Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is widely considered one of Australia’s iconic wilderness experiences. Located on the edge of the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s premier wilderness regions.
Just 2 hours scenic drive from Launceston and 1.5 hours from Devonport, this superb escape showcases the best Cradle Mountain has to offer with warm hospitality, sensational local food and wine, indulgent spa treatments, breathtaking scenery and magnificent wilderness surrounds.
Set discreetly within the wilderness setting, the Lodge offers 4 different styles of accommodation, from the contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins to the luxurious King Billy Suites.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge provides the perfect haven to escape, rejuvenate, indulge and explore.
HISTORY
“This must be a national park for the people for all time. It is magnificent and people must know about it and enjoy it.” Gustav Weindorfer, 1910
Gustav Weindorfer, an Austrian, emigrated to Australia in 1899 and married Kate Cowle of Tasmania in 1902. They bought part of Kate’s brother’s farm (Lauriston) near Mt. Roland and spent their honeymoon camping at the top of Mt. Roland. Both dedicated botanists, for them it seemed the ideal way to spend time together, sheltering in a canvass tent at night and cooking their meals over a camp fire.
In 1909, Gustav and a friend – Charlie Sutton, set out to explore Cradle Mountain. Both men were awed and amazed by the rugged spleandour of the highlands and upon returning to Lauriston Gustav was intent on buying land in Cradle Valley.
In March 1902 Gustav commenced building Waldheim (Forest Home). This single roofed hut was gradually extended to provide accommodation for friends and acquaintances with whom he wanted to share his love of this wildly beautiful land. The accommodation and facilities were primitive but when one considers everything, including a large cast iron bath, was carried in by Weindorfer over many miles of trackless bushland, it is extraordinary that the home was ever completed.
In the summer of 1913, Gustav opened Waldheim for business, playing host to visitors prepared to forego contemporary conveniences in order to experience the magnificent highland scenery.
Gustav continued to live at Waldheim even after the death of his beloved Kate in 1916 and though he was to accommodate many people at the chalet he earned the reputation for being a hermit.
On 16 May 1922, the land extending from Cradle Mountain south to Lake St. Clair (some 161,000 hectares) was proclaimed a National Park. The park came into being largely as a result of the considerable efforts made by Gustav, Kate and friends – they had campaigned over many years to have the government recognise the unique nature of the region and to preserve it for all to enjoy.
Gustav died on 4th May 1932 aged 58. He was buried in front of his treasured forest home and in 1938 a monument to Gustav was mounted on the site. Years later Waldheim had fallen into disrepair and the buildings were demolished by the National Parks & Wildlife Service. However, the public outcry over the loss of Waldheim was such that a replica – built from slabs and pailings cut from King Billy Pine – was built on the site.
Today Waldheim is almost as the Weindorfers’ left it, it’s rough hewn walls and tiny rooms with the open verandah where they and their friends looked across the valley to the jutting peaks of Cradle Mountain, now holds records of the early days of Cradle Mountain and the Weindorfer’s efforts to create a National Park to protect it for all time. Every New Year’s Day a memorial service is held at Waldheim to pay tribute to their vision.
Over the years the beauty of Cradle Mountain continued to attract visitors. In 1970 two brothers, Alec and Ossie Ellis, together with Marcus Dunstan and Richard Ruddle, all from long time Tasmanian families, acquired 800 acres on the border of the Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park. Here they would begin building a Lodge which would provide accommodation and meals for passing travelers – mostly keen bushwalkers and fishermen.
The setting chosen for the Lodge provided sweeping views and easy access to some of the most spectacular sites on the mountain. The two level Lodge featured a dining room with a huge fire place, a kitchen and a bar. Guest accommodation of seven rooms and two bathrooms were upstairs.
The Pencil Pine Lodge, as it was known on opening in 1971, became increasingly successful and later individual cabins were added around the Lodge. Five guest cabins were built, each named after the native flora and fauna of the region – Currawong, Fagus, Hakea, Richea and Bauera. By the end of 1972 a staff cabin “The Greenhouse” had also been completed.
In 1984, Pencil Pine Lodge was acquired by a young and enthusiastic mainland couple. Without compromising the rustic charm of the original Pencil Pine Lodge, Simon and Anne Currant added thirty cabins to the property and upgraded lounge, bar and dining facilities. The property was renamed Cradle Mountain Lodge, but the name Pencil Pine was retained to designate the cabins.
In April 1988, Cradle Mountain Lodge was purchased by P&O Australian Resorts and the property underwent extensive expansion and refurbishment. The new Cradle Mountain Lodge was to become a wilderness retreat that worked in harmony with the unique World Heritage listed environment and provide guests with the comfort and modern conveniences they were searching for.
In 2004, Voyages Hotels and Resorts became custodians and under their ownership the Lodge continued a program of careful management of the Lodge and the magnificent surroundings, working with National Parks to upgrade various tracks and ensure the unique flora and fauna of the area is preserved.
The Lodge joined the Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels portfolio in 2012 as part of their exclusive retreats collection. Today, locals and visitors alike are able to enjoy the beauty of the mountain wilderness area that first attracted Gustav Weindorfer and has since become recognised as ‘one of the world’s most precious places’.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is proudly owned by Elanor Investors Group. The hotel look forward to welcoming you to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge to experience the hospitality while enjoying the wildlife and beauty of the pristine Tasmanian wilderness.
At Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, guest cabins are dotted amongst the surrounding wilderness amongst tree-lined ranges and overlook grassy folds.
