AN EARTHCACHE AT MARION'S LOOKOUT, CRADLE MOUNTAIN

This cache is at Marion's Lookout, a 3-4hr return walk to Ronny's Creek carpark, or Dove lake carpark. We did this in 4hrs with a morning tea break so it should be a nice half day walk for anyone with a moderate fitness. The grade is rated at a Moderate to hard walk, but worth it for the view. Would reccomend incorperating Crater Lake if you can. I have attached a map with the cache page. The best way to attempt it from is the Ronny's Creek carpark, which goes past Crater Lake. You can also attempt it from Dove Lake Carpark through 2 different routes. One of these is also recommended, however one is a steep, difficult track. So choose wisely.

SAFETY INFORMATION

This walk of course has it's dangers, with many large cliffs and the final part not having much of a defined path and requiring you to scramble up the mountain, so not recommended for families with young kids. In the wet it may also be slippery, and I would recommend not even attempting this in snow as while it is pretty it would be extremely dangerous. 

THE CACHE

In order to log the cache as found you will have to answer some questions about the geology of the area. This can be obtained by going to the coordinates listed.

1. What are the 2 main colours of the rocks?

2. What is the colour of the moss on the rocks?

3. What are the 2 main causes of rock erosion here?

4. What type of rock is found up here: Sedimentary, Igneous or Metamorphic?

5. (Optional)A photo of your gps or group with Dove Lake in view (or the apporximate location if cloudy)

Some infomation about the area and rocks to help you:

RECOMMENDED WALKS

Some of the walks we did, which I would highly recommend if you are staying in the area:

THE WATERFALLS WALK (PENCIL PINE FALLS AND KNYVET FALLS):

This walk took us about 45min, but is highly recommended. If you want to see 2 waterfalls and experience some of the wildlife in Cradle Mt then this is the walk for you. We saw everything from Wallabies to echinas with even a Tiger snake thrown into the mix. A nice, flat track with the exception for a few steps covers the whole way so not worries about having to walk over uneven ground. Recommeded for everyone. Can be attempted in all conditions (Rain, Sun, Snow). Starts 200m north of the Interpretation Centre

THE ENCHANTED STROLL:

A completly flat track that follows the Pencil Pine river, going through an array of vegetation. You may see a Wombat or Platypus as you walk, an experience in itself. Recommended for all, with the track able to take prams, (with the exception of some small steps along the way) and areas for kids to learn about the wildlife through pictures. Takes around 20 minutes, starting across the road from the Interpretation Centre and ending at Cradle Mt Lodge.

DOVE LAKE CIRCUIT WALK:

A easy grade walk with only a few areas of climbing up steps and rock. A defined track around the lake, with branches off of it to other areas of the park such as Cradle Mt itself, Lake Lilla and Marion's Lookout. Takes you through the Ballroom Forest, and has many stops along the way so you can admire the area. Takes around 3hrs, 4hrs with breaks along the way. Recommended for all, with you being able to do as much or as little of the walk as you want, with short walks to Glacier Rock (15min/20min Return) or The Boatshed (15/20min Return).

DOVE CANYON TRACK:

After discovering the beauty of the Knyvet Falls this track continues to follow the path of the Pencil Pine River, before taking you through impressive temperate rainforests. A five minute detour, approximately 500m after crossing the river, will take you to the striking junction of the Pencil Pine River and the Dove River. As you continue, the track climbs to the top of Dove Canyon where you are faced with 60-70m cliffs that form the boundaries of Dove River. You are also treated to spectacular views down Cradle Valley and of Cradle Mountain on a clear day. Please be aware this is a more challenging track with one small part involving scaling up rocks; not recommended after periods of rain. This walk takes around 3hrs, and is not recommened unless you have navigational equipment and a reasonable level of fitness as the track involves climbing in sections and may be overgrown and not definative in sections.

Cradle Mountain Geology

TO HELP WITH QUESTION 4:

Igneous rocks are formed when magma cools and hardens, this process is called crystallisation or solidification. Igneous rocks may form either beneath the surface or at the surface through volcanic eruption. Some igneous rocks looks shiny and glasslike. However, sometimes gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process and leaving tiny holes and spaces in the rock.

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment get compacted or cemented together. This process is called lithification. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You may see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and sedimentary rock is usually the only type of rocks that contains fossils.

The Metamorphic rocks get their name from "meta" (change) and "morph" (form). If a sedimentary rock becomes deeply buried or is involved in the dynamic of mountain building, it will be subjected to intense temperature and pressure. The changing environment makes the minerals in the rock becomes unstable and out of equilibrium and turning into metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks often have ribbon-like layers and may have shiny crystals.

Rock Erosion

Erosion occurs when with the moverments by agents such as water, ice, snow, wind, waves and gravity taking particles of the rocks and moving them away. Erosion occurs after the rock has been weakened by Weathering. This means that Cradle Mountain is ever changing, and will not look the same as it does now in 100,000 years.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS EARTHCACHE IN THIS WORLDCLASS LOCATION!!