Marion's Lookout Adventure.
3 years. That’s how long it has been since my first hike to Marion’s Lookout.
Two of my sisters, a friend and I decided one chilly Sunday afternoon in May that we were bored and that we should go do something. So we donned our hiking boots and trotted off to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Upon arrival, we discovered that our friend had not brought a jacket… rookie mistake, although he should have known better as he was the only Tasmanian in our small group. No matter, our Dad’s XXL Ridgeline jacket was in the boot of the car (for some unknown reason), so our small/medium-sized mate was adequately enveloped in camouflaged warmth for the trek.
After spending some time arguing at the information centre about what track we would take as nightfall was only a few hours away and getting lost, snow and hypothermia are all very real possibilities when wandering around the wilds of Tasmania, we decided that Marion’s Peak was adventure enough for one afternoon.
We parked at the Dove Lake car park and walked. And complained. And started numerous snowball fights. And walked some more. We chose Wombat Pool Track via Lake Lila and Crater Lake which was aflame with the orange Fagus and dusted with snow.
It started snowing, which added to the already magical scenery before us. As we got to the scrambling-up-a-small-cliff-with-a-chain part, the wind picked up and the snow turned to sleet. Some minor concerns set in as to whether we were about to be blown off the mountain or not, but one by one as we climbed up my fears subsided. It was definitely an interesting few minutes, and we wondered if coming down on our backsides may be in order if the sleet continued. We overcame the hurdle and our excitement grew as we approached the last little climb to the lookout.
The views were amazing! Seeing Cradle Mountain all covered in snow and fagus framing Dove Lake was absolutely breathtaking. Winter does reduce the chances of a clear day, but the snow and clouds make it more dramatic and exciting, and I was not disappointed.
We enjoyed the view for a while before heading back via the shortcut to Dove Lake. The weather didn’t let up much, so it was a chilly walk back. The complaining shifted to the needle-like sleet hitting our faces, but we were on a high with our accomplishment.
It was getting dark by the time we got back to the Dove Lake car park, and our frozen fingers and tired bodies were grateful for the aforethought thermos of coffee in the car.
It was an afternoon of adventure and memories made, and even if you don’t nearly get blown off the mountain or get needles of sleet piercing your face, I guarantee it is a hike to remember.
Gamble responsibly with the weather and your clothing of choice- the weather can change quickly and without warning. Marion’s Lookout track is the start of the Overland Track and the steepest, most difficult part, so plan accordingly.
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