You have a array of choices, starting with the standard Pencil Pine Cabin which can sleep up to three people comfortably. Or choose from Spa Cabins, Spa Suite Cabins and the papa bear option of the King Billy Suite, with your very own Jacuzzi on the deck over looking Tasmania's unique wilderness and wildlife. Within these, there are a few select cabins that cater specifically for families too.
Inside a Lodge Spa Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Image: Mantra Group
We stayed in a Spa Suite Cabin nestled in the forest. A very spacious room that greeted us with all spa essentials, a plate of delicious canapes and put us to bed with a complimentary glass of port. What I loved most about the cabins is that they all do not have televisions. It kindly forces you to stop and smell the Huon Pine (no roses up here).
The beautiful lodge itself is the heart of the property. You have the inviting reception, two cozy lounging areas with walls adorned in vintage maps and paintings, a fine dining option at the Highland Restaurant and the less formal option at the Tavern Bar & Bistro — all replete with roaring open fires.
Fine dining and Tassie Pinot Noir on offer at the Highland Restaurant. Image: Mantra Group
I loved rugging up in my winter woolies to walk down to the lodge for dinner, following a well lit man made boardwalk through the forest.
The Lodge also has a fantastic upper story that holds two function rooms (its not difficult to imagine a beautiful wedding reception or unique conference taking place).
The experience of staying at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge with my husband was something we will never forget — and we will certainly be back.
The main Lodge building at dusk surrounded by the wilderness. Image: Mantra Group
You can choose from many outdoor activities such as canoeing on Dove Lake, horse riding, ATV adventures, hiking or mountain biking. You can also take a scheduled night safari to view the endangered Tasmanian Devil along with wombats, pademelons, wallabies and other Tasmanian native fauna.
After a hearty dinner at the Tavern Bar and Bistro, my husband and I enjoyed a game of chess by the open fire in one of the two lounging areas.
Morning arrived and we headed to the Highland Restaurant where they serve a beautiful buffet breakfast to start your day.
Book our the "Sanctuary" for an hour at Waldheim Spa. Image: Mantra Group
It was my husbands birthday so we headed to the Waldheim Spa which is a very short walk on the boardwalk from the Lodge entrance. We booked the "Sanctuary" for one hour exclusively to ourselves. Panoramic views of Tasmania's dense wilderness and nothing but the sound of the creek below us. We started in the steam room, moved into the sauna and the plunged into the exquisite blue tiled spa that is set outside.
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The cool swaying breeze was so refreshing whilst sitting back in the hot bubbling spa. What an experience. We have never been so relaxed, refreshed and in awe of one place. This is a must when visiting Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, especially the Waldheim Spa's array of specialty treatments.
But let's not forget the star of the show — it's craggy Dolerite peaks resembling a gold miners' cradle. To view Cradle Mountain you will need to purchase a National Parks pass from reception (no need to join the tourists back down the road at the National Parks Visitors Centre.
The iconic "Boathouse" on the edge of Dove Lake. Image: Mantra Group.
You can catch the shuttle to the mountain (10 minutes drive along a narrow windy road through the button grass plains and amazing wilderness). If you have your own vehicle you can drive down yourself but to keep the magic alive, only a limited number vehicles are allowed through the boom gate at any one time.
Along the way you see the initial stretches of the Overland Track, one of Tasmania's well known hiking treks and a real milestone to the avid hiker. Finally, you arrive at Dove Lake, which reflects Cradle Mountain itself. I could sit on the edge of this lake all day and drink in the beauty of this place — it's not hard to find the perfect spot anywhere along the two hour walking loop.
On the short trails around Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Image: Mantra Group
Last but certainly not least, the many short walking trails that criss-cross the surroundings of Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge are magnificent in their own way. My favourite was the Enchanted Walk, which despite taking only 20 minutes is blanketed in moss and more than lives up to it's name. You truly feel that fairies live here.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge simply cannot be missed on your Tasmanian itinerary. It is genuine luxury among true wilderness.
