Cradle Mountain is stunning any time of year but winter brings an enchanting wonderland. A couple of years ago, we treated ourselves to a three day spa package at Cradle Mountain Lodge. It didn’t snow for us but there had been heavy falls the week before. On the way, we stopped at Cradle View Lookout to take in the expansive vista across the valley to snow covered mountains.

Our cabin at The Lodge was welcoming

and we watched the changing colours on the mountain as the sun settled for the night.

The frozen lake formed abstract mosaic patterns.

Icy Dove Lake is shadowed by the mystical mountain, enshrouded in cloud.

Lake Lilla is serene,

the walking path too perilous to navigate.

King Billy Walk winds its way through ancient forest

and joins the Speeler Track, opening up to scenic button grass plains

and spectacular mountain views.

Cradle Valley Walk goes all the way to Dove Lake.

We stopped for lunch at Snake Hill and caught the shuttle bus back to The Lodge where we had a date for a massage.

The Waldheim Spa has an enticing menu of treatments or you can opt to enjoy The Sanctuary. The hot tub is suspended above nature and the cool plunge pool is invigorating.

Waldheim Walk passes through diverse landscapes

and the historic Waldheim Chalet offers insight into the founding father of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Built in 1912, it remains a memorial to Gustav Weindorfer and his wife, Kate.

The Waterfalls Walk is an easy track to Knyvet Falls

and Pencil Pine Falls.

I talked Michael into a body scrub and Vichy Shower for our final treatment at the spa. I found it very relaxing but he had some concerns about the durability of the paper G-strings we had been given to wear!

I think another winter weekend at The Lodge is looming…..