The Cradle Mountain District in North-Western Tasmania is an isolated, beautiful place with temperate rainforests, glaciated landscapes and undisturbed eco systems. This dramatic landscape attracts visitors who want to experience a great temperate wilderness filled with the most extraordinary flora and fauna. Tourism in the Cradle Mountain District has a long history dating back to 1909 when Gustav Weindorfer first saw the potential of the region as a tourist destination. Wanting to share his love for this wild untouched land with friends and acquaintances, Weindorfer built a shingle-roofed hut - the Waldheim Chalet � in 1912. Whilst the accommodation and facilities were primitive, the hut was gradually extended as more and more visitors came to enjoy the unique wilderness experience. This historic building can still be viewed on the road to Dove Lake.

In 1971 Marcus Dubstan, Richard Ruddle and two brothers, Alec and Ossie Ellis, built a lodge to provide accommodation and meals for passing travellers � mostly keen fisherman and bushwalkers. The first Pencil Pine Lodge came into being.

Almost 20 years later, the old Pencil Pine Lodge no longer met the needs of modern-day travellers and in 1988 it was purchased by P&O Resorts Pty Limited.

After some expansion and refurbishment, a rural retreat that worked in harmony with its unique World Heritage Listed environment and provided guests with the comfort and modern conveniences they were looking for was created. And the tradition of the Pencil Pine Lodge continued - reflected in the name of the high standard accommodation now available and in the continuing concern for the surrounding wilderness area.

Cradle Mountain works along side National Parks to upgrade various tracks around the Lodge ensuing the unique flora and fauna of the area is preserved so that all can enjoy the beauty which first attracted Gustav Weindorfer and today continues to draw people from all around the world. A new breed of Tassiephiles � people who appreciate the highest quality food and wine, old-fashioned hospitality and relaxed holidays in spectacular locations are flocking to Tasmania and Cradle Mountain is high on their list.

The menus at Cradle Mountain Lodge strongly feature Tasmanian food and wines and much of the produce used is locally sourced.

Special events like �Tastings at the Top� (to be held 22-24 June 2002) also feature the best of local Tasmanian produce. Many local producers: wine, cheese, salmon, cider, whisky and beer, showcase their products to visitors at this annual event and local providores also play a key role in the new �Taste of Tasmania� packages now available at the Lodge.

Today, as the custodians of a unique wilderness environment, Tasmanians are sharing it and their knowledge with more and more visitors. Visitors to the State reached a record of around 542,200 last year and 156,200 visitors were drawn to the Cradle Mountain area � almost 30% of all people who visited Tasmania.

However, careful management of the tourism industry also ensures that locals and visitors will continue to enjoy what has aptly been called �one of the world�s most precious places�.