Cozy corners
Cosily wrapped up in a thick blanket curled up in front of a roaring fire, sipping hot chocolate, is how we spent Christmas eve last year. Though it seems like a scene from a European holiday, this was on the shores of our very own country, Australia. But it surely was not the hot Christmas we all are used to. On our quest for a cold Christmas but not wanting to travel far, we ended up in the breathtakingly beautiful mountain peaks in Tasmania – the Cradle Mountains. Though the mountains provided a number of accommodation options to choose from, it is correct to say that our decision to stay at the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge was mostly based on the beauty of it that was highlighted by many a traveller over the internet.
Spacious dinning areas
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge truly is a place of serenity and peace. Far away from all the hustle and bustle we are used to, the lodge and its surrounds truly gave us a chance to actually stop and appreciate nature. This too, not at the expense of the comforts that we are used to.
A drink at the bar to warm you up
The pencil pine cabin we called home during our stay at the lodge was warm and truly cozy with a wood fire look gas heater, comfortable beds and a sitting area. Though the outer appearance seemed rustic, the interior of the cabin most certainly reeked of comforts, with modern furniture and arty deco. The cabins are scattered all around the compound, most within walking distance from the main building which housed the reception, bar, restaurant, games room and a very warm lounge area.
Plenty of common areas to relax
During our stay the lodge was swarming with travellers but the staff seem well equipped to handle the traffic. Everyone we came into contact with was friendly, polite and professional, specially the serving staff at the Highland restaurant. The bar is a nice place to hang out while savoring a pub style meal but if you fancy a dress up, sit down dinner, the Highland restaurant is a must to go to. The ambiance and the food served there is nothing but excellent. A word of advice for those with children, the restaurant or the bar does not stay open 24 hours, it is best to pack up some munchies if you have constant eaters like I do. The restaurant offers extras (with an additional charge of course) such as a packed healthy picnic lunch. If you order in advance, the picnic would be ready to go when you head off exploring the surrounds.
Beautiful surrounds
Be warned if you are one who updates social media every five minutes and an ardent fan of gazing into what ever is aired on TV, there is limited access when it comes to wifi and no TV what so ever in the cabins. Away from technology you are really just in each other's company. Which was a blessing and a novelty to all of us. I should add that there were those initial reactions of displeasure from the kids of not having a TV screen to peep into during our four day stay at the lodge. The cries of protest lasted only a short while. All of us, the kids and the adults alike quickly got into adventure mode exploring the nearby enchanted forest first and then going into greater adventures within the Lake St Clair National Park.
Gourmet food to feast on
The lodge is ideally situated just minutes, if not seconds away, from the car park of the National park. If you are joining a tour of the park, this is an ideal start but like us, if you decide to drive up the mountains by yourselves, do adhere to the instructions given at the stations if you are hiking one of the trails within the park.
After a hard day of exploring the wilderness and appreciating pristine nature, Peppers Lodge is the ideal place to return to. With warm friendly staff, excellent food and comfortable accommodation what more would you ask for.
