Family Adventure to Cradle Mountain

A Day Amongst Giants

Today was about challenging ourselves and soaking in the raw beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It was a day of summits, both literal and metaphorical, as we explored the heights of Paddy's Nut and Brewery Knob. The crisp air, stunning vistas, and the shared experience with my family made it a day to remember.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Elements Cafe. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a day filled with adventure energized us. Aisha and I enjoyed a quick coffee while the kids devoured some pastries. Farah, of course, opted for a chicken wrap, always the practical one, while Imani went for a sausage roll. The cafe's cozy atmosphere was the perfect start to what we knew would be a physically demanding day.

Our first destination was Paddy's Nut. The drive there was scenic, winding through valleys and alongside towering trees. As we approached the trailhead, the anticipation grew. The kids were excited, eager to start the climb. I must admit, my knees felt the weight of my years a little more this morning, but the spirit of adventure kept me going. We parked the car and began our ascent. The trail was initially gentle, but it soon became steeper, challenging us with every step.

As we climbed, the landscape transformed. Lush greenery gave way to rocky terrain, and the views became increasingly breathtaking. We paused frequently, not just to catch our breath, but to take in the panoramic vistas. Mount Ossa stood majestically in the distance, its peak shrouded in a light mist. The kids were fascinated by the unique flora, pointing out various plants and flowers. Aisha, with her keen eye for design, admired the intricate patterns in the rocks and the vibrant colors of the alpine vegetation. I tried to capture the beauty with my camera, hoping to preserve these memories forever.

Reaching the summit of Paddy's Nut was exhilarating. The views were simply spectacular. We could see for miles in every direction, the vast wilderness stretching out before us. The air was crisp and clean, invigorating our senses. We spent some time at the top, soaking it all in. Imani, ever the contemplative one, sat quietly, gazing at the landscape, lost in his own thoughts. Farah, meanwhile, was busy taking photos and videos, documenting our adventure for her friends back home.


Discover Paddys Nut in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania - a breathtaking hiking area with diverse trails and stunning natural beauty.

The mountains are calling and I must go.

After descending from Paddy's Nut, we drove towards Brewery Knob. By this point, we were all feeling a bit weary, but the thought of another summit kept us motivated. We stopped for a quick lunch at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant. The warm food and cozy atmosphere were a welcome respite. I had a hearty soup, while Aisha enjoyed a salad. The kids, predictably, opted for burgers and fries. We chatted and laughed, sharing stories from our climb earlier in the day.


Discover Brewery Knob in Cradle Mountain: panoramic views, diverse trails, and Tasmanian wilderness at its finest.

Brewery Knob presented a different kind of challenge. The trail was less steep than Paddy's Nut, but it was longer and more winding. The landscape was also different, with more open moorland and fewer trees. As we walked, we encountered various wildlife, including wallabies and several bird species. Imani was particularly excited, as he's always been fascinated by animals. He kept his binoculars glued to his eyes, trying to spot as many different species as possible.

Reaching the top of Brewery Knob was a different experience than Paddy's Nut. The views were still stunning, but they were more expansive, taking in a wider panorama of the surrounding landscape. We could see Cradle Mountain in the distance, its iconic peak piercing the sky. We spent some time at the summit, enjoying the views and reflecting on our day of adventure.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to treat ourselves to a relaxing evening. We stopped by Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley for a drink. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and we enjoyed some local Tasmanian wine while the kids had some juice. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking and exploring.


Discover tranquility and adventure at Tiny Escapes Cradle Valley, your gateway to the stunning landscapes of Tasmania and Cradle Mountain National Park.

For dinner, we chose Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar. The food was delicious, and the views were breathtaking. Aisha and I savored some fresh, seasonal dishes, while the kids enjoyed some classic comfort food. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere made it the perfect place to end our day.


Experience fine dining with breathtaking views at Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

Tonight, as I sit here writing, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience such incredible natural beauty, gratitude for the chance to share these experiences with my family, and gratitude for the memories we've created together. Days like today remind me of the importance of disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnecting with nature and with each other.

Tomorrow marks the end of our adventure in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. We plan to visit Cradle Mountain itself and Marions Lookout, hoping for clear skies and stunning views. We'll have breakfast at the Hungry Wombat Cafe, lunch at Tullah Lakeside Bar & Grill, and a final dinner at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant. Before heading to the airport, we'll stop by the Cradle Mountain Interpretation Centre & Ranger Station to learn more about the park's history and ecology. It's bittersweet to be leaving, but I know we'll carry the memories of this trip with us for a lifetime.


Discover exquisite local cuisine amidst stunning landscapes at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Restaurant in Tasmania.

As I reflect on our time here, I am reminded of a quote by John Muir:

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

And indeed, we have received far more than we sought. We came seeking adventure, but we found so much more: connection, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world. These are the treasures we will carry with us as we journey back to London, back to our everyday lives. But a part of us will always remain here, in the heart of Tasmania, among the towering peaks and ancient forests of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It’s an experience that has enriched us, and one I hope we can repeat someday soon. Perhaps next time, we can convince my sister Aaliyah and her family to join us from Mombasa. The more the merrier, especially when it comes to sharing the wonders of the world with loved ones. For now, though, I’ll cherish these memories and look forward to the adventures that await us in the days to come. Asante sana, Tasmania, for the journey of a lifetime.