Australia’s National Park accommodation has never looked so good
Australia’s largest holiday park operator, G’Day Group, has finished its $20 million enhancement of Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, and just in time – a record number of visitors is expected at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park this summer.
Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain.
The famously dramatic and scenic hiking area in the Central Highlands World Heritage Wilderness Area of Tasmania is expecting almost 300,000 people to experience its wonders in the financial year to July 2024, an increase of almost 100,000 on the year before.
Those figures are partly the result of the Tasmanian government’s $27 million Cradle Mountain Visitor Experience Master Plan, as manifested in the recent opening of the Dove Lake Viewing Shelter, a remarkable piece of architecture by multi-state designers, Cumulus Studio, affording safe and comfortable contemplation of the glacial lake and surrounding wilderness.
Premium cabin.
The Discovery Park, a mix of camping and cabin stays in a bush setting, has been in existence since 1988, with G’Day acquiring it in 2007.
“With the rise in visitation, there is growing demand for quality accommodation,” says the G’day Group’s Ben Simons, noting the Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, “will add an additional 60,000 tourism nights annually and more than $18 million in annual economic benefit for the region”.
First announced in January, 2022, the $20 million G’Day project has been completed in stages over the past 18 months. Nineteen new deluxe cabins and 40 new tourist sites were unveiled earlier this year, along with a renovated camp kitchen.
There’s no roughing it with this bathroom, complete with view.
The completion of 11 premium cabins in November is the cherry on top.
Providing an alternative to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge for those wanting their luxury with rusticity on the side, the new premium cabins were designed by Adelaide-based Carumag, and built by local builder Tasbuilt Homes with interiors by Inarc Interior Design.
“Each cabin features a balcony with views of Cradle Mountain’s forest landscapes,” says Simons.
Double-glazed windows and natural timber accents provide insulation from the cold while, under-floor bathroom heating and gas log fires ensure comfort even during the coldest months. Motorised blinds enhance privacy and the cabins have Wi-Fi, kitchenettes with built-in dishwashers and flat- screen TVs.
A home away from home – in the wilderness.
The cabins are connected via boardwalks.
“The new developments mean we now offer the greatest diversity of accommodation on the mountain, catering to every type of traveller – whether they’re a hiker looking to pitch a tent for the night or a honeymooning couple seeking a luxury wilderness retreat.”
G’Day has recently upgraded its parks in Broome, Western Australia, and Katherine in the Northern Territory, and early in 2024 it will unveil new developments in Clare, South Australia, and Narooma and Forster in New South Wales.
Premium cabins from $340 a night. See discoveryholidayparks.com.au
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.