As well as incredible landscapes, this area has some of the cleanest air and water in the world, and the hotel is on the doorstep of Freycinet National Park, with plenty of wild bushland, secluded beaches and remote islands to explore. Learn the art of winemaking and sample some local vintages at the local winery, or don a pair of waders at an oyster farm in the heart of the wetlands, and taste Pacific oysters. For an adrenaline rush, go on a scenic mountain bike or quad bike ride, or give your feet another (less taxing) workout with a two-hour guided walk to the lookout over Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most famous and beautiful beaches. Back at the hotel, relax with a glass of champagne in the plunge pool on your private deck.