Launceston to Cradle Mountain - Sunday May 18th afternoon

[Alli]

Hi I will arrive with my son into Launceston on Sunday May 18th, 2014 at 2pm approx.First time hiking the track. I am looking to share transport costs to Cradle Mountain from Launceston and also looking for advice. I was planning to stay at the huts in the park the night prior the walk to make an earlier start. 12midday seems to be the time we would arrive if we leave Monday morning and I was thinking this may be a late start considering many tell me this is the hardest day of hiking and its getting darker earlier at this time of the year.
One person told me that it was chaeper to get a cab ( $200 ) ? any thoughts on this ?

[RonK]

The lowest cost option would be TassieLink I think.

I've used the service at both ends, flying into Launceston and out of Hobart. They will also forward and store any baggage you don't want to take on the track.

You do need to plan your walk around the bus timetable.

I have stayed in the Waldheim Chalets a couple of times - nice, and convenient, but the backpackers bunkhouse at the caravan park is probably the cheaper option, and not far from the tavern for a good feed and a beer.

Last visit (in October) I just got off the bus around midday, took the next shuttle to Lake Dove, signed the book, and walked straight through to Waterfall Valley. It was only snowing (sleeting) a little bit. From Lake Dove (or Ronny Creek) to Marion's Lookout is the hardest but it's not too difficult.

[greg]

H i there. Did the trip mid Nov 13. Arrived in Launceston on the Saturday and stayed at the Batman Fawkner Inn. Sunday went by TassieLink out to Cradle Mountain and stayed at Discovery Holiday Park in a small cabin. Park is situated straight across from the the shuttle bus to Cradle. Did a circuit of Dove Lake in the afternoon as a warm up and was at Ronnie Ck via shuttle for the start of the Overland by 9.30am Monday morning. This gave us plenty of time to stop and sniff the flowers, and climb Cradle Mt on the way. Got into Waterfall mid afternoon. Used TassLink at the other end to Hobart the following Tuesday week. TassLink forwarded our plane bags to Horbart from Launcestion for a tenner a piece. We planned our itinerary around the busses and the only cheaper way is to hitch. Cheers

[Senji_Man]

PM Sent