We arrived at Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park under clear skies, but gusty winds already hinted at the approaching winter. Luckily, the first hikes were still bathed in sunshine, and we were able to photograph one of the park’s highlights: the mirror-like reflection of Cradle Mountain and its distinctive “Little Horn” in the lake below.
Small lakes line both sides of the well-maintained hiking trails, and with a bit of luck, one can spot animals that have long since vanished from mainland Australia. In the rainforest, spotted-tail quolls darted through the underbrush, and in the open grasslands, we saw grazing wombats—and even Tasmanian devils, who don't mess around. Despite their small size, they reveal enormous teeth when agitated. Their ears flush bright red with excitement, revealing why they were given such a fearsome name.
We were fortunate to photograph these rare creatures at the Tasmanian Sanctuary, where they are cared for in spacious enclosures while awaiting release back into the wild. Now, winter has settled in; snow coats the trees and open spaces. Time to pack up and move on, carrying the memories of a wild and unforgettable corner of Tasmania.
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