The Penguin to Cradle Trail
The Penguin Cradle Trail (PCT) is managed by volunteers as a remote destination for people with experience in bushwalking and for those seeking a quieter time and a more challenging bushwalk with beautiful Tasmanian scenery.
The trail covers 76 km, and it is recommended to allow 5-7 days for the whole trip. It primarily follows the valley of the Leven River to near its source then follows the crest of the Black Bluff Range to the Cradle Mountain area. It can be combined with the Overland Track into an excellent 2 week walk.
The trail isn't well known to visitors, though it goes through similar environment as it's more famous neighbour, the Overland. It ventures through gorgeous scenery, including the Leven River canyon.
The best and most challenging part of the walk is through the Leven Canyon and up and over Black Bluff. The trail goes through rugged mountain ranges, a canyon with a wild river running through it.
The track can be overgrown in areas, and it's important to watch for fallen trees and obstacles that may occupy the trail due to weather conditions.
The trail isn't well known to visitors, though it goes through similar environment as it's more famous neighbour, the Overland. It ventures through gorgeous scenery, including the Leven River canyon.
The best and most challenging part of the walk is through the Leven Canyon and up and over Black Bluff. The trail goes through rugged mountain ranges, a canyon with a wild river running through it.
The track can be overgrown in areas, and it's important to watch for fallen trees and obstacles that may occupy the trail due to weather conditions.
From Taylors Flats the track rises from the River Leven and passes through forest up to Sub-alpine vegetation to the Black bluff crest at elevation 1,336m. Once the crest of Black Bluff is reached there are idyllic lakes with vistas of snow-capped peaks. The Paddys Lake and Black Bluff summit area is a beautiful place to meander and explore if the weather is in your favour.
The trail onwards to the northern tip of Cradle Mountain National Park takes in waterfalls, ancient conifers, wildflowers, clean water and the purest air in Australia.
Quiet campsites ensure that you are immersed in a true wilderness experience.
The trail onwards to the northern tip of Cradle Mountain National Park takes in waterfalls, ancient conifers, wildflowers, clean water and the purest air in Australia.
Quiet campsites ensure that you are immersed in a true wilderness experience.
Suggested 6-8 day itinerary
DAY ONE: Bus to Penguin, walk to Hardstaff Creek, 10km, 3.5 hours
DAY TWO: To Wings Farm Park or Hobbs Bridge, 10km, 5 hours
DAY THREE: Across Gunns Plains to Blackwood Camp, 17.5km, 6.5 hours
DAY FOUR: Through Leven Canyon to Loongana, 7km, 7 hours
DAY FIVE: Climb to Paddys Lake, 9km, 4.5 hours
DAY SIX: To Bare Mountain Camp, 9km, 4.5 hours
DAY SEVEN: To Fourways Camp, 11km, 4 hours
DAY EIGHT: To Cradle Mountain Lodge, 8km, 3.5 hours
DAY ONE: Bus to Penguin, walk to Hardstaff Creek, 10km, 3.5 hours
DAY TWO: To Wings Farm Park or Hobbs Bridge, 10km, 5 hours
DAY THREE: Across Gunns Plains to Blackwood Camp, 17.5km, 6.5 hours
DAY FOUR: Through Leven Canyon to Loongana, 7km, 7 hours
DAY FIVE: Climb to Paddys Lake, 9km, 4.5 hours
DAY SIX: To Bare Mountain Camp, 9km, 4.5 hours
DAY SEVEN: To Fourways Camp, 11km, 4 hours
DAY EIGHT: To Cradle Mountain Lodge, 8km, 3.5 hours