Wallabies and wombats pause between mouthfuls of buttongrass and possums watch with mischiefous interest as they cris-cross the timber boardwalks, these are some of the magical sights that await as you make your way along the well-lit trails and boardwalks that surround the Lodge.
Your private timber cabin is set discreetly in the wilderness with each cabin offering soothing outlooks over the natural surroundings.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge has a variety of accommodation choices, hotel's tariff is inclusive of full Lodge breakfast.
King Billy Suites represent the ultimate in luxurious wilderness accommodation. King Billy Suites are expansive; featuring separate sleeping and living areas including a double sided wood fire, king size bed and oversized bathroom with spa.
The interior highlights a contemporary design scheme with premium appointments and furnishings.
These suites have beautiful outlooks over the surrounding wilderness, including a large picture window from the bedroom.
Outside, a large deck area includes a private hot-tub. Guests are treated to complimentary fire-side port and a different selection of gourmet surprises arrives to delight your senses each evening along with turn down service.
For those looking to enjoy some extra indulgence Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge’s Spa Suites are the ideal choice. Guests are treated to complimentary fire-side port and each evening a different selection of gourmet surprises arrives to delight your senses.
Cabins are styled with hand-made Tasmanian wood furnishings and feature king-sized beds piled with soft goose-down duvets. Of course a log combustion fire and a deep spa are also a big part of the attraction.Spa Suites also offer a range of additional in-room comforts and services such as evening turn down service, a mini-bar, complimentary gourmet coffee and tea station with signature Cradle Mountain Cookies, these are some of the extra treats included in this style of cabin.
Enjoy music from your in-room CD or the silence of the surrounding wilderness.
Each Spa Suite has a private verandah with outdoor furniture and with views into or over the surrounding wilderness, wildlife spotting in comfort is all a part of Cradle’s natural charm.
The Spa Suites are perfect for romantic occasions and for really soaking up the surrounding wilderness from the privacy of your own warm and cosy haven.
Spa Cabins are located in natural bushland settings and are private and peaceful. Verandahs offer views through the treetops or directly into the surrounding Myrtle forest and given the proximity to the National Park, Cradle Mountain’s wildlife are regular visitors.
There are two types of interiors available in the Spa Cabin room type, Contemporary Spa Cabin and Traditional Spa Cabin. The Contemporary Spa Cabins feature modern interiors and furnishings with an efficient wood fire look gas heater whilst the Traditional Spa Cabins feature more rustic wooden interiors with a wood combustion fire.
Each cabin has a spacious bathroom which includes a spa bath and shower and offers additional amenities including an in-room CD Player and coffee and tea making facilities with a range of quality teas, plunger coffee and hot chocolate.
Family Spa Cabins are also available with a Queen and two single beds.
Pencil Pine Cabins are hotel's standard room type. With close proximity to the Lodge, these cabins offer Lodge, lake or bushland views.
These rooms provide an ideal base to explore all the delights that Cradle Mountain has to offer.
Available in both standard and Family styles, the Pencil Pine Cabins are warm and comfortable with a queen sized bed, day bed, efficient wood fire look gas heaters and contemporary decore and furnishings.
Recognised as one of Tasmania’s premier dining experiences, featuring the very best of Tasmanian foods and wines.
The Highland Restaurant is where you will enjoy the mountain buffet breakfast and dinner (bookings are necessary for dinner).
Picnic hamper services are available by arrangement.
Guests with special diets should advise Reception before arrival.
International
Open 7 days a week the Tavern Bar & Bistro provides a warm, casual, rustic tavern atmosphere complete with roaring log fire, pool table and television.
Bistro style meals served for lunch and dinner, afternoon tea is also served daily.
The Bar provides a wide selection of beverages and is the perfect place to enjoy a social drink at the end of an exciting day of exploring Cradle Mountain.
The Tavern Bar & Bistro welcomes day visitors as well as the in-house guests.
Taste six lovingly handcrafted wines accompanied by three boutique cheeses which showcase Tasmania’s reputation for gourmet produce.
Hotel's host will guide you through the history and individuality of Tasmania’s wine and cheese industry.
16.00h - 17.00h
Combining nature’s intelligence and power of touch, hotel's spa and massage therapies mirror the balanced beauty of Cradle Mountain.
Your spa experience will be enhanced by the towering presence of the King Billy pines as you watch fresh mountain streams run through the Tasmanian wilderness.
The advanced skincare formulations and professional spa therapies provide life-enhancing solutions for every man and woman.
Unique massage sequences and power-boosting facials address your specific skin and body conditions, producing visible results, whilst re-awakening the senses.
The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge. The benefits of combining hot and cold water therapies is an invigorating experience that promotes healthy blood flow and enhances circulation.
The Waldheim Alpine Spa also has a dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary – this includes a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge.
The Waldheim Alpine Spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge reflects the natural purity and pristine beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness.
Canyoning is the most exciting way to experience the World Heritage Area at Cradle Mountain.
The Lodge is located on the very edge of the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s premier wilderness areas. The entrance to the National Park is 100 metres from the Lodge.
A wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and research of the Tasmanian Devil. Only 1 km from the Lodge this is an attraction not to be missed as part of your visit to Cradle Mountain.
Dove Lake is one of the most picturesque attractions within the National Park and is 8km from the Lodge.
If you are looking for natural inspiration and clear thinking then Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge provides the perfect venue.
The best way to appreciate the World Heritage Listed environment at Cradle Mountain is by taking a scenic walk.
Pristine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and ancient towering forests create a striking backdrop for your wedding.
PEPPERS CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE
4038 Cradle Mountain RdCradle Mountain TAS 7306Australia