Supplies at Cradle Mountain

[walkerb]

A friend and I are doing the Overland walk in November. Flying to Launceston on Friday night, catching the 8.00am bus to Cradle Mountain the next morning.

Coming in by plane, we can't bring stove fuel or fresh food. We will have dry supplies.

Can someone tell us if there is a shop at Cradle Mountain to buy stove fuel and fruit/vege's ?

Also, and recommendations on accommodation in Launceston near the bus terminal ?

thanks !

[johnw]

A friend and I are doing the Overland walk in November. Flying to Launceston on Friday night, catching the 8.00am bus to Cradle Mountain the next morning.

Coming in by plane, we can't bring stove fuel or fresh food. We will have dry supplies.

Can someone tell us if there is a shop at Cradle Mountain to buy stove fuel and fruit/vege's ?

Also, and recommendations on accommodation in Launceston near the bus terminal ?

thanks !

I had similar arrangements for the OT last Dec/Jan. Also found that you can't take waterproof matches on aircraft, at least with Jetstar (which appears to be contrary to IATA rules and Jetstar's own documentation , that only excludes "strike anywhere" type).

Going from memory but I "think" you can get fuel (what type? gas cartridge? metho?) at Cosy Cabins shop across the road from the entrance station/shuttle bus depot. They have supplies, but limited range and also not cheap. I'm almost certain the park visitor centre has gas cartridges and other fuel but I would ring them to be sure.

Stayed in a cheaper hotel in Launceston for about $80/night, which was fine, but I can't recall the name of it right now (or how close to the bus terminal). I remember they had a service station in the same complex. I'll try and find the details. We had a commercial operator drive us to Cradle, so picked up whatever remaining supplies we couldn't bring from Woolies in Deloraine on the way. Alternatively, there would be some late-opening supermarkets in Launceston but depends on how late you're getting in etc.

[Natt]

As far as acommodation I hear reasonable things about the Old Bakery Inn

http://www.wotif.com/hotel/View?hotel=W ... ewType=all

but don't pay more that the $85 - thats about right

they should be walking distance away, although a good 15 mins+

I would call the visitors centre at cradle - maybe you can pre purchase the gas (credit card) and they can put it aside for you - so you know its all good

[Son of a Beach]

Pub/hotels may be worth a look. There's a few listed here: http://www.gdaypubs.com.au/TAS/launceston.html

What time does your plane get in? What sort of fuel do you use?

For metho and fresh food (fruit/veges), you can just go to a supermarket, several of which are open until late at night in Launceston. Otherwise, there's very little chance of getting gas cannisters, or other specialised fuels between 5:30pm and 9:00am in Launceston. You would have to pay more to buy at Cradle Mtn, and you're not guaranteed that they'll have it in stock.

[johnw]

Found the one we stayed at - TRC Hotel in Paterson St. Basic but comfortable and the staff were helpful. They also did quite a good a cooked breakfast for about $10/head in the restaurant.

http://www.totaltravel.com.au/link.asp?fid=643294

[frank_in_oz]

Gas at Parks Visitors Centre at Cradle BUT ring them to check as they had run out last time.

MD in Launceston helped us out big time - blogged about it here: http://frankinoz.blogspot.com/2008/03/g ... hikes.html

Often stay at Centenial Hotel in Launceston - rough and ready but cheap AND over the road from Coles that is open late. Always buy our fresh stuff there.

Have a great trip

[walkerb]

Thanks everyone for all your tips.

We are landing at 7:55pm on a Friday (Jetstar permitting), and I see that Coles in Launceston are open 7.00am to 10.00pm so we should be OK to get some fruit/veges & metho for the trangia

thanks again !

[johnw]

We are landing at 7:55pm on a Friday (Jetstar permitting)

In my experience their flights being on time is very optimistic...

[tas-man]

Coles supermarket in Wellington Street is open until midnight every night. They cater for the hospital shift workers nearby. If you need some gas canisters after hours perhaps some BWT member will help out by picking them up for you from Paddy's, Allgoods, or Mt Designs and meeting up with you on the evening you arrive. If no one volunteers, PM me your dates and I will see what I can arrange with you. Can't help the first weekend in Nov but if later in the month may be able to help.

Re convenient/cheap accommodation, my interstate walking mates have stayed several times at Lloyds Hotel, 23 George Street, Launceston. Phone: 03 63314966. Basic rooms and facilities, but cheap if you have a few to share a room. Its only two blocks away from the Transit Centre, but a bit of a walk to Coles in Wellington St.

[tasadam]

Another idea I just thought of - contact a bushwalking shop in Launceston and see if you can purchase your fuel requirements over the phone, and whether they can box it with your name on it and leave it with the reception of your accommodation.
Contact your accommodation and ask whether you can arrange for a parcel to be dropped off there before you arrive and whether they will hold it for you.
Problem solved!

[frank_in_oz]

Another idea I just thought of - contact a bushwalking shop in Launceston and see if you can purchase your fuel requirements over the phone, and whether they can box it with your name on it and leave it with the reception of your accommodation.
Contact your accommodation and ask whether you can arrange for a parcel to be dropped off there before you arrive and whether they will hold it for you.
Problem solved!

We have done this and it worked well (see above)

[sharon]

lloyds is ok we stayed there b4 our trip .. can be a litte noisy on fri sat /nigths . buy a set of ear plugs...however they are very helpful and was economical /comfortable $34.00 for the night ! airporter will drop off and pick up at the.door..
re food ... you can purchase limited supplies from the camp ground shop at cradle! actually they cater well for backpackers/hikers .. for top ups!!!.. also there is free internet 15 mins only.. inside their store.. if you are staying in their yha or camping. [this was available mid dec 2007. ]
have a great walk.