Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Tasmania

A Day of Discovery in the Tasmanian Wilderness

Today was a day of remarkable contrasts, from the subterranean wonders of ancient caves to the vibrant energy of Tasmania's unique wildlife. The crisp air and stunning landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable experience as we ventured deeper into the Tasmanian Wilderness with my family. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the opportunity to learn, explore, and share these moments with my loved ones.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Elements Cafe near Cradle Mountain. While the reviews I had read were mixed, we decided to give it a try, and I must say, it was a convenient and satisfying start to our day. The cafe was bustling with fellow travelers, all eager to embark on their own Tasmanian adventures. We enjoyed some simple breakfast fare, nothing too fancy, but enough to fuel us for the day ahead. I had a quick coffee and Anna enjoyed a croissant. Hans went for a more traditional English breakfast. It did the trick!


Discover the warm charm of Elements Cafe in Cradle Mountain, where delicious meals meet breathtaking views amidst Tasmania's natural beauty.

With our appetites sated, we set off for our first major stop: Devils@Cradle, a Tasmanian devil sanctuary. This was an experience I had been particularly looking forward to, as I have always been fascinated by these unique creatures. As an archivist, I am naturally drawn to preserving history, and in this case, it's the history of a species. Devils@Cradle is a working conservation facility dedicated to ensuring the survival of Tasmanian devils and quolls.


Experience Tasmania's wildlife up close at Devils@Cradle, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of the Tasmanian devil and other native species.

Upon arrival, we were immediately impressed by the sanctuary's commitment to conservation. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their work, providing us with a wealth of information about the life cycles, biology, and threats facing these marsupials. We learned about the devastating facial tumor disease that has decimated devil populations in the wild, and the sanctuary's efforts to combat this threat through captive breeding programs.

We opted for the Day Keeper Tour, which allowed us to get an up-close look at the devils in their enclosures. It was fascinating to observe their behavior and learn about their individual personalities. I must admit, I was initially surprised by their appearance – they are much smaller and perhaps less menacing than I had imagined. Anna was especially taken by them, and Hans too was engrossed by their slightly chaotic, definitely unique personalities.

To protect and preserve is the archivist's way, and here, in the heart of Tasmania, the dedication to preserving a species resonated deeply with my own values.

One of the highlights of our visit was witnessing the devils being fed. It was quite a spectacle, as they clamored and jostled for their share of the meal. The sounds they made were unlike anything I had ever heard – a mix of growls, snarls, and screeches that sent shivers down my spine. It was a stark reminder of their wild nature and the challenges they face in the Tasmanian wilderness.

Leaving Devils@Cradle, we felt a sense of hope and admiration for the work being done to protect these iconic animals. It was an educational and emotional experience that left a lasting impression on all of us. As we drove away, I couldn't help but reflect on the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the world's biodiversity.

Next on our itinerary was Marakoopa Cave, located a short drive from Cradle Mountain. This was an entirely different experience, transporting us to an ancient subterranean world filled with stunning geological formations and unique cave fauna. As someone who spends her days surrounded by historical documents, I found it fascinating to explore a place where history is written in stone.


Explore the stunning Marakoopa Cave in Tasmania for a mesmerizing journey through enchanting limestone formations and captivating glowworms.

The drive to the caves was scenic, winding through lush forests and rolling hills. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide, who led us on a tour of the cave's underground chambers. Marakoopa Cave is known for its stunning displays of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones, formed over millions of years by the slow dripping of mineral-rich water. The cave also boasts two underground streams and the impressive Cathedral Chamber.

One of the highlights of Marakoopa Cave is the glow worm display. As we ventured deeper into the cave, our guide turned off the lights, plunging us into complete darkness. Slowly, our eyes adjusted, and we began to see the faint blue glow of thousands of tiny glow worms clinging to the cave walls. It was like being transported to a magical underground planetarium, with the glow worms twinkling like stars in the night sky. Anna was mesmerized by the display, while Hans was fascinated by the geological formations.

The Marakoopa Cave tour we chose was the Underground Rivers and Glow Worms Tour. It was perfect for all ages and fitness levels, which was important as we wanted to ensure everyone in the family could enjoy the experience. The tour guide was informative and engaging, sharing interesting facts about the cave's history, geology, and ecology. It was obvious we were walking through somewhere very, very old, and the information we were given and what we could see was fantastic.

After our subterranean adventure, we made a quick stop at Tasmania & Beyond, a shop that showcases local Tasmanian products. I was hoping to find a small souvenir to remind me of our trip, and perhaps a gift for my colleagues back at the museum. The shop had a wide variety of items, from handcrafted goods to gourmet treats. I ended up purchasing a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewelry made from Tasmanian wood, as well as some locally made honey for my colleagues. I even found a small wombat plush for my office! It reminded me of the wildlife we had already encountered.


Discover authentic Tasmanian souvenirs and Australian goods at Tasmania & Beyond, the ultimate shopping destination at Hobart International Airport.

As evening approached, we made our way to Pedder Wilderness Lodge for dinner. Located in Strathgordon, the lodge offers stunning views of Lake Pedder and the surrounding wilderness. The drive to the lodge was breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of mountains and forests. We were all eager to relax and enjoy a good meal after a long day of exploring.


Discover tranquility at Pedder Wilderness Lodge – your gateway to Tasmania's breathtaking wilderness with fine dining and warm hospitality.

The Pedder Wilderness Lodge restaurant did not disappoint. The menu featured a range of chef-inspired specials and Australian favorites, with an emphasis on local ingredients. I opted for the Tasmanian salmon, while Hans chose the lamb. Anna enjoyed a vegetarian pasta dish. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. The restaurant itself was warm and inviting, with large windows that offered stunning views of the lake. The staff were friendly and helpful, making us feel right at home.

As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the depths of Marakoopa Cave to the heights of Cradle Mountain, we had experienced the incredible diversity of the Tasmanian wilderness. It was a day of discovery, learning, and connection – a day that will stay with us for years to come. We lingered over dessert, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the company of my family. I even tried a Tasmanian whisky, something I don't usually do! It was surprisingly good.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and visit Nelson Falls [i]. I am excited to see more of Tasmania's natural beauty and learn about its unique ecosystems. As we head further into the wilderness, I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family and to document our journey for others to enjoy. It is a privilege to witness the wonders of this world, and I am committed to preserving these treasures for future generations.

As we prepare for another day of adventure, I am filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Tasmania has already exceeded my expectations, and I know that there are many more incredible experiences waiting to be discovered.