The sheer magnificence of Cradle Mountain inspired Austrian-born Gustav Weindorfer to build a chalet of King Billy pine here in 1912 and work tirelessly for a decade to have the area declared a national park “for the people for all time”. His dream was realised in 1922, and today a quarter of all visitors to the state travel here to share his vision. Take one of the many short walks through the ever-changing vegetation of the shores and mountainside to gain a full appreciation of the magic of this area. Perhaps the most distinctive flora of the area are the pandani and the fagus – the former for its paradoxical palm-like appearance, the latter for its status as Australia’s only deciduous tree. Fagus, also know as deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), is endemic to Tasmania and has a magnificent autumn display, ranging through gold to deep red from late April to May. Stroll from cascading rivers to dense, old-growth rainforest in just 20 minutes on the Enchanted Walk, or take most of the day to tackle the summit. The history of the Weindorfers’ devotion to Cradle Mountain and their successful efforts to ensure its preservation as a national park is told in Weindorfer’s Chalet, just off the road to Dove Lake. If you are interested in the natural history of the park, you’ll enjoy the displays and interpretation at the Visitor Centre, which you pass as you travel towards Dove Lake. National Parks passes are also available there.